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If you are planning home improvements, this guide generally outlines what you need to know about applying for a building permit from the City of London.
Building permits are issued by the Building Division of the Planning and Development Department.
Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and
structural safety standards and other building standards are met, primarily for
safety reasons. 
It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required.
You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit, but
the owner should ensure that they have the permit prior to any work starting.
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of over 10m² (108 square feet).
The following is a list of typical projects that require a permit:
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A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) which measures less than 10m² (108 square feet) in area.
The following is a list of projects that do not require a permit:
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We maintain a file of standard drawings for a
range of typical projects, including garages, carports, fireplaces and decks.
This can speed up the approval process, and save you time and money. A complete
list of drawings is provided at the back of this guide.
If you have a good working knowledge of house construction you may consider
designing your own project. Many publications are available in book shops,
libraries and at lumber dealers that may assist you. 
Develop your ideas on paper with rough floor plans and list the materials and types of finishes you plan on using.
Discuss the project with material suppliers to establish rough costs, sizes of fixtures, etc. You are now ready to prepare final plans. Examples of drawings in both metric and imperial are given in this guide to illustrate the quality of submission necessary for a permit application.
Delays in permit issuance can be avoided if all drawings and specifications incorporate sufficient information to verify that the work will conform to the Ontario Building Code and the Zoning By-law. We recommend that you hire a draftsperson or other knowledgeable individual, experienced and familiar with various government regulations, by-laws and the Building Code, to prepare your final plans and specifications when you are not familiar with the requirements and the preparation of drawings.
Note: The drawings for some prefabricated structures and construction
components require certification by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice
in Ontario. Examples include prefabricated greenhouses and glue laminated beams
and joists. Check with the Building Division staff, but whenever buying a
prefabricated structure ensure that you are provided with a copy of the
professional design drawings.
In addition to, or instead of, a building permit you may require other approvals. Our Building Division staff will let you know which approvals are necessary. Some examples are indicated below.
A swimming pool fence permit must be obtained from the Building Division for any swimming pool in excess of 1m² in area and 29" in depth, whether or not there is an existing fence. A guide for swimming pool owners may be obtained by calling 661-4660. If the pool has an attached deck a building permit may be required for it. In contrast, the pool itself does not need a permit. However there are requirements for the location of pools and equipment in the Zoning By-law.
If you are installing plumbing fixtures including plumbing and drains you will require a plumbing permit from the Building Division.
A water permit may be required if you are installing or repairing the water service from a road allowance on private property.
In addition to a building permit, you will be required to obtain a demolition permit from the Building Division when a demolished building exceeds 10m²(108ft²) or is part of an existing building and is not being replaced under a building permit. Buildings regulated by the Demolition Control By-law require Council approval and buildings designated under the Inventory of Heritage Resources require a public meeting.
If your proposal does not comply with the Zoning By-law, you may seek permission from the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance. This is usually an 8-10 week process which can be appealed. (Contact Committee of Adjustment at 661-4984 for their brochure and fee schedule).
If any electrical work is proposed(lighting, wiring, switches and outlets,
for example), contact Ontario Hydro for information regarding permits and permit
fees. 
Approval may be required from the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA), Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) or the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) if your property is located in a flood plain in a designated flood control area or if your property contains a septic tank system which may be affected by the proposed project.
Before a building permit is issued your plans are
reviewed by several sections in the Building Division:
Drawings are reviewed to ensure your project will conform with the Zoning By-law. Zoning requirements specify the uses permitted within a particular area and contain regulations governing such things as building setbacks, height and lot coverage. You should contact a Zoning Plan Examiner(661-4660) to determine the specific requirements for your addition or alteration. The examiner requires your street address, lot number and registered plan number to establish the zoning requirements. This information can be found by checking your tax bill.
Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with fire and life safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with heating, ventilating and air-conditioning(HVAC), and plumbing requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
We currently accept architectural and structural drawings in either imperial or the metric system. In addition to the building drawings, you will be required to supply heating system design information when the addition is greater than 25% of the existing building. For smaller additions this may not be required. If you have any questions, the Architectural Plans Examiners at our counter will be pleased to assist you.
A site plan identifies buildings and other features in relation to property boundaries. The site plan should identify your existing house, other existing structures (ie. garages, sheds, decks) and proposed additions or new structures.
Most or all of the information required for a site plan can be found on your property survey. You may have received a survey when you purchased your home.
The following information should be shown on a site plan:
For interior renovations, instead of a site plan, a complete property survey is usually sufficient, check with staff at our counter.
Floor plans are required for each floor level to be constructed or that is
affected by your project. 
For additions to existing buildings, floor
plans of all or part of the existing building may be required, this should be
discussed with us prior to preparing your final drawings.
The following information must be shown on a floor plan:
Existing loading conditions can affect structural design for proposed changes to the building. Existing roof and ceiling loading must be indicated on the plans. Prefabricated roof truss systems can span the length of the building to exterior walls. These spans must be indicated, noting any hip or girder trusses, and designs submitted.
Note: Partial roof framing plans may be required to indicate loading conditions affecting the existing structure and new addition.
A cross-section presents a view of a house along an imaginary cut, showing
the structural elements of the building and exposing what is hidden behind the
walls. 
Cross-sections through the proposed and existing structure(s) may be required to show building materials and how they relate to one another. The location of the cross-section is shown by the cross-section symbol on the floor plans.
The following information must be shown on a cross-section:
More detailed drawings may be necessary to fully explain a particular aspect of your project if non-conventional construction practices are proposed.
Elevations show all views of a building.
Elevation drawings may be required for any project which would alter the
exterior of your house.
The following information must be shown on an elevation:
Note: A north elevation drawing is not required for our exapmle because the project does not involve any change to the exterior view of the north side of the house.
Upon completion of the final drawings if you have any further questions,
contact a Building Code Plan Examiner at 661-4555.
A sample of a completed Building Permit application form has been included to
assist you 
. Application forms are available from the
Building Division counter; 7th floor, City Hall, 300 Dufferin Avenue. Call us if
you would like to have one mailed to you.
Your application form should be brought to the Building Division Counter accompanied by the following:
Note: Incomplete applications or plans will not be accepted.
You may also be required to submit an "Undertaking Damage To City Property" form to cover potential damage to city property. This form must be signed by the owner of the property.
Upon submission of your application at the Building Division Counter, a Plans Examiner will review your application to ensure that everything is in order. You will be given a receipt which will have an application number for your reference. You will require this number for faster service if you have future inquiries about your application.
Depending on the complexity of your project, your application may be reviewed in three stages:
If during the review an examiner identifies deficiencies on the drawings or requires additional information, the designer and/or applicant will be notified.
Please ensure that the necessary information is submitted promptly, as subject to the type of deficiency no further processing may occur until the information is received.
When the review of your application is complete and all requirements have been met, your building permit will be mailed to the address indicated on the application form. Let us know if you prefer to pick it up.
Note: For quicker processing of permits avoid unnecessary telephone inquiries. Additions usually take a week to process.
Note: Once you receive your permit, ensure that the permit and approved drawings are available on the construction site.
Construction may commence upon issuance of the Building Permit. Several inspections are required to ensure that all work is done according to the approved plans including changes noted by the plans examiner. You will be issued a list of the required inspections for your specific project.
Examples of construction stages when inspections are required include:
Inspections do not happen automatically. It is your
responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts
the city to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work proceeds from
one inspection stage to the next. This will ensure that your project proceeds as
approved.
Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection.For inspections call 661-4555.
Inspections will be required by Ontario Hydro for electrical installations.
Call 680-4565 for information.
Remember to call for the location of utilities before you dig: 1-800-400-2255.
| Planning and Development
Department P.O.Box 5035 300 Dufferin Street London, Ontario N6A 4L9 |
General information about obtaining a building
permit 7th floor - 661-4555 |
| Zoning Information Zoning Plan Examination Section 7th floor - 661-4660 |
Building Plans Information Architectural, H.V.A.C./Plumbing/Plan Examination Section - 7th floor - 661-4555 |
| Inspections Building, H.V.A.C., Plumbing Inspections 7th floor - 661-4555 | |
| Committee of Adjustment Office of the City Clerk City Hall 300 Dufferin Avenue London, Ontario N6A 4L9 3rd floor - 661-4984
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Upper Thames River Conservation
Authority 1424 Clarke Road London, Ontario N5V 5B9 451-2800 |
| Kettle Creek Conservation
Authority RR #8 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T3 631-1270 |
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority 100 Thames Street Chatham, Ontario N7L 3Y8 (519) 354-7310 |
The following is a list of drawings available to assist you with your project:
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