Home / Guides
Guides
Plain-language permit and building guides for Ontario
Short guides on permits, zoning and getting your project ready. General information, not legal advice.
Do I need a building permit?
In Ontario, the Building Code Act requires a permit for most construction, demolition and change of use. Whether yours does depends on the work, and the details are set by your municipality. This guide covers the common cases.
Minor variance explained
Before a building permit can be issued, your design has to meet your zoning by-law, or get approval to depart from it. There are three paths, and knowing which one you are on saves time and money.
What to gather before you call
A short list of information that helps any architect or designer give you a useful first answer, plus the questions worth asking before you hire anyone.
Start with a 15-minute call
Send us the address and what you are planning. We will tell you what is likely to be involved before you spend anything.
LA Design Inc. (operating as LA Architects & Partners) · 111 Valleymede Dr, Richmond Hill, ON