What work needs a building permit in Hamilton?
Most construction does. The City's list includes additions (including enclosing a porch), finishing a basement or other space, adding or removing walls, new or enlarged door and window openings, structural repairs, underpinning, replacing roofing or cladding with a different material, waterproofing foundation walls, new or relocated plumbing, wood stoves and fireplaces, solar panels, new guards or railings, and additional dwelling units.
A permit is only issued if the project complies with the Zoning By-law, and other approvals may be needed first, for example from a conservation authority or the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
Source: City of Hamilton, Building Permit Application Requirements
What work does not need a building permit?
No permit is needed for a fence that does not enclose a pool, minor millwork, cabinetry and flooring, painting or decorating, re-shingling with the same roofing material, replacing plumbing fixtures in the same location, replacing windows with the same size in the same location where no fire rating is required, replacing a furnace, or landscaping.
Landscaping that changes grading may need a Site Alteration Permit.
Source: City of Hamilton, Building Permit Application Requirements
Do I need a permit for a shed or detached garage?
Not if it is accessory to a detached, semi-detached or row house and is not more than 15 square metres, not more than one storey and has no plumbing. A detached accessory structure such as a shed, garage, gazebo or carport over 15 square metres needs a permit, as does any detached structure with plumbing.
For other uses the exemption is 10 square metres without plumbing. Structures that need no permit must still meet the Zoning By-law.
Source: City of Hamilton, Building Permit Application Requirements
Do I need a permit to build a deck or porch?
Yes for any deck or porch, covered or not, attached to a building; a detached uncovered deck over 10 square metres and more than 200 mm above grade; a detached covered deck over 10 square metres at any height; and a detached deck of 10 square metres or less next to a door and more than 600 mm above grade. A deck used with a swimming pool also needs a permit, as does replacing or installing guards (railings).
Decks and porches that need no permit must still meet the Zoning By-law.
Source: City of Hamilton, Porches and Decks
What happens if I build without a permit?
Consequences can include an order to comply that may be registered on title, a ticket with a set fine, an order to stop work, legal action, extra costs to fix the work, and additional fees under the Building Permit By-law. Under section 36 of the Building Code Act the maximum fine for a first offence is $50,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a corporation.
Source: City of Hamilton, Building Permit Application Requirements