1. New Buildings
A permit is required to construct a new building over 10m² in area, a building less than 10m² that contains plumbing, or if you are relocating a new building to your property.
The following are examples of building uses where a building permit required:
- Residential
- Institutional
- Commercial
- Industrial
2. Additions
A building permit is required for the construction of an addition to a building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
The following are examples of additions:
- Sunrooms
- Solariums
- Attached Garages
- Porches
- One and two storey additions
3. Structural or material changes.
A building permit is required for the alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
A permit is required for but not limited to:
- adding or removing walls,
- installing new windows or doors,
- enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors,
- and enclosing an existing deck, porch, or patio of any size.
4. Sheds with an area of 15 square meters (161 square feet) or more
A permit is required for sheds that are:
- more than 15 m2 in gross area;
- more than one storey in building height;
- attached to a building or any other structure;
- is used solely for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot; and/or
- does not have plumbing.
5. Accessory structures
A permit is required to construct a new building over 10m² in area, a building less than 10m² that contains plumbing, or if you are relocating a new building to your property.
A permit is required for but not limited to:
- a detached garage,
- workshop, carport, or
- pool house.
6. Basement renovations
A building permit is required for the alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
A permit is required for but not limited to:
- structural or material alterations,
- installation or modification of heating and plumbing systems,
- excavation or construction of foundations,
- basement underpinning,
- constructing a basement entrance,
- or adding a second suite.
7. Energy and environmental building enhancements
A building permit is required for the alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
A permit is required for but not limited to:
- rooftop stormwater retention systems,
- green roofs,
- structures supporting wind turbine generators over 3kW,
- and solar projects like the installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems.
8. Decks
A building permit is required for the construction of an deck attached to a building of any size or height. A building permit is required for a detached deck that is less than 600mm in height and less than 10m² in area.
The following are examples of building uses where a deck permit required:
- Residential
- Institutional
- Commercial
- Industrial
9. Retaining walls
A building permit is required for retaining walls where the retaining wall exceeds one metre (about 3.2 feet) in exposed height and is adjacent to:
- Public property
- Access to a building
- Private property to which the public is admitted
10. Tents
A building permit is required for tents where the tent or group of tents include the following:
- covers more than 60 square meters (646 square feet),
- is attached to a building,
- or is within 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) of another structure.
11. Demolishing or removing all or part of a building
A building permit is required to relocate or demolish an existing building or structure.
Your demolition application will be reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable law, including the Ontario Heritage Act and the Zoning By-Law.
12. Installing or reconstructing a chimney, fireplace, wood-burning stove, or modifying heating and plumbing systems
A building permit is required for the alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
A Building Permit is required for the installation of a:
- Masonry fireplace /masonry chimney
- Woodstove and chimney
- Pellet stove (wood, corn, grain, etc.)
- Fireplace insert /chimney liner
- Pre-manufactured fireplace and chimney
13. Backwater valve or backflow prevention device
All new single, semi detached, row house and townhome dwelling units in the Town of Grimsby require the installation of backwater valves (BWVs) on sanitary service laterals (sanitary building drains). Where backflow preventers or back water valves are installed a building permit is required.
14. Change of use
Changing a building's use, such as from residential to office or from a single dwelling unit house to a multi-dwelling unit house. Even if no construction is planned, a building permit is required for a proposed change of use.
15. Signs
The Town of Grimsby issues permits for the construction and installation of signs, including:
- Billboards
- Ground signs
- Fascia signs
- Portable signs
By getting a sign permit, you can make sure your sign meets all the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and Sign Bylaw (By-law 97-45). The Sign Bylaw sets the size, use, location and maintenance of signs and advertising devices within the City.
