Building Permits
Building Permits
A building permit regulates the type of construction allowed in the community and helps keep residents safe by ensuring building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community and helps to ensure that any structural change is safe, legal and sound.
The City requires building permits for certain building activities.
Apply Online
Residents can apply for building permits online through DASH. For assistance with your application, email buildingpermits@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-4291 ext. 3280.
Plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning bylaws, and other applicable laws and regulations.
In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. However, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.
If you work in construction, learn about the rules for WSIB coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required for any work in a heritage district or on a heritage building, and to:
- Construct a new building or accessory structure over ten square meters, or any size building that includes plumbing.
- Renovate, repair, or add to an existing building, including finished basements.
- Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building.
- Change the use of a building or part of a building.
- Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls.
- Make new openings for, or change the size of doors and windows.
- Build a garage, porch or deck, or enclose an existing porch or deck.
- Make structural alterations to a building, or build a designated structure.
- Excavate a basement to increase headroom or construct a foundation.
- Install or modify heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems.
- Install or reconstruct a chimney, wood-burning fireplace or fireplace insert.
- Install new plumbing, relocate an existing hot water tank, or install a new tankless water heater.
- Build a deck more than 10 square meters, or two feet above the finished grade.
- Install a swimming pool or hot tub.
- Erect any signage.
- Install or modify Geothermal Systems.
- Find more details about Building Permit Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems.
When is a building permit not required?
A building permit is not required in order to:
- Replace existing, same size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines.
- Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to the distance from property lines.
- Build a storage shed accessory to a principal use that is less than fifteen square metres that does not contain plumbing, subject to zoning bylaw restrictions.
- Build a roofless deck under two feet above the adjacent grade that is not attached to a building, subject to zoning bylaw restrictions.
- Re-shingle a roof, provided there is no structural work.
- Install eaves troughs, provided that the drainage is contained on your property.
- Damp-proof basements.
- Paint or decorate.
- Reinstall or replace kitchen or bathroom cabinets without new plumbing.
- Erect a fence, except for swimming pools and hot tubs which require a permit. Subject to fence bylaw restrictions.
- Perform electrical work, subject to Electrical Safety Authority permit requirements.
- Find more details about Building Permit Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems.
Where can I apply for a Building Permit?
You can apply for a building permit online through DASH or in person at 1211 John Counter Boulevard.
Payments can be processed online through DASH, and in person or by using the dropbox at 1211 John Counter Boulevard.
Secondary Suites and Tiny Homes
Depending on your zoning, you may be able to construct a secondary suite or tiny home in the City of Kingston.
All new and existing second residential units must comply with the Ontario Building Code and require a building permit. The submission requirements for the permit application will vary depending on whether the renovation is to an existing building or a newly constructed unit. The Building Code sets out minimum construction standards to ensure public health and safety, fire protection and the structural integrity of buildings. Building Officials will review your submission for a second dwelling unit located in your detached, semi-detached or row house principal dwelling, or detached accessory dwelling unit located on the same lot as the principal dwelling to ensure construction will meet all applicable life safety.
Sewage System Permit Applications and Inspections
All applications for sewage systems under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code and supporting documentation must now be submitted through DASH.
Contact a Building Inspector
Click on a location or enter an address to email the Building Inspector for the area.
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