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Building Services

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Municipality of Port Hope Building Services staff can help you with your building and renovation projects in accordance with the Ontario's Building Code and the Municipality of Port Hope Zoning By-law, as well as other applicable laws and regulations, to ensure the standards for construction and plumbing are consistent throughout the Province of Ontario. If you are thinking of doing work to your home or property, we can help you create safe, accessible, and sustainable buildings. We also evolve with the changing construction industry.

Please be advised that plumbing services now fall under the responsibility of Northumberland County. All plumbing inspections are booked through County staff. 

Building permit overview

Before you begin, review these building permit questions so you can start and finish your building permit process correctly. 

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When do I need a building permit?

Not sure if your project requires a building permit? Review our list of projects that require a permit, and ones that do not require a permit before getting started.

Discover building permit projets
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How do I get a permit for my project?

If your project requires a permit, the next step is applying for the appropriate permit. 

Types of building service permits
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What's next after my application is approved?

Once your building permit has been approved you can begin construction (don't forget to call before you dig). The final step is to book an inspection to ensure that construction is completed in accordance with the approved plans.

Book an inspection

When do I need a building permit?

You will require a building permit to:

  • Construct a new building
  • Renovate, repair, or add to a building
  • Any work involving plumbing
  • Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • Install wood burning appliances, including new or replacement of existing components
  • Change a building's use
  • Install, change, or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
  • Construct a retaining wall that exceeds 1m in height
  • Install a solar panel or dish antenna that is attached to a building, with a face area equal to or greater than 5m2
  • Make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
  • Build a garage, balcony, deck, or enclose an existing deck
  • Build a utility shed larger than 15m2
  • Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinklers, standpipe, or fixed extinguishing systems
  • Install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and woodstoves
  • Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards with plumbing
  • Reconstruct a chimney
  • Build a roofless deck over 0.61m in height that is not attached to a building
  • Finish a basement
  • Convert a room into a bedroom
  • Place a manufactured or prefab home (must have CSA approval)

You do not need a building permit to:

  • Replace existing, same-size doors and windows (subject to distance from property lines)
  • Install siding on small residential buildings (subject to distance from property lines)
  • Build a utility shed under 15m2 (not for habitation, Planning approval is still required)
  • Re-shingle a roof (as long as there is no structural work)
  • Install eavestrough (as long as drainage is contained on your property)
  • Paint or decorate
  • Reinstall kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
  • Put up a fence (except around swimming pools) see line fences act for more information

If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, contact the Building Services Division.

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Design guides and requirements 

We've compiled a list of requirements and design guidelines for the urban and rural area. Reviewing this will help you complete your permit.

Review design guides and requirements

Additional living unit above a garage

Additional residential units (ARUs) can unlock more homes faster

Small scale, multi-unit houses can help with housing needs. These units can generate income for homeowners while providing housing for students, downsizing seniors and more. Discover more about these residential units and the process for getting a permit.

Additional accessory units guide

If you are planning any project that requires digging, you are responsible for getting locates on all utilities and services before digging. Don't forget, you must call before you dig!

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Located along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Northumberland Hills.

© 2025 Municipality of Port Hope

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56 Queen Street.
Port Hope ON L1A 3Z9

Phone 905-885-4544
Fax 905-885-7698

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