rolled up design documents

Before any construction of a new building or renovation can begin, you will need to obtain a building permit. Make sure that you review the requirements and design guidelines. 

Building permit requirements

View the building permit requirements for all construction and renovation projects that require a building permit.

Urban requirements

If your property is located within the urban area of the Municipality of Port Hope, you must include the following information with your permit application:

Additional approvals

Depending on the location and nature of your construction project, you may need to get the following approvals before you apply:

Rural requirements

If your property is located within the rural area of the Municipality of Port Hope, you must include the following information with your permit application:

  • Site plan - approved by Planning (showing the location of all buildings on the property and the distance from the property line, height of all proposed structures and the percent of the property they will occupy)
  • One digital set or two hardcopy sets of construction plans (including specifications for heating and ventilation and engineering)
  • Complete the Building Permit and Designer Information Form and Energy Efficiency Design Summary
  • A Site Plan Agreement may be required prior to obtaining a building permit. Visit Planning and Development Services to find out more information.
  • Copy of the deed to the land
  • Survey with elevations may be required

Additional approvals

Depending on the location and nature of your construction project, you may need to get the following approvals before you apply:

Drawing guides and requirements

Refer to the Building Permits page or our guide for information regarding the application process, fees, and required forms. 

Download the full guide

 House

Thinking of building a single-detached, semi-detached, or townhouse dwelling?

Complete the following application forms:

Construction Drawings

  • Grading and drainage plan prepared by a qualified person
  • Floor plan(s)
  • Elevation drawing(s) with unprotected opening calculations
  • Cross section detail(s)
  • HVAC Permit Drawings
  • Roof Truss Drawings
  • Floor Joists Drawings

Zoning Requirements

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning before applying to make sure you follow all building guidelines for your property.

 Deck
 A building permit is required if the deck meets the following criteria:
  • Freestanding with an area greater than 10m2 in area
  • Freestanding with a floor height higher than 0.6m above finished grade at any point
  • Is attached to a building or structure

Complete application form

Building Permit and Designer Information Form

Construction Drawings

Download the deck design guide which includes permit checklist, specification requirements, diagrams, and details

Deck Design Guide

Zoning Requirements

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning before applying to make sure you follow all building guidelines for your property. This includes regulations for the:

  • Height of the deck
  • Installation of privacy screening
  • Location of the deck
  • Stairs

 Porch

A building permit is required for all porch construction. 

Complete application form

Building Permit and Designer Information Form

Construction Drawings

Zoning Requirements

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning before applying to make sure you follow all building guidelines for your property. This includes regulations for the:

  • Height of the porch
  • Location of the porch
  • Stairs

 Garage/accessory building

Buildings over 55m2 (592 ft2) in area, larger than one storey and are of masonry construction will require an Engineer’s certification. If you are looking to go with a slab-on-grade (floating slab) design, reference our design guide below.

Complete application forms

Construction Drawings

  • Site Plan showing location of proposed garage/building including dimensions and distance from property lines, septic tank/field and other buildings
  • Floor plan(s)
  • Elevation drawing(s)
  • Cross section detail(s)
  • Slab-on-Grade design principles and cross section

Zoning Requirements

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning before applying to make sure you follow all building guidelines for your property. This includes regulations for the:

  • Height and size of the garage/building
  • Location relative to other buildings/structures/property lines

Addition/Renovation

Any work that falls under When do I need a building permit (for example: finishing a basement, adding new exterior openings, additions etc.)

Complete application forms

Construction Drawings

  • Site Plan showing location of proposed addition including dimensions and distance from property lines, septic tank/field and other buildings
  • Floor plan(s) showing existing walls, windows, plumbing and HVAC as well as the proposed changes showing the extent of the addition/renovation
  • Elevation drawing(s)
  • Cross section detail(s)
  • Adding new Exterior Opening
  • Finished Basement (without cooking facilities)

Zoning Requirements

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning before applying to make sure you follow all building guidelines for your property.

You can not include any cooking facilities in a finished basement. If you would like to add a kitchen you will need to review our Accessory Apartment Guidelines.

 Accessory Apartment

Looking to convert part of your home into a rental unit? An Accessory Apartment is a self-contained dwelling unit with a private kitchen, bathroom facilities and sleeping areas.

Complete application forms

Construction Drawings 

  • Site Plan showing location of existing dwelling and proposed addition (if applicable) including dimensions and distance from property lines, septic tank/field and other buildings
  • Existing Floor plan(s) showing walls, windows, plumbing and HVAC
  • Proposed Floor plan(s)
  • Elevation drawing(s) showing accessory apartment entrance and egress window(s)
  • Egress Window details
  • Cross section detail(s) illustrating the wall/ceiling/fire separation and construction details

Accessory Apartment Guide

Zoning regulations

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning to determine if your property is zoned to allow for an Accessory Apartment or Duplex Dwelling.   

Accessory Apartments shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total habitable floor space of the primary dwelling.   

Commercial/ Industrial/Institutional

Looking to build or renovate a space that is commercial, industrial or institutional? 

Complete application forms

Construction Drawings 

  • Site Plan showing location of existing dwelling and proposed addition (if applicable) including dimensions and distance from property lines and other buildings
  • Existing Floor plan(s) showing walls, windows, plumbing and HVAC
  • Proposed Floor plan(s)
  • Elevation drawing(s) showing accessory apartment entrance and egress window(s)
  • Cross section detail(s) illustrating the wall/ceiling/fire separation and construction details

Zoning regulations

Review the Zoning By-law and speak with Planning before applying to make sure you follow all building guidelines for your property.

If you have any questions please contact us by phone at 905-885-2431 or by email.