Design Guides and Requirements
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 approvalsDepending on the location and nature of your construction project, you may need to get the following approvals before you apply:
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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:
Additional approvalsDepending on the location and nature of your construction project, you may need to get the following approvals before you apply:
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Drawing guides and requirements
Refer to the Building Permits page or our guide for information regarding the application process, fees, and required forms.
House |
Thinking of building a single-detached, semi-detached, or townhouse dwelling? Complete the following application forms:Construction Drawings
Zoning RequirementsReview 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:
Complete application formConstruction DrawingsDownload the deck design guide which includes permit checklist, specification requirements, diagrams, and details Zoning RequirementsReview 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:
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Porch |
A building permit is required for all porch construction. Complete application formConstruction Drawings
Zoning RequirementsReview 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:
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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
Zoning RequirementsReview 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:
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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
Zoning RequirementsReview 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 formsConstruction Drawings
Zoning regulationsReview 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. |
If you have any questions please contact us by phone at 905-885-2431 or by email.
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Service information on some pages may not be accurate during this time. Please refer to our COVID-19 Updates page for service changes.