Building Permits

A building permit is your approval to begin construction or demolition. By granting a building permit, the City of Timmins has reviewed your plans for any new structure, addition or renovation, and has deemed that the plans have complied with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and any other applicable laws and regulations.

A building permit regulates the type of construction and helps to ensure that building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner’s interest, and protects those in the community by ensuring that any structural changes are legal, safe, and sound.

Building Forms Downloads:

Click here to download the Building Permit Application

Compliance

It is against the law to start construction without a building permit, with many possible results. Costly repairs to ensure Code compliance, removal of work already completed, increased building permit fees, or legal action by the Building Department are some of the consequences of starting construction without a building permit.

Typically, the easiest way to tell if a permit has been issued is to see the building permit placard on the job site. However, if none is visible, you can contact the Building Department and we can verify if a permit has been issued for work that is ongoing.

If no permit has been issued, and the work is still ongoing, one of the building inspectors will investigate to determine whether a building permit is required, and if so, the homeowner will be requested to take out a building permit.

Fees: Please see Appendix ‘F’ of By-law 2020-8488

You Need A Permit When…

A building permit is required for the construction or demolition of any building or addition. The following list are examples and do not represent a definitive list.

Examples that DO require a permit:

  • Construct a new building on your property
  • Renovate, repair, alter or add to an existing building
  • Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building on your property
  • Install, change or remove load bearing walls and non load bearing partitions
  • Make new openings for windows or doors, or make existing openings wider
  • Sheds or accessory structures over 160 sq.ft.
  • Decks 24" or more above grade (whether attached or detached)
  • Carports
  • Dormers
  • Changing weeping tiles, repairing foundations
  • Finish a basement

Examples that DO NOT require a building permit:

  • Replace existing doors and windows in the same opening (or smaller)
  • Decks 24″ or less above grade
  • Siding on small residential buildings
  • Shingles on small residential buildings
  • Eaves troughs (although please ensure drainage is contained on your property)
  • Painting
  • Erect a fence
  • Install a pool
  • Reinstall/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards
  • Replace kitchen or washroom fixtures (plumbing not being relocated)
  • Electrical Work (the Electrical Safety Authority must inspect electrical installations)
  • Detached structures 108 sq.ft. or less (gazebos, pool houses, etc.)
  • Residential sheds less than 160 sq.ft. in building area. 

Note: although detached structures 108 sq.ft. or less in area do not require a building permit, residential storage sheds less than 160 sq.ft. in building area shall require small accessory structure approval through Service Timmins. Please contact Service Timmins at (705) 264-1331 for additional information.

If you are unsure whether a building permit is required or not, please contact the building department at:

City of Timmins City Hall
Main Floor
220 Algonquin Blvd. East
Timmins, Ontario
P4N 1B3

Telephone: (705) 360-2625
Fax: (705) 360-2678
Email: [email protected]