Building Inspections are required to regulate all types of construction permitted in the community, and ensure the safety of the property owner, adjacent properties, professional contractors and our community at large. Approved construction must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.
Don't have the time or experience to manage your project alone? You can authorize a qualified building or construction manager on your behalf.
The deadline for booking next day inspections is 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday only.
Please ensure you have the following on site prior to requesting any inspection:
Site Inspections and Maintenance
The City of Pickering is serious about job site safety and cleanliness.
To protect the safety and continued enjoyment of our community, the City of Pickering developed a list of Expectations for Construction Site Maintenance. Building Permit applicants are expected to read and acknowledge their understanding of these expectations before taking possession of their Building Permit.
Many of these expectations are legally required by either a municipal by-law, provincial code, or a Provincial/Federal Act. Other expectations are just good, common sense and being a good neighbour.
The Ministry of Labour regulates worker safety.
Email: webohs@ontario.ca
Phone: 1.877.202.0008
Web: www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-labour-training-skills-development
The Ministry of the Environment regulates worksite material and waste.
Phone: 1.800.268.6060 / 416.314.8001
Web: www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-environment-conservation-parks
Build Smart. Build Safe. Read our list of expectations before you start your project.
View the Inspection Request form
The City is not responsible for locating public utilities on your property such as hydro, natural gas, water or sanitary services.
Before you dig, Build Smart. Build Safe. and call Ontario One Call (ON1Call) at 1.800.400.2255 or contact them online to get a locate in advance. Failure to locate your utilities can result in personal or property injury or delays in construction.
Septic Systems: Confirm and mark all septic tank and septic bed are located.
Well heads/borehole test locations: Confirm and mark all locations on site.
Elexicon Energy (Veridian) Electrical Utility
Enbridge Gas Natural Gas Utility
Bell Telephone Underground Utility
Region of Durham Water and Sewer Connections
Permit Revisions / Site Changes
Before submitting a formal building permit revision please speak with your assigned building inspector to determine the impact of any proposed changes to the permit approved construction or materials.
If you have any questions call Building Services at 905.420.4631.
CodeNews Issue 354 - Numéro 354 CodeNews:
Ontario has released a new Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry, increase the safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to build housing. The 2024 Building Code streamlines processes for the building sector and increases harmonization with the National Construction Codes by eliminating at least 1,730 technical variations between the provincial and national requirements.
The updated 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) becomes effective for all ‘Complete’ Building Permit Submission received after Tuesday December 31, 2024, as such any submissions received by the City of Pickering prior to this date will be reviewed and processed under the 2012 Ontario Building Code. To ensure your application is deemed complete and in compliance, we recommend submission a minimum of 30 days before the end of the year (and holidays) to ensure that sufficient time is available to resubmit any additional information. The province has provided a three-month transition period that extends until March 31, 2025 for the Municipalities processing of complete permit applications already received prior to the December 31, 2024 deadline.
All Building Permit submissions including revisions received on or after January 1, 2025 will be reviewed under the 2024 Ontario Building Code (NBC & Ontario Amendments).
The links to the 2020 National Building Code (NBC) and the Ontario Amendment document that constitutes the entire new 2024 Ontario's Building Code can be found as follows:
Updates to the Ontario Building Code are available here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-code-updates
Certified Model (CM) Program:
Due to the significant changes to the Ontario Building Code, The City of Pickering is suspending the review of Certified Models submitted after October 1, 2024.
October 1, 2024:
Deadline for submission of Certified Models to be reviewed under the 2012 Ontario Building Code.
December 31, 2024:
Deadline for submission of CM Siting Building Permit Applications, utilizing a CM submitted prior to October 1, 2024.
January 1, 2025:
2024 Ontario Building Code will be used for all Certified Model or Permit Application Sitings submissions.
In response to the government’s More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 and changes to the Building Code Act, 1992 Pickering has created its own internship program for Building Officials under the guidance of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The program has been designed to provide opportunities to those who have faced obstacles in obtaining the qualifications to become a building official. The program is in line with Standard Operating Procedure: Intern Inspector – Building Services.
We appreciate everyone’s interest in the program. To view current opportunities, please visit the City of Pickering’s career page.
For general questions, please contact Human Resources.
Visit mycity.pickering.ca
All requests for new, temporary or seasonal patios are now subject to review under standard Site Plan and Building Permit approval processes. Please contact our Planning Department at 905.420.4617 or citydev@pickering.ca for more information, or to speak to a Planner.
View our Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) page
On January 1, 2022, changes to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) related to Stairs, Guards, & Handrails came into effect and may have significant impact to the construction and/or design of proposed projects or buildings.
Complete building permit applications and developer Certified Models with sitings, submitted for OBC review prior to Friday, December 31, 2021 will be reviewed and processed under the previous OBC provisions. Applications received after Friday, December 31, 2021 will be reviewed under the new OBC provisions.
If you have any questions about this Code change, we encourage all applicants, designers, and developers to consult Building Services staff prior to submitting your application.
Contact Us
Building Services
One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7
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