Contacts
Building Services
City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7
Map this location.
Email City Development
T. 905.420.4631
Toll Free: 1.866.683.2760
F. 905.420.7648
Note: Permit Application Portal and Payment System will be down for scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, November 13th at 5:00 PM until Thursday, November 14th at 9:00 AM EST.
Building Permits regulate all types of construction permitted in the community, and ensure the safety of the property owner, professional contractors and our community at large.
Approved plans 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 designer or contractor to obtain the permit on your behalf.
When Are Permits Required |
As the building owner/constructor, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, penalties, legal action, and/or the removal at your cost of work already completed.
The following is a list of common projects that may require a building permit.
The list is not exhaustive, If you have questions please contact Building Services. New Building Construction or Additions including:
Changing the use of a room or building including:
Accessory Structures or Buildings including:
Demolition, Renovation, or Interior Alterations to Existing Buildings including:
Other Structures including:
Material Information:
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When Are Permits Not Required |
The following are examples of work which do not typically require a building permit and are not subject to the provisions of the building code. However, please note that this list is not exhaustive and judgment should be used depending on the situation and circumstances associated with the project. Even if a building permit is not required, compliance with the Zoning By-law is required.
As the building owner/constructor, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, penalties, legal action, and/or the removal at your cost of work already completed. Please call our knowledgeable Building Services staff at 905.420.4631 if you have any questions or need clarification. Replacement or Repair of the following (like-for-like Materials):
Interior Building Renovations, Modifications & Repairs including:
Buildings, Structures, and Accessory Buildings including:
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Before you Apply |
Please ensure that you read through all the required documents and forms and have all documents ready to upload in an unlocked, flattened, PDF format for submission.
Some properties within the City of Pickering have additional requirements that must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of a building permit.
The following list (not exhaustive) provides additional information on some approvals agencies that may require consultation and/or approvals prior to applying for a Building Permit or receiving occupancy for a building:
Build Smart. Build Safe. Read our list of Expectations for Construction Site Maintenance before you start your project. |
Application Process |
Welcome to Pickering’s Building Services Department. The majority of our services are now available online and through virtual communications.
We have made the switch to a fully electronic process for the application and issuance of Building Permits. The submission of printed, hard copies of any forms, documents or drawings is no longer accepted at our counter.
Applicants should first review the website and contact Building Services staff to confirm the Digital Submission Requirements for their project type.
To apply for a Residential or Non-Residential Permit, applications can now be made online directly through our Website's Permit Submission Portal.
To apply for a Demolition or Sign Permit, our staff will provide a link to our digital permit system, where an applicant must submit all required documents and drawings.
Thank you for your patience, as we continue to evolve our systems in order to better serve you. Our City Development front counter at the Civic Centre is available for walk-in service, or enquiries can be made by phone 905.420.4631 or email us at citydev@pickering.ca. Please note: digital drawings sent to this email box will not be accepted or reviewed.
If a home or structure was recently damaged or razed by a fire, please let us know at the time of your new permit application. Note: Fire damage may also qualify for a tax reduction. Please contact the tax office at 905.420.4614 or propertytaxes@pickering.ca to request more information. |
Apply Online Now |
Note: Permit Application Portal and Payment System will be down for scheduled maintenance on Wednesday, November 13th at 5:00 PM until Thursday, November 14th at 9:00 AM EST.
Please ensure you have all the required documents ready for upload.
To begin a Small Residential Building Permit Applications click Online Application Portal.
For all other Building Permit Applications please contact Building Services at 905.420.4631 to begin the process. All applications are online, see Application Process tab for more info. |
Fees & Review Timelines |
Fees:A full list of all potential charges is provided in Schedule B of the Building By-law. Be aware that all fees, deposits, and charges are subject to change. We recommend that you confirm all rates with our staff before submitting your application.
An initial minimum permit fee is billed at the time of submission. Once your application is reviewed we assess the full building permit fees due, and subsequent bills will be emailed to the applicant for payment at each stage of review. Payments can be made online through the online application portal.
A building permit will be issued once all fees, deposits, and charges have been paid, and we have confirmed compliance with the Ontario Building Code. For a list of current permit fees view our Schedule of Application Fees and Information Price List. See this link for information on Development Charges. The Pickering Civic Complex (City Hall) is open to receive cheques at our Building Services counter, or make credit card payments. Credit Cards are accepted both online and in person.
Note: Credit card payments made through our online application portal are subject to a 2.65% convenience fee, added at the time of payment processing (some limitations apply). Note: Permit applications submitted prior to January 1, 2024 may not be eligible for payment through the online portal system. Timeline:The City will issue building permits promptly for submissions that meet zoning standards, the Ontario Building Code, and the requirements of other agencies, such as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, or the Region of Durham Health Department (if applicable). The more complete the permit submission is, the quicker we are able to review the application for compliance and issue the permit. Once the permit is submitted, the Building Clerk can give you an honest estimate of time to issue the permit.
Once the Building Permit is issued, construction may start any time within 6 months from the date of issue. Construction should never start before the Building Permit is issued. Construction without benefit of a permit is a provincial offense. |
Permit Revisions |
If you wish to make changes to a permit that has already been issued, then a revision will be required to update the permit application.
Please reach out to discuss with a Building Services Clerk at 905.420.4631 or citydev@pickering.ca to assist you in this process. |
News & Updates |
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