Building or Renovating a Home
If you are building a house, or any building over 10 square metres, the Ontario Building Code Act requires that you obtain a building permit prior to construction. The building permit process protects both the owner's interests and those of the community at large. It also helps to ensure that any structural change is safe. Failure to obtain proper building permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.
The application process gives you direction to meet the minimum structural, fire, and health and safety building standards as legislated by the Province of Ontario, and also covers other municipal requirements including zoning.
The Building Division has developed these quick guides to help you in preparation for your building or renovation project.
quick links
- Building a House
- Residential Accessory Buildings
- Building a Deck
- Renovating Your Basement
- Residential Plumbing Permits
Download Permit Forms & Pamphlets available from the Building Division.
Other Approvals
Heritage Approval Process 
Adobe PDF, 1 page, 21 KB
Other Permits
Adobe PDF, 1 page, 27 KB(Pool Fence Bylaw Handout -
Adobe PDF, 4 pages, 489 KB)
Driveway Permit Application (Engineering Division)
Demolition Permit (Pamphlet) Adobe PDF, 2 pages, 393 KB
External Links
Ontario Building Code
Septic System Approval
Ministry of Environment (Water Well Record)
New Home Warranty
Building Division Contacts
- Building/Review/Plumbing Plans Review
- Building/Plumbing Inspections
- Backflow Program
- Manager/Supervisor
City of Thunder Bay
Building Division
| Address: |
Victoriaville Civic Centre 111 Syndicate Avenue S Thunder Bay ON P7E 6S4 |
| Tel: | (807) 625-2574 |
| Fax: | (807) 623-9344 |
| Manager: | Des Stolz |
| Tel: | (807) 625-2573 |
| Fax: | (807) 623-9344 |
| E-mail: | dstolz@thunderbay.ca |
