When Do You Need a Permit?

It is impossible to give a "one size fits all" prescription for building permitting. But if you do any of the following, most municipalities will require a permit of you:

• All new construction
• Additions
• Dormers
• Converting space from one type of usage to another, like changing 2 townhomes into one unit.
• Creating some kind of commercial usage in a residence, even if it's "just" a mother-in-law in back that has now become your new office (particularly if it gets foot traffic, not so much an Internet business).
• Anything that requires a new water service and sewer connection.
• Most things electrical, beyond simply changing an outlet or light switch.

This is not an exclusive list, by any means. In fact, it is intentionally limited so that it can cover the greatest number of localities.

Image Public Domain: City of Toronto (CA)