New home permits

Check whether you need a permit

You need a building permit to build a new residential building, including:

• detached home
• semi-detached home
• detached duplex
• rowhouse

Designer requirements

• All submitted drawings must be prepared by either the owner, or prepared and reviewed by a qualified designer, architect, professional engineer or a combination.
  Another Kitchener page says this differently: “The Ontario Building Code requires us to ensure all drawings submitted are prepared and reviewed by a qualified, registered designer, architect or professional engineer.” (Apply for a building permit). Confirm before you apply: City of Kitchener, 519-741-2312.
• Some drawings must be designed by a professional engineer when the design falls outside of the prescriptive requirements of the Building Code.
• name and building code identification number (BCIN) of the registered firm
• statement that the qualified person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities
• name, BCIN and signature of the qualified person

Prepare your plans0 of 14

• Permit requirements4All documents and drawings must be submitted in PDF format. When uploading the permit requirements, please combine related documents into files when applying. All forms should be in one document with drawings in another document.
• Forms and plans that may be applicable10

You need an account to see these 14 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms6Download the set4 forms

• permit applicationForm2 editions
• schedule 1 designer information formone for HVAC and one for house designForm2 editions
• mechanical summary formForm
• energy efficiency design summary (performance)when drawings do not include this as a matrixForm
• energy efficiency design summary (prescriptive)when drawings do not include this as a matrixForm
• schedule 2 – sewage system installer information formForm2 editions

Submit your application

You can apply for your building permit online or in person. All projects must follow our zoning bylaw.

• Use our online services.
• To apply for a building permit in person, please book an appointment. Please bring your completed forms and drawings to your appointment.

Pay the fee

• permit fee: $1.07 per square foot (≈ $11.52 per m²)
• rebate fee: $500 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
• development charges
• Other fees such as a damage deposit fee and a stormwater management fee may apply.