New house permits

Check if your project needs a permit

Most renovation, construction, or demolition projects require a building permit.

• Building or structure: Greater than 10 square meters (≈ 108 sq ft) or any size with plumbing.
• Addition to an existing building

Review zoning regulations

• Before you start, check the City of London’s zoning bylaw. This will show if there are any restrictions on what you can build on your property.
• Schedule a meeting with a Zoning Coordinator to ensure you're complying with the City of London Zoning By-law.

Understand costs and timelines

• When you apply for a permit, you'll pay a deposit. This deposit will go towards your total permit cost. The City will calculate the final amount once your permit is ready to be issued.
• Minimum permit fee: The minimum fee is $260.37
• Additional fees: You may need to pay extra fees, like development charges or additional permit fees, before your permit is finalized.
• Fee details: For more information on fees for different types of projects, check the Building B-7 By-law.
• Permits for new homes, additions, and renovations (including single detached, semi-detached, cluster single detached, and townhouses)
• To ensure everything goes smoothly, we recommend applying for your building permit well before your planned construction date.

Prepare your documents0 of 21

You'll need different forms, drawings, and documents based on your project type. Find out what you need to submit for your building permit application. It is strongly recommended to work with a design professional, like an architect or a qualified designer, to ensure your drawings meet the Ontario Building Code and the City’s zoning rules.

• Residential document list12Drawings and documents required for residential projects:
• Site plan6Key elements might include:
• File format guidelines3When uploading your drawings and documents to the portal, please follow these guidelines:

You need an account to see these 21 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 forms4Download the set4 forms

Below, you will find all the forms and documents that the City of London may require during the building permit application process.

• Application for a permit to construct or demolishForm
• Schedule 1 Designer informationFor projects under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code where no architect or engineer is responsible, this form details who reviews and takes responsibility for design activities.Form2 editions
• Schedule 2 Designer FormThis form is required for sewage system installations, this form certifies that the installer is properly qualified.Form
• Authorization Letter - Property Owner Confirmation DeclarationIf you’re applying for a permit and aren’t the property owner, you must provide a letter from the owner authorizing you as their agent.Form

Check for additional approvals

Depending on your project and property location, you may need extra approvals before you can get your building permit. Here are some common ones:

• Conservation authority approval: If your property is regulated by a conservation authority, like the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, you'll need their approval.
• Heritage approval: If your property is a listed or designated heritage site, you’ll need heritage approval. Learn more about Heritage approvals here.
• Ontario Ministry of Transportation approval: For properties in MTO-controlled areas, you’ll need approval from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
• Site plan approval: If your property is in a site plan control area, you’ll need site plan approval. For details, email plandev@london.ca.
• Tree removal permit: If you plan to remove or damage trees on public or private property, you might need a tree removal permit.
• Committee of adjustment approval: If your project doesn’t meet current zoning by-law requirements, you might need approval from the Committee of Adjustment.
• Additional residential units: An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a separate, self-contained dwelling within the same building or on the same lot as an existing home. It should have its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance.

Submit your application

Follow these simple steps to apply online through our Development & Business Portal.

• 1. Create an account: Set up an account to access our online Development and Business Portal. This will allow you to manage your application and track its progress.
• 2. Submit your application: Log in to the Development and Business Portal and click the “Add New Permit” button to begin your application. Follow the steps to enter the required information, download the necessary documents, and pay the applicable fee.
• 3. Pre-screen review: After submitting your application and paying the fees, the City will start a pre-screen review to ensure the required documentation has been submitted to ensure the building permit application is a complete application and deemed on-the-clock.