Why Do You Need a Building Permit and How Much Will It Cost?

By Elizabeth Smith

April 30, 2026

Building permits are a necessary part of the construction process. They serve as official approval from your local government to start work. But when do you need a permit, and how much is a building permit? When you understand the process, it's easier to follow the rules and make sure your project is up to code.

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Why Do I Need a Building Permit?

You need a building permit to complete a construction project legally. The permitting process allows your local building authority to monitor new constructions and ensure that they comply with the building code — a set of laws that lay out the minimum standards for safe structures. The goal of a building permit is to prevent people from putting up buildings that might harm people or endanger the public.

A building permit is a legal requirement. However, you only need one for certain types of projects.

What Types of Projects Require Permits?

Every area has its own rules for building permits. In most places, you need a building permit for:

New constructions
Structural changes
Additions
Changes to the use or occupancy of a building
Major remodeling projects that involve load-bearing walls or structural beams
Cutting new windows or doors
Moving or demolishing a building

Your contractor, electrician, or plumber should be able to tell you if a specific project requires a permit. If you plan to do the work yourself, you'll need to call the city office to find out what permits you need.

Not all repair and renovation projects require a building permit. You don't typically need one for normal repairs or projects that don't affect the structure of the house. For example, you could put new cabinets in or build a tiled backsplash without a permit.

When it comes to outdoor accessory structures, the rules vary. Most areas allow you to put up a small shed without a permit. If the shed is bigger than 150 to 200 square feet or if it's on a permanent foundation, however, you may need a building permit. The specifics can be different from city to city, so it's important to check with the local building department.

Does a House Extension or Addition Require a Building Permit?

Yes, an addition or a house extension almost always requires you to get a building permit. Because these projects typically require you to extend the foundation and make significant structural changes, they'll need to comply with the building code. This is true regardless of the purpose of the addition or extension.

Who Issues Building Permits?

Building permits are usually issued by the governing body that administers the building code in your area. This is often the building department of your city government. In some areas, the township or county controls permits.

How to Get a Building Permit

To get a building permit, you (or your contractor) will need to submit an application and supporting materials. Be prepared to provide information such as:

Project location
Project type and purpose
Building code classification
Owner contact details
Project costs
Builder or contractor contact and insurance information

Most building permit applications also require you to submit additional materials.

What Are the Requirements in the Application of Building Permit?

When you apply for a building permit, you'll probably see a section that requests additional documents and fees. The application form will then list what you need to complete the application.

Typical building plan requirements include:

Sealed construction drawings: These detailed technical drawings explain the project in detail. They might include floor plans, foundation plans, framing plans, structural drawings, and elevations that show the exterior. Plans may need to be sealed (signed and stamped) by a professional engineer or a licensed architect.
Site plan: A site plan is a map that shows key features of your property, including existing structures, property lines, utility lines, and the structure you want to build.
Zoning permit: In most areas, you'll need to get a zoning permit before you can apply for a building permit. This approval verifies that your project is compliant with local zoning regulations.
Septic approval: If your site has a well or a septic system, you'll likely need a septic approval from your local health department. This document confirms that your septic system is adequate for the proposed building
Fees: The fees for building permits may vary based on the size and type of the project and the purpose of the building.

After you're approved for a permit, your project may need one or more inspections. The inspector will verify that the work aligns with the conditions of the permit and complies with the building code.

Who Should Complete the Building Permit Application?

For bigger construction projects, your contractor will likely submit the application for a building permit. Check your quote — many builders include permitting in the cost of the project. In most cases, it's a good idea to leave this process to a professional, especially if the work requires major renovations or sealed plans.

If you're doing the work on your own, you'll need to handle the permit yourself. You'll also be responsible for permitting if you're bringing in multiple tradespeople to handle different parts of the job. It's important to note that by applying for the permit, you're taking on the legal and financial liability for the project and for ensuring that the work is up to code.

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What Happens if You Don’t Get Permit for a Remodel?

If you don't get a building permit for a remodel that requires one, you could be faced with steep fines. The city or county may also issue a stop-work order, which forces you to stop construction until the situation is resolved. In some cases, you might be ordered to take down the structure.

Failing to get a building permit can also cause problems down the line. If unpermitted work causes a problem — a deck collapses, for example — your insurance may deny your claim. You might also have trouble getting an appraisal or selling the house.

How Much Does a Permit Cost?

The cost of a building permit varies. For residential projects, you could pay anywhere from $50 to $300 (CAD 41 to CAD 413) for a small job to $500 to $2,000 (CAD 688 to CAD 2,752) for bigger construction projects. You might pay up to $300 (CAD 413) to build a new deck or up to $500 (CAD 688) for an addition like a garage. The building permit cost for a new house could be up to $2,000 (CAD 2,752).

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Building Permit?

How much a building permit costs depends on factors including:

Project cost: Many jurisdictions use the valuation of your project to set the base permit fee. There may be a discount if you're using a pre-manufactured structure.
Project size: Bigger structures usually have more expensive building permits.
Number of inspections: Some building permits include a single inspection. If you need additional inspections, your cost is likely to be higher.
Review process: Projects that require a detailed plan review may incur an extra fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to get your building permit. You might receive approval for a small renovation in less than a week. A permit for a new house might take significantly longer because of the complexity of the review process. Other factors, including backlog in the building department and errors in your application, can also delay approval.

Once you're approved for a building permit, it will likely last between 6 months and 1 year. The exact period depends on local laws and whether you've already started work.

Getting a Building Permit for Your Next Building Project

A building permit can add time and money to a building project, but it's a legal requirement. Following instructions carefully and providing all required documents can streamline the approval process and help you get to work faster.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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