Under Ontario’s Building Code Act, a permit is required for various types of construction, renovation or demolition projects
Township of King, Ont. (March 25, 2026) — Spring has arrived and with warmer days ahead, home renovations and building projects can be on your to-do list. Before you pick up the toolbox, make sure you have the appropriate permits needed to get your project off (or into) the ground.
What is a building permit?
Under Ontario’s Building Code Act, a building permit from your municipality is required for various types of construction, renovation or demolition projects to ensure health, safety and building standards are maintained. This means that a building permit from King Township is your formal permission to begin the construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property.
Projects that require a building permit:
- Demolitions or excavations in preparation for new build
- New buildings over 10 square-metres (including garages, carports, sunrooms, solariums)
- Decks over 10 square-metres or more than 600 millimetres above grade
- Structural changes (adding/removing walls) and additions
- New or altered plumbing
- Changing a building’s use or occupancy
- Fireplaces, wood stoves, or fuel‑source changes
- Septic system installation or repair
- Some wall mounted signs
- Finishing roughed‑in bathrooms or fireplaces
- Finishing basement for personal use
- Adding exterior stairs to basement
Building permits are just one consideration for getting your project started – other permits, environmental and zoning considerations, regulations and standards may be required through additional agencies. Before starting your project, book an appointment with King Township’s Planning and Zoning divisions to inquire about any zoning and environmental approvals needed before you submit an application for a building permit.
Projects that do not require a building permit:
You don’t need a building permit for many common home improvement projects, including fences, landscaping features such as sidewalks and planters, painting, decorating, and general maintenance. Permits are also not required for replacing plumbing fixtures, hot water tanks, or roof shingles; updating kitchen or bathroom cabinets; installing new or replacement air conditioning units; replacing a furnace with the same fuel type and output; building sheds up to 15 square-metres; or constructing rear‑yard decks that are under 10 square-metres, not attached to the house, and less than 600 millimetres high.
Applying for a building permit
If you’re looking to get your project started in King Township, you must submit a Building Permit Application. This will allow your project to be reviewed to ensure that it aligns with Ontario’s Building Code Act and other regulations. Before you submit your application, you must make sure that you have received all Applicable Law approvals; your “green light” to proceed with the building permit application. If you apply before approvals are ready, your application may be refused and you will have to resubmit, which can delay your project. Learn more and apply for a building permit at king.ca/BuildingPermits.
Have questions? Connect with the Building Division
King Township’s Building Division works with residents, builders, businesses, and design professionals to make sure every project meets Ontario’s Building Code standards — from new homes to septic systems, renovations, and even demolitions. They’re available to help you with any questions you may have on your project every step of the way; working behind the scenes to review building permit applications and construction drawings, conduct routine inspections through construction, and ensuring minimum standards to keep King buildings healthy and safe.
Not sure if your project needs a building permit? Email bldsubmissions@king.ca with details about your project to see if you’ll need to submit a Building Permit Application.
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Media Contact(s)
Township of King
Carling Fee, Communications Specialist
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-4575 | Email: media@king.ca