Building and Demolition Permits

If you are building or renovating any of the following items on your property, you may need a building permit:

Accessory structures (detached garages, garden sheds, gazebos)
Additional dwelling units (basement or in-house apartments)
Decks
Farm buildings
Fences
Pool enclosures
Tents

Apply for a building permit

It's now easier than ever to apply for a building permit with our new Service Clarington portal. To get started, visit the Service Clarington portal and register for a new account.

If you have an existing building permit application in progress, create a new account using the email address you used on your initial permit application. If you are unable to see your past applications, email BuildingPermits@clarington.net and staff will assist with linking your past applications to your new online account.

Learn more about how to use the portal at www.clarington.net/ServiceClarington.

Apply for a building permit.

Application process

Log in to the Service Clarington portal or create a new account. Fill out the building permit application and pay the fee. See our guide for submitting electronic documents (PDF). Please ensure you submit all required documents, including:
- Schedule 1: Designer Information (PDF)
Staff will review your submission to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Building Code Act, zoning by-law, and all applicable laws.
If the proposed construction meets all the requirements, we will issue your building permit promptly, and you will receive confirmation of the approval by email.

Need help?

If you are unable to apply online or need help with the application process, please call 905-623-3379 ext. 2660 or email BuildingPermits@clarington.net.

Search for a building permit

Service Clarington allows you to search for past and current building permits on any Clarington property, without having to create an account.

Learn how to search for a building permit (PDF)

Requirements for residential building permits

For new structures or additions to single-detached dwellings, semi-detached, links, duplexes and townhouses, you must provide specific information or documents with your application.

View the requirements for residential building permits (PDF)

Do I need a building permit?

Before you start work on a new house, addition, or significant alterations to an existing house, you must apply for a building permit. Permits are geared to those projects where health and safety matters are involved, and exist to protect you, other homeowners, building occupants, future owners and the community.

Permits are normally required for:

Building a detached (accessory) structure larger than 10 square metres
Building an addition to your home
Building a pool enclosure (fence) around a pool
Raised porches or decks
Carports or garages
Structural alterations
Moving or lifting your house
Installing a hood stove or fireplace
Partitioning a basement or adding a basement entrance
Creating an apartment in your house
Altering or adding any plumbing
Demolishing a house
Erecting a tent that is larger than 60 square metres or closer than three metres to a building

Permits are not normally required for:

Detached structures 10 square metres or less
Decks that are 60 centimetres or less from grade
Replacement of windows, doors, roofing or siding
New interior wall, floor or ceiling finishes
Repairs to chimneys, porches, decks or roofs
Waterproofing repairs to a basement
Replacement of plumbing fixtures
Replacement of a furnace

Appointment of Building Inspectors

List of Building Inspectors (PDF)

Demolition permits

Demolition permits are required for all buildings greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet), with the exception of farm buildings.

Apply for a demolition permit.

Demolition sign-off sheet (PDF)

Questions?

If you have questions, please call 905-623-3379 ext. 2660 or email BuildingPermits@clarington.net.