Home Construction and Renovation

Planning a home renovation or construction project in Burlington? Explore building permits, zoning approvals and requirements for decks, pools, fences and more.

If you are planning a renovation to your home, we are here to help! This page will get you started on your journey with information to make sure you have all the right permits and clearances you need. Whether you’re doing the work yourself or are hiring someone to do it for you, read on to find out more.

In some cases, you may also need approval from external agencies like Burlington Hydro, Conservation Halton, Ministry of Transportation, Niagara Escarpment Commission, etc., as applicable.

What are you planning to build?

Choose from the options below to learn more about the process.

Additional residential units

If you’re planning to create a self-contained living unit on the same property as a primary home.

Decks, porches and patios

If you're doing a little outside work to expand your outdoor living space or beautify your backyard.

Driveways and curbs

If you're constructing a new driveway or widening an existing driveway.

Fences

If you're planning on building a fence for privacy, division, security or pool safety.

Pools, hot tubs and swim spas

If you're planning on installing a pool, hot tub, or swim spa

Elderly man accessing a residential shed

Sheds and accessory structures

If you're planning on constructing an outside structure for storage.

Renovations and additions

If you're planning to renovate the interior, finish your basement, undertake exterior improvements, or construct an addition.

What's the process you need to follow?

Before you can apply for a Building Permit, you need to apply for a Pre-Building Approval Application.

Pre-Building Approval Application

The Pre-Building Approval process looks at your application for compliance with the applicable City Zoning Bylaw, Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificate Bylaw, Public Tree Bylaw and Private Tree Bylaw.

It is for residential projects to:

build a deck,
build an accessory structure or building like a shed or gazebo,
make renovations to a house,
build a new house,
build additional residential units,
build a residential building with 10 units or less.

Pre-Building Approval Application

If your proposed home construction or renovation project does not comply with the City’s applicable Zoning Bylaw and you wish to have these minor zoning deviations approved, you will need to make an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a Minor Variance.

Applying for permits

For your home construction or renovation project you may require one or more of the below permits.