What You Need to Know About City of Hamilton Building Permits

Understanding Hamilton’s building permit process helps homeowners avoid costly delays.

What You Need to Know About City of Hamilton Building Permits

If you're planning a renovation or building project in Hamilton, there's a good chance you'll need a building permit. Permits exist to ensure your project complies with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning rules, and essential safety standards. Skipping the permit process can lead to serious consequences — including fines, stop-work orders, or even having to undo completed work.

You’ll need a permit for most structural or system changes, such as building a new structure over 10 square metres, finishing a basement, building a deck over 24 inches high, adding a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or changing plumbing or load-bearing elements. Cosmetic updates like painting, replacing flooring, or installing kitchen cabinets usually don’t require a permit.

To apply, you’ll need detailed construction drawings (typically BCIN-certified unless prepared by a licensed architect or engineer), a site plan, a completed application form, and payment of the applicable fees. Permit applications must currently be submitted in person at Hamilton City Hall, as the City’s online ePLANS portal is unavailable due to a cybersecurity issue.

One of the most common reasons for permit delays is incomplete or inaccurate drawings. Missing documents, lack of certification, or zoning conflicts can also cause setbacks. Working with a professional who understands Hamilton’s requirements can significantly improve your chances of fast approval.

Permit fees in Hamilton depend on the type and size of the project. As a general range, deck permits typically cost between $200 and $400, basement renovations between $300 and $800, and additions or new builds are charged based on square footage.

Building without a permit is more than a paperwork issue — it can be a costly mistake. If you begin construction before securing approval, the City may double your permit fee as a penalty. For example, a $300 permit could become $600. That’s in addition to more serious consequences under the Ontario Building Code Act, which include fines of up to $50,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations on a first offence.

In recent years, homeowners in Hamilton have been fined thousands of dollars and issued court orders for ignoring permit rules. Some have even been forced to dismantle unauthorized work. The City also has the authority to place compliance orders on your property title, which can interfere with selling or refinancing your home.

The bottom line? Don’t take the risk. Always obtain your permit before starting construction, and make sure your drawings meet code and zoning standards from the start.

At The Building Permit Guy, we specialize in fast, affordable, and code-compliant drawings for residential projects in Hamilton and across Ontario. Our BCIN-certified plans are designed to meet the specific requirements of municipal building departments — helping you avoid delays, fines, and costly revisions.

Need help with your permit drawings in Hamilton? Contact us today for expert advice and a free quote. We make the permit process easy — so you can focus on your project with peace of mind.