How to apply
You can submit a building permit application in a variety of ways. Choose the one that works best for you.
Apply Online |
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City of St. Catharines Building Permit Application Portal currently accepts the following submissions:
Applications can be filled out by an individual person or an organization. For more information contact building@stcatharines.ca or 905.688.5600 and ask to speak to a Building Technician. |
Mail or courier |
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If applying by mail, complete the Building Permit Application and submit it along with the two sets of complete construction drawings. For commercial projects, you'll need to include three sets of complete drawings that are signed and sealed by a professional or qualified designer. Please mail or courier your completed building permit application to the following address:
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Drop box |
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If applying by drop box, complete the Building Permit Application and submit it along with the two sets of complete construction drawings. For commercial projects, you'll need to include three sets of complete drawings that are signed and sealed by a professional or qualified designer. The drop box is located at City Hall at the James Street entrance. You can submit your building permit application to the drop box at any time. Please note that the drop box is limited to packages that can fit in the mail slot (7 inches by 1.25 inches). |
In person |
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If applying in person, Please complete the Building Permit Application and submit it along with the two sets of complete construction drawings. For commercial projects, you'll need to include three sets of complete drawings that are signed and sealed by a professional or qualified designer. You can attend City Hall during office hours to submit your building permit application or you may also book an appointment to attend in person. |
Fees
View our Rates and Fees Guide to find the building permit application fees on pages 58 to 71. Fees will vary depending on your proposed building project and could include additional fees for:
- Site servicing
- Drainage and grading
- Sidewalk damage deposits
- Curb cuts
- Infills
- Construction Water
Building guides
At the City of St. Catharines, we've created a variety of building permit guides to help you through the building permit application process. Review the guide that best fits your building proposal:
- Guide for Accessory Buildings
- Guide for Residential Building Permits
- Guide for Preparing Residential Permit Drawings
- Guide for Residential Additions
- Guide to Residential Plumbing for Homeowners
- Guide for Residential Decks and Porches
- Guide for Pool and Fence Enclosure Permits
Application timeline
Mandated timelines within the Building Code will start after we've reviewed your permit application and documentation.
Book a building inspection
You'll need to get a building inspection at various stages throughout your building or renovating project. Find out how to book a building inspection.
Inspectors and other building officials are guided by the City's Code of Conduct for Building Officials.
Ontario Building Code (OBC) Review
The OBC review will be limited to the information, details and plans provided by the applicant. Filling out an application does not circumvent the requirement to obtain a building permit for the proposed development or construction project.
The following OBC review services are available:
- Pre-consultation
- Occupancy Letter/Inspection Requests
- Committee of Adjustment – Clearing of a Condition
- Alternative Solution (use the form in the hyperlink)
- Transfer of Permit
- Permit Revision
- Permit Application Extension
- Spatial Separation Agreement
- Demolition Agreement