Residential Building Permits
Effective from November 05, 2025, Building Permit applications for Alterations and Small Projects will be accepted through our E-Apply platform. This transition will bring a host of new features, improved functionality, and enhanced security measures to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for all users.
If you are a property owner or builder planning to renovate, add onto or build a new detached dwelling, you are required to obtain permits. New accessory buildings over 10 square meters, such as a garages, also require permits.
APPLICATION GUIDES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
The guides below provide the requirements for each permit type. Please read the appropriate guide and checklist to ensure fulfilment of all requirements prior to the submittal of an application.RESIDENTIAL AND ACCESSORY BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGE [PDF] - 1565KB
Review and complete the forms in the Residential and Accessory Building Permit Application Package prior to permit submission.GUIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL DETACHED GARAGE [PDF] - 963KB
Detached accessory structures, such as garages, garden sheds, and gazebos, over 10 square meters (108 square feet) in area will require a building permit to construct. Please refer to the Guide for Residential Detached Garage for a full list of required drawings and documents.GUIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL DECK CONSTRUCTION [PDF] - 765KB
For construction or structural alteration to an attached accessory structure, such as a deck, please refer to the Guide for Residential Deck Construction for a full list of required drawings and documents.SECONDARY SUITES
Please visit the Secondary Suites page for more information, and requirements for installing, legalizing, or decommissioning a Secondary Suite.DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLINGS (CARRIAGE & LANEWAY HOUSE)
Please visit the Laneway and Carriage Houses page for more information about construction of a new Detached Accessory Dwelling.CONSTRUCTION IN QUEENSBOROUGH
For new construction or additions in Queensborough, please review the additional requirements.FORMS AND DOCUMENTATION
Please see Forms & Documentation for all handouts and bulletins.
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION - NEW CONSTRUCTION
This application is designed for new construction.Residential and Accessory Building Permit Application Package
To apply for a building permit for new construction, please send all required application documentation and drawings to bldapps@newwestcity.ca , or email us at buildingdept@newwestcity.ca to schedule an appointment for your application intake at City Hall.
Please note that documents must be attached as PDF's directly. For larger files that cannot be emailed, please contact us for a link to our FileShare site. We cannot accept documents saved via a cloud based server.
If all requirements are met, Staff will accept the permit application. An application fee must be paid at this time.
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION - ALTERATIONS AND SMALL PROJECTS
This application is designed for alterations to existing buildings and small-scale construction projects. It will guide you through a series of questions about your project. Choose the option below that best describes the category of the building that you will be altering:WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- MyCity Profile
Register or log in before starting.- Documents & Drawings
Required items include:- Current Title Search (within 30 days)
- Letter of Authorization (if applying on behalf of owner)
- Company/Society Summary or Solicitor’s Letter (if property is owned by a company)
- Consent of Strata (if applicable)
- Project drawings and other documents based on scope
- File Guidelines
- Formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG, JPEG
- Max size: 10 MB per file
- Clear names (e.g., 123 Main St Site Plan.pdf)
- If too large: compress, split, or convert.
TIPS FOR A SMOOTH APPLICATION
- Be prepared - review the requirements before starting the application
- Complete all fields marked with *
- Wait for each page to load fully — don’t click Back/Continue repeatedly
- Double-check signatures and documents before submitting
SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING
Choose this option for alterations to a Single Detached Dwelling (e.g., House, House with Basement Suite)DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDING
Choose this option for alterations to a Detached Accessory Building (e.g., Garage, Carport, Shed, Workshop)DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING
Choose this option for alterations to a Detached Accessory Dwelling (e.g., Laneway House, Carriage House)SEMI-DETACHED DWELLING
Choose this option for alterations to a Semi-Detached Dwelling (e.g., Duplex)