Home Renovation Permits in the Hamilton, Halton and Brant Region: What You Need to Know 

Planning a home renovation in the Hamilton Halton Brant Area? Whether you're in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, or one of the surrounding communities like Ancaster or Dundas, you'll need to know what your locality requires for legal renovations. Skipping permits can lead to fines, stop-work orders, or issues when selling your home. 

This guide outlines what projects need permits, how long approvals take, how much they cost, and where to apply, organized by municipality and their local communities. If you need any additional information, never hesitate to chat with Team Shane! 

City of Hamilton 

Hamilton oversees building permits for multiple communities, including Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Flamborough, and Waterdown. All permit applications go through the City of Hamilton's Residential Building and Renovation Department. 

Permit requirements 

Permits are generally required for: 

• Additions, garages, or major structural changes 

• Finishing a basement 

• Creating a secondary suite 

• Installing or modifying plumbing, HVAC, or electrical systems 

• Decks attached to the home or over 24 inches high 

• Sheds over 108 square feet 

Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, or cabinets typically doesn't require a permit. 

Application process 

Applications can be submitted online or in person. You'll need: 

• Site plans and construction drawings 

• A completed permit application form 

• Any necessary pre-approvals (e.g. conservation authority, heritage) 

Apply through the City of Hamilton building permit portal. 

Permit fees and timelines 

• Minimum fee: $291 

• Renovation fees: around 1% of project value 

• Additions: based on square footage (approx. $12 per m²) 

• Target review time: 10 business days, but most projects take 2–4 weeks 

Communities within Hamilton 

• Ancaster: As part of Hamilton, Ancaster residents follow the same process. Permits are issued by the City of Hamilton. Local support is available at the Ancaster Municipal Service Centre. 

• Dundas: Permit rules are identical to Hamilton. Historic homes may require additional heritage approvals. Applications go through the city, with optional in-person support at the Dundas Service Centre. 

• Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Flamborough: All fall under Hamilton's jurisdiction. Permit rules, fees, and timelines are the same as above. Zoning conditions may vary by lot size or location (especially in rural areas). 

City of Burlington 

Burlington manages its own permitting through the Building and Renovating Department. 

Permit requirements 

Permits are required for: 

• Additions or major structural work 

• Finishing basements or converting space 

• Decks over 24 inches high or larger than 108 sq. ft. 

• Plumbing or HVAC modifications 

Small detached decks under 108 sq. ft. and under 24 inches high do not need a permit. Cosmetic updates are also exempt. 

Application process 

Burlington uses an electronic application system. Required documents: 

• Drawings in digital format 

• Permit application form 

• Zoning and grading clearances (for some projects) 

Submit applications through the Burlington building permits page. 

Permit fees and timelines 

• Minimum fee: $377 

• Additions: approx. $23 per m² 

• Interior renos: roughly 1% of declared construction value 

• Timeline: most permits are issued in 4–6 weeks 

Communities within Burlington 

Burlington does not subdivide its permit process by neighbourhood. Whether you're in Aldershot, Roseland, or Millcroft, the same city-wide rules apply. 

Town of Oakville 

Oakville manages permits through its Building & Renovations Services department and has one of the more structured e-permitting systems in the region. 

Permit requirements 

You'll need a permit for: 

• Additions or structural changes 

• Finishing a basement or adding a basement suite 

• Decks over 24 inches high or attached to the house 

• Detached buildings over 108 sq. ft. 

• Plumbing, HVAC, or window/door reconfigurations 

Minor upgrades like flooring or painting don't require a permit. 

Application process 

Applications are submitted through Oakville's ePlans system. You'll need: 

• Drawings (PDF format) 

• Completed application form and checklist 

• Any conservation or heritage approvals, if applicable 

Permit fees and timelines 

• Fees: usually 1% of construction value 

• Additions: ~$13 per m² 

• Minimum base fee: several hundred dollars 

• Review timeline: typically 4–6 weeks 

Communities within Oakville 

Permit rules apply town-wide, but residents in areas like Bronte, Glen Abbey, or Old Oakville may need additional zoning or heritage review. Projects near the lake or in conservation zones may also require external agency approval. 

City of Brantford 

Brantford manages building permits through its Building Department. The process aligns with the Ontario Building Code but is tailored to local zoning and development policies. 

Permit requirements 

Permits are required for: 

• Additions, garages, or major structural changes 

• Basement finishing or converting spaces into secondary suites 

• Decks over 24 inches high or attached to the house 

• Sheds over 108 square feet 

• Plumbing, HVAC, or electrical alterations 

Interior cosmetic upgrades like flooring, painting, or cabinet replacements typically do not require a permit. 

Application process 

Brantford uses an electronic application process. You'll need: 

• Site plan and floor plan 

• Construction drawings that meet OBC standards 

• A completed building permit application form 

• Any required approvals (e.g. conservation or heritage, if applicable) 

Submit applications through the City of Brantford's building permits portal. 

Permit fees and timelines 

• Minimum fee: approximately $200–$300 

• Additions and new construction: calculated per square foot 

• Renovations: based on construction value (typically around 1%) 

• Target review timeline: 10 business days, but 2–4 weeks is common 

Communities within Brantford 

Brantford is a single-tier municipality with no internal jurisdictions. Whether you're renovating in Eagle Place, Henderson, or West Brant, all permit applications follow the same centralized process through City Hall. 

County of Brant 

The County of Brant oversees building permits for several rural and small-town communities outside Brantford. Permitting is handled by the county's Building Division, with requirements based on the Ontario Building Code and local zoning bylaws. 

Permit requirements 

A permit is required for: 

• Additions, garages, and structural renovations 

• Basement finishing or converting space for new uses 

• Decks over 24 inches high or attached to a structure 

• Sheds over 108 square feet 

• Plumbing and HVAC work 

Permits are not required for cosmetic interior changes like flooring, painting, or cabinetry (unless plumbing or structure is altered). 

Application process 

Applications can be submitted digitally or in person. Required documents include: 

• Site plan and construction drawings 

• Completed permit application form 

• Applicable Law approvals if needed (e.g. Grand River Conservation Authority) 

Permitting information and forms are available on the County of Brant Building Services page. 

Permit fees and timelines 

• Minimum permit fee: varies by project, typically $200+ 

• Additions: calculated per square foot 

• Interior renovations: based on project value 

• Review timelines: generally 2–4 weeks 

Communities within the County of Brant 

The permit process is consistent across the county. Key communities include: 

• Paris 

• St. George 

• Burford 

• Mount Pleasant 

• Scotland 

• Oakland 

Projects near rivers, floodplains, or conservation-regulated zones may require additional review from the Grand River Conservation Authority. 

Town of Milton 

Milton is part of the Halton Region, as well as Halton Hills, Oakville, and Burlington. Their permitting process is similar to that of other communities, but they also have an online services tool for residential renovations.  

Permit requirements 

Permits are needed for: 

• Additions, structural changes, or secondary suites 

• Basement finishing 

• Decks over 24 inches or attached to the home 

• Sheds over 108 sq. ft. 

• Plumbing, HVAC, or electrical alterations 

Cosmetic upgrades like flooring or painting your exterior do not need permits. 

Application process 

Milton uses an electronic system. Submit through the Town of Milton building permits page with: 

• Site plan and floor plans 

• Permit application form 

• Any required zoning or conservation approvals 

Fees and timelines 

• Minimum fee: ~$200–$300 

• Additions: per square foot 

• Interior renovations: often based on value 

• Timeline: typically 2–4 weeks 

Communities within Milton 

Permit rules are consistent across areas like Old Milton, Beaty, Dempsey, and rural zones. Rural projects may need additional approvals from Conservation Halton. 

Town of Halton Hills (Georgetown & Acton) 

Permit requirements 

Required for: 

• Home additions and garages 

• Decks over 24 inches or attached 

• Basement finishing or new bedrooms 

• Structural or mechanical changes 

• Large accessory structures or sheds 

Application process 

Submit via the Halton Hills building permits portal. You'll need: 

• Drawings, site plan, application form 

• Zoning clearance or applicable law checks (e.g. Credit Valley Conservation) 

Fees and timelines 

• Minimum fee: ~$200–$300 

• Additions: by floor area 

• Review time: 2–4 weeks on average 

Communities within Halton Hills 

All applications go through the Town of Halton Hills, whether you're located in: 

• Georgetown 

• Acton 

• Limehouse 

• Glen Williams 

• Norval 

Rural or floodplain-adjacent properties may require additional steps. 

Common Permit Misconceptions 

A frequent misunderstanding among homeowners is that small or interior-only renovations don't require a permit. In reality, many seemingly minor projects, like removing a wall, relocating plumbing, or finishing a basement, can trigger permit requirements due to structural or code-related implications. For example, finishing a basement often involves changes to insulation, egress windows, electrical service, and ceiling height—all of which are regulated under the Ontario Building Code. 

Another misconception is that contractors or trades will "take care of it." While Team Shane Renovations handles permit applications as part of our project management process, not all renovators do. Some may suggest skipping the permit to save time or cost. This is a red flag. Homeowners are ultimately responsible for ensuring permits are in place, even if the work is contracted out. That's why choosing a builder with a proven permit process is essential. 

Final Thoughts & Summary 

If you're planning a renovation in any of the Hamilton, Halton or Brant communities, expect to need a building permit for anything beyond surface-level upgrades. Timelines range from 2–6 weeks, depending on complexity, and fees typically start around $300. 

Hiring a contractor experienced with local regulations helps avoid delays. At Team Shane, we: 

• Confirm whether your project needs a permit 

• Prepare permit-ready drawings and documents 

• Submit complete applications 

• Coordinate with municipal reviewers 

We've worked with every major municipality in the region and know what it takes to keep projects moving. 

Work With a Team That's Experienced with Permits 

Need help with your renovation permit? Contact Team Shane and let's get your project started right.