Building Permit (9 KB pdf)

Building permits are required to ensure all construction meets the National Building Code Of Canada (1995 Edition), as well as conforms to all City of Saint John By-laws.

Projects that Require a Building Permit

• All industrial and commercial renovations and additions
• Construct a new home
• Add to an existing home, whether it is a new room, carport, garage, sundeck over 0.6 metres (2 feet) high, add dormers or roof over an existing sundeck
• Excavate to provide a full basement
• Alter and construct new partitions
• Install a chimney
• Build a retaining wall over 1.0 metres (3.3 feet) high
• Do electrical work
• Do plumbing work
• Install siding
• Replace windows
• Change the use of a home to include another use (ie. music lessons, tailoring, medical office, beauty salon, convenience store)
• Change the use from a multi-family to a single family;
• Erect signs
• Place a mobile home on a building lot or in a mobile home park
• Industrial and commercial roofing

Projects that May Require a Building Permit

• Erect accessory buildings
• Change interior finishes other than painting

Projects that Do Not Require a Building Permit

• Erect a fence less than 2 metres (6 feet, 5 inches) in height that is not on a corner lot
• Construct an accessory building less than 10 square metres (109 square feet)
• Re-shingle a roof (residential only)
• Install weeping tile
• Paint
• Wallpaper (1 layer only)
• Landscape driveways (except in flood risk areas)
• Install kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinets

Before Applying for a Building Permit

If applicable, before applying for a building permit you should ensure the following information/permits are in place:

• All property subdivisions should be registered with the Province.
• Department of Health approval (Well & Septic Systems)
• Zoning approval and/or variance approval through Community Planning

When Applying for a Building Permit

When applying for a building permit you will need the following:

• 2 sets of detailed, scaled drawings showing all aspects of construction (cross section, floor plan, foundation plan, elevations of building).
• Detailed site plan showing size of lot and location of building on the lot.
• Roof truss and floor truss plans, stamped by a Professional Engineer.
• Fee must be paid at time of application. Fees vary - please call for details.

Note: For smaller jobs (siding installation, additions, garages, decks, etc.) construction drawing and site plan forms are available at our office.

Other permits/approvals that may be required

• Plumbing Permit - Your plumber will apply for a permit at our office.
• Electrical Permit - Your electrician will apply for a permit through the Provincial Department of Labour.
• Water and Sewerage Connection - A permit will be issued through the Engineering Department if you are building in a serviced area.
• Certificate of Appropriateness - Required for work done on buildings in Heritage Areas and is issued by Community Planning.
• Flood Risk Area Development Permit- Any development in the Flood Risk Area must be approved by Building Inspection before construction begins.

Note: The above listed permits/approvals cannot be issued until a building permit has been issued.

Required Inspections During Construction

During construction, inspections may include the following:

• Excavation
• Before backfilling foundation
• Plumbing rough-in (before pouring basement floor)
• Framing
• Plumbing (before installing gyproc)
• Insulation
• Final interior
• Final exterior

Other Contacts