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Building permit application checklist in Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Burlington accepts building permit applications electronically. Secure the required property clearances, use the project checklist, then email a complete package to buildingpermits@burlington.ca.
Key information
Burlington accepts building permit applications electronically. Secure the required property clearances, use the project checklist, then email a complete package to buildingpermits@burlington.ca.
On this page
At a glance
| Task or rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Submission | Email; electronic standards apply |
| Attachments over 20 MB | Request a large-file transfer |
| New application subject | Building Permit Application plus project address |
| Resubmission subject | Building Permit Re-submission plus number and address |
| Fee response | Pay within two days of the city response |
Sources: Applying for a Building Permit | City of Burlington
Clearances come before the permit application
The city requires the applicable site-plan, zoning, grading and drainage approvals before applying for the building permit. A design drawing alone is not a complete submission. Review which clearance applies to the actual work and property.
Digital drawings and documents must meet the Electronic Building Permit Application Submission Standards. Insufficient documents must be resubmitted before acceptance. The checklist depends on the project; basement finishing, a deck, a new dwelling and a commercial fit-out have different requirements.
Sources: Applying for a Building Permit | City of Burlington
Submit a complete identifiable package
Complete the Building Permit Application Form and collect every item on the relevant checklist. Email buildingpermits@burlington.ca with the project address and unit number in the subject. If the files total more than 20 MB, request a transfer route rather than sending oversized attachments.
Staff reply with missing-information requests or next steps, including the applicable fee and payment instructions. The city asks for payment within two days of its response. A permit is issued after requirements and fees are complete. Arrange the inspections required by that permit.
Sources: Applying for a Building Permit | City of Burlington
Corrections and project-specific forms
For a resubmission, follow the same preparation standards and include the application number plus project address. This keeps the revised package tied to the right file.
Residential checklists cover accessory buildings, additional dwelling units, additions, basement finish, decks, demolition, high-rise housing, renovations, new dwellings, sewage systems, servicing, solar panels and tiny houses. Separate industrial/commercial/institutional checklists cover change of use, rack storage, tents and fit-outs. The source links the documents rather than giving one universal list.
Sources: Applying for a Building Permit | City of Burlington
Questions and answers
Can I submit a paper permit package?
No. The city accepts electronic building-permit submissions only.
Can I apply before zoning clearance?
The source requires necessary site-plan, zoning and grading/drainage clearances first.
Where do I send the package?
Email buildingpermits@burlington.ca.
What goes in the new application subject?
Building Permit Application followed by the project address and unit number if applicable.
What if files exceed 20 MB?
Email the permit team to request a large-file transfer.
Does every renovation use the same checklist?
No. Use the project-specific requirements linked on the city page.
What if documents are missing?
The city can require resubmission before accepting the application.
When must I pay the permit fee?
Follow the response instructions; the city asks for payment within two days.
What identifies a resubmission?
Use Building Permit Re-submission, the application number and the project address in the subject.
Does receiving the permit finish the city process?
No. Arrange the required project inspections after issuance.
Official service and next steps
Sources: Applying for a Building Permit | City of Burlington