Building permit - guidelines

Illustration of houses, cars and a bicycle.

Are you applying for a building permit? Here you’ll find step-by-step instructions and practical information for the application process. You submit the application through the building permit application portal.

Apply for a building permit

Preparation

You apply for building permits through the building permit application portal.Instructions for the HMS building portal can be found here.

Before you start, have the following ready:

  • Details about the design manager and lead designer (name, ID number, and email).
  • Information about the payer and owners (name, ID number and email address).
  • Main architectural drawings and relevant attachments.

Note that stakeholders like the owner, designer and construction manager must confirm the application using electronic ID.

Property information

  • Verify that the property registration is correct. The application portal only lets you select specific properties, so you must specify in the description field if the application covers a larger area.

Additional documentation

  • Choose a descriptive name for the document.
  • Consider the quality and resolution of documents.
  • You don’t need to submit signed main architectural drawings at this stage. Electronic sealing is performed after the Building Commissioner gives approval.
  • If applicable, a fire stamp must be present.
  • When replacing blueprints after a deferral, submit the entire blueprint package along with a blueprint list showing blueprint numbers, dates, and revision history. Replacement documents are submitted in the same way.

  • Detailed plans are also submitted in the same way but must include the design manager and designer’s signatures. The signature can be an electronic stamp or watermark.

    Supporting documents and new applications are received by the Building Commissioner the day after electronic submission.

Final steps

Applicants receive email confirmation when their application is submitted. When the Building Commissioner receives your application, you will receive a confirmation email with the case number. The case is reviewed at the Building Commissioner’s permit review meeting once all relevant documents have been received and the project manager’s review is complete.

Changes to main architectural drawings

After your application is approved, you can apply for changes to the main architectural drawings through the building permit application portal.

A minimum charge applies according to the Building Commissioner's fee schedule.