Building Services serves the community by ensuring all construction requiring a building permit, meets the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code (OBC). We review and inspect each project from application submission through to the completion of construction.
Applications for building permits, demolition permits, sign permits, plumbing permits, and alternative solutions are either submitted through our Online Application Portal (OAP) or by emailing buildingpermits@ajax.ca. Currently only applications associated with residential properties are accepted on the OAP.
Please see our online Guides to Building Permits. It shows the application forms, drawings and documents that you need to submit for select types of permit applications. Requirements for new dwellings can be found on the Building Permits section of this page.
Call Before You Dig
Digging into an underground utility can be dangerous and have costly consequences. Even if you are just digging with a shovel, be sure to get locates in advance. Contact Ontario One Call for the location of buried pipes and cables prior to any excavation work.
Request your free locate online at ON 1 Call or call 1-800-400-2255.
Building Permit Requirements
The requirements for building permits differ based on the type of construction and proposed work.
The following documents outline the requirements when applying for a building permit.
- Additional dwelling units
- Additional dwelling units – 9.8 Ontario Fire Code
- Below grade entrances
- New residential housing (subdivision)
- New residential housing (Pickering Beach)
- New residential housing
- Renovations and additions to existing buildings
- Tents and/or air supported structures
- Install school portables
Driveway and Apron Widening
Maximum Driveway Width by Residential Zone
Residential driveways are made up of two parts (see Figure 1).
Ajax Residents are permitted to expand their driveways (the portion located on private property) to the maximum width permitted under the Zoning By-Law without any application or payment to the Town.
| CR | R1-A | R1-B | R1-C | R1-D | R1-E | R1-F | R2-A | R2-B | R3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * | 7.8 m** | 6.1 m** | 5.6 m** | 5.6 m** | 5.2 m** | 5.2 m** | 5.2 m** | 3.0 m** | 3.0 m** |
*There is no maximum driveway width but driveways and/or parking areas shall not occupy more than 30% of the area of the front yard or more than 10% of the aggregate area of the rear and side yards of any lot.
**A driveway-adjacent walkway is permitted. See the Driveway-Adjacent Walkways section of this page for more information.
Figure 1
Driveway aprons (the portion located on the Town-owned boulevard lands) may also be expanded to the maximum width permitted under the Zoning By-Law, subject to meeting the following setbacks:
- 1.0 m from a municipal tree that has a diameter at breast height (DBH) less than 20 cm, or 2.0 m from a municipal tree with a DBH greater than or equal to 20 cm;
- 1.0 m from any utility equipment/service, stop sign or yield sign;
- 1.0 m from the edge of a transit stop’s concrete pad, or 3.0 m from a transit stop without a concrete pad; and
- 3.0 m from a fire hydrant.
Residential properties are limited to having a single driveway access, except in the Country Residential (CR) Zone, where two driveway accesses may be permitted if all other requirements are met.
Driveway widths exceeding the maximum listed in the Zoning By-Law can be considered via a Minor Variance application (Note: Variances to Maximum Apron Width will not be considered). The Town also permits the construction of walkways at-grade alongside driveways, which was previously not permitted (see Driveway-Adjacent Walkways section of this page for more information).
Driveway-Adjacent Walkways
Residents are now permitted to construct “Driveway-Adjacent Walkways” (see Figure 2) along both sides of their driveways without any application or payment to the Town, provided they meet all applicable requirements.
These walkways are permitted to run along the entire length of the driveway through both private property and the Town-owned boulevard lands. Walkways on the side of the driveway closest to the main entrance of the house can be up to 1.8 metres in width, while walkways on the opposite side of the driveway can be up to 0.6 metres in width.
Where a driveway-adjacent walkway extends through the Town-owned boulevard lands, it must meet all required setbacks as listed in the Driveway and Apron Widening section of this page.
Driveway-adjacent walkways on the Town-owned boulevard lands must also:
- Not include any excavation more than 0.3 m below ground level;
- Be constructed of interlocking pavers, concrete or asphalt; and
- Not include any raised curbs or other features raised above ground level.
On private property, where a driveway-adjacent walkway adjoins another walkway or area of at-grade hard landscaping, the connection point between the two surfaces cannot exceed 1.5 m (see Figure 3).
Figure 2
Figure 3
Curb Cuts
Residents looking to widen the depressed portion of their curb can submit a Curb Cut Application to the Town. All curb cut applications must be supported by a Curb Cut Concept Drawing (see Figure 4) that visually demonstrates all aspects of the proposal.
Curb cuts will be considered up to the maximum width permitted under the Zoning By-Law. Only the Town and contractors hired by the Town are permitted to cut the curb.
Applications are reviewed by Operations and Environmental Services. This process takes 10 business days for review, but incomplete applications may take longer. Approved curb cut applications will require additional time (typically 10-15 business days) for work to commence by Operations and Environmental Services and their contractor(s).
Figure 4
Designer and Drawing Requirements
All construction drawings for the permit application are required to be prepared byending on the building description and scope of work.
The OBC requires qualified and registered designers who review and take responsibility for design activities to include the following information on any documents submitted to the Chief Building Official:
- The name and building code identification number (BCIN) of the registered firm.
- A statement that the qualified person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.
- The name and BCIN of the qualified person.
- The signature of the qualified person.
- Complete Schedule 1 – Designer Information form
The OBC specified when a project is required to be designed and reviewed by an architect, professional engineer, or both. When the construction requires an architect and/or professional engineer the person retained is responsible for the following:
- Commitment to General Review by Architect or Professional Engineer form
- Ensure design and construction is in accordance with the performance standards of the Ontario Association of Architects or the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario.
- Determine whether the construction is in general conformity with the plans, drawings, graphic representations, specifications and other documents, including revisions.
- Provide copies of written reports arising out of the general review to the Chief Building Official.
Permit Application Process
- Applicant completes their application and submits their drawings and supporting documentation through the Online Application Portal (OAP).
- Applications not accepted on the OAP are submitted by emailing the completed application forms, drawings, and supporting documentation to buildingpermits@ajax.ca .
- Staff conducts a pre-screen review to confirm the project complies with our submission standards.
- Once the submission passes the pre-screen review, it becomes a building permit application. The applicant will receive an email indicating the applicable permit fee and payment instructions. The date of application is the day following the date that the pre-screen review is approved.
- All plans review and any required resubmissions are conducted electronically.
- Plan review comments will be sent to the applicant via the portal/email
- Applicant resubmits revised plans and documents for further review (until approval)
- The applicant will receive an email notification if there are any fees outstanding, all fees must be paid before the permit can be issued.
- The issued building permit card, approved plans, and documents will be available on the portal or emailed to the applicant.
- Applicants are responsible for printing the building permit card, and one (1) set of approved plans and documents, printed to scale and in colour for use on site by the building inspector.
- Having a building permit is not the same as filing an electrical notification with the Electrical Safety Authority. You may need both. You can find more information here.
Helpful Guidelines for the Application Process
We have created guides for the most common residential building permit applications to help residents understand the building permit application process. Each guide provides an application form, documents checklist and sample drawings. The sample drawings are intended to be used for reference only and cannot be submitted with your application.
- Additional dwelling units*
- Additions*
- Below grade entrances*
- Carports, garages and sheds
- Concrete porches
- Decks*
- Finished basements
* Updated building guide coming soon.
Forms Required for Permit Applications
To simplify the building permit process and help applicants submit a complete application the most common forms are provided below:
Building Inspections
When you have a building permit it is your responsibility to arrange for the required inspections listed on the back of your permit card. Inspections must be completed as required by the Ontario Building Code.
Ensure your permit card is posted at all times during construction or demolition in a visible location on the property for which the permit is issued. One copy of the approved permit drawings and documents is to stay on the property and be available to the building inspector.
Work on your building permit must start within six months of the issued date listed on the permit card and must be completed within one year of the issued date.
Booking an inspection
When requesting an inspection please give at least 24 hours notice and provide the following information:
- Building permit number
- Municipal street address
- Inspection code number (provided on the permit card)
- Date and time (AM or PM) that the inspection is wanted. (Note, it is not guaranteed the inspection will occur at the requested time).
- Contact name and telephone number