Building permits in Cambridge

Cambridge’s current building-permit page does not publish one citywide deck height/area rule that applies to every property. Confirm deck attachment, height, cover and zoning with Building Services.

Cambridge exempts a detached accessory structure 15 m² or smaller when it is one storey, storage-only and has no plumbing; projects outside those conditions require permit confirmation.

Cambridge requires permits for structural interior alterations, wall changes, plumbing/drains and other regulated work; a basement project therefore depends on the exact renovation scope.

Cambridge states that new Additional Residential Units must be constructed with a building permit and receive City occupancy approval.

Cambridge’s building-permit rules require approval for new construction that enlarges or adds regulated building area; a residential addition follows the building-permit process.

Cambridge requires permits for wall changes, enlarged openings, structural alterations and plumbing/drain work, while cosmetic work and several like-for-like replacements are listed as no-permit projects.

Cambridge explicitly lists interior structural alterations and adding/removing walls among projects requiring a building permit.

Cambridge requires a municipal pool/hot-tub permit before installing any pool or hot tub capable of a water depth of 76.2 cm (30 in) or more; shallower configurations need confirmation under the bylaw.

Cambridge lists attached or detached garages, sheds and carports as typical permit projects, while a narrow detached one-storey storage exemption can apply to qualifying small accessory structures.

Cambridge lists plumbing, drains and water/storm/sanitary service work as permit work, while some same-system replacements such as an existing forced-air furnace or added heat pump/AC can be exempt.

Cambridge states that ordinary fences do not require a building permit, except swimming-pool enclosures, which follow the pool/fence permit route.

Cambridge lists retaining walls greater than 1 m as permit work depending on location.

Cambridge requires demolition-control approval for removal of legal residential dwelling units in applicable cases, while other demolition follows the standard demolition-permit route. The exact path depends on what is being removed.