Building permits in Markham

Markham says decks less than 600 mm (24 in) above existing grade at all locations do not need a building permit; raised decks above that threshold are listed as permit work.

Markham states that a detached single-storey accessory building with no plumbing and less than 15 m² does not need a building permit.

Markham lists renovating a dwelling to provide a full basement and constructing separate rooms in a basement among work requiring a building permit.

Markham states that a building permit is required for new construction creating a second suite, followed by inspections/registration requirements.

Markham lists any addition to an existing building, irrespective of size, among projects requiring a building permit.

Markham lists both structural and non-load-bearing partition alterations among permit work, while cupboards, painting and like-for-like maintenance/replacements can be exempt.

Markham lists adding, removing or altering a structural wall or column among work requiring a building permit.

Markham requires a swimming-pool enclosure permit before beginning work for pools in which the water depth can exceed 0.6 m.

Markham lists detached or attached garages and carports among projects requiring a building permit, subject to the published small-accessory-building exemptions.

Markham requires permits for new plumbing piping and specified mechanical work, while some replacements/maintenance and electrical work follow different approval paths.

Markham lists fences other than a pool-enclosure fence as work that does not need a building permit; the Fence By-law still applies.

Markham lists retaining walls less than 1 m high as not requiring a building permit; taller walls require Building Standards review.

Markham requires a demolition permit where a building footprint will be decreased; the permit-process page specifically lists demolition of buildings greater than 10 m² as permit work.