Our sources
Where our permit information comes from.
We use official municipal and provincial sources, then explain the useful part in plain language. If the city does not publish a clear answer, we say so.
We start with the municipality
Municipal building, planning and development departments are the main source for local permit rules. We also use official bylaws, forms, fee schedules and application portals.
When a provincial or delegated safety authority controls an approval, we link to that authority instead.
We do not turn uncertainty into a yes or no
Some cities publish clear thresholds for decks, sheds, retaining walls and other projects. Others require a property-specific review. In those cases, the guide tells you what to confirm rather than guessing.
A “no building permit” answer is only about the building-permit rule described by the cited source. Zoning, development, plumbing, electrical, heritage or other approvals can still apply.
Review dates
Each city guide shows when its sources were checked. That date means we reviewed the source; it does not mean the municipality changed its bylaw on that day.
Before spending money or starting work, open the official source linked on the page and confirm the rule for your property.