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house under constructionResidential Building Permits

General Information

What is a building permit?
A building permit is a municipal document from the City of Winnipeg that provides legal authorization to begin construction of a building project. The Zoning and Permits Branch within the Planning, Property and Development Department is the legal municipal authority for issuing permits in the City of Winnipeg.

Why is a building permit required?
If you or the contractor you have hired are going to build, add, renovate or alter any part of your residence, or perform work on the electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical systems of your residence, ensure that a permit has been obtained prior to starting your project. Permits ensure that the work is in compliance with all codes and safety standards and will be inspected by a City of Winnipeg Inspector to ensure professional standards are met.

In many cases your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. Remember, as the homeowner, you are ultimately responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and complying with the applicable building code and zoning requirements.

What construction projects require building permits?
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit. Below are listed some typical projects and whether or not they require a permit. Please note that in some cases an additional electrical and/or plumbing permit may also be required. If the proposed building or structure is to be built adjacent to or in the vicinity of a river or stream, a Waterway Permit is required by the City’s Parks, Riverbanks and Community Initiatives Branch to ensure that the new construction has minimal impact on riverbank stability.

Typical Projects That Require a Permit

  • Constructing a new building
  • Any addition to an existing building
  • A detached building (garage, storage sheds, gazebos, etc.) with a floor area over 108 sq.ft/10 sq.m.
  • Decks with a floor height over 2 ft./600 mm from ground level
  • Enclosing an existing open deck
  • Finishing previously unfinished spaces in a home such as basement developments, attics, etc.
  • Plumbing, electrical or air-conditioning systems
  • Foundation Repairs
  • Swimming pools or any device capable of holding over 2 ft./600 mm of water
  • Installing a wood stove / fireplace
  • Wheelchair Ramps
  • Temporary structures larger than 900 sq. ft. such as special event tents
  • Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • Projects receiving assistance from the Home Renovations Tax Assistance (HRTA) program

Projects that Normally* DO NOT Need a Permit

Although a building permit may not be required, it is still necessary for these projects to comply with the Building Code and applicable zoning requirements.

*If you are applying for a credit under the Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program, these project will need a permit, but a permit fee will not be charged.

  • Open decks with a floor height under 2 ft./600 mm from ground level
  • Replacing stucco, siding, or shingles with the same material
  • Replacing doors and windows with the same size
  • Fences (single & two-family dwellings only)
  • Patching, painting, and decorating
  • Installing cabinets and shelves

What if I fail to take out a permit?
Work that is done without a permit may not meet the minimum building code requirements and could result in substandard construction that may not be structurally adequate.  This could lead to costly repairs in the future to correct the problem or even a complete failure of the construction. Work that cannot be made to comply will require removal. The cost of a permit “after the fact” will be doubled and legal action may be initiated to ensure compliance.  Please contact Planning, Property and Development Department, Zoning and Permits Branch at 986-5140, prior to beginning any work to avoid these type of situations.

What are the processing times for permits?
The most important thing you can do to facilitate a quick processing time is ensure that you have all your documentation and plans in order when you make your permit application.

We encourage you to submit your application well in advance of your project start date. Exact processing times will be dependent on the complexity of your application and total number of applications received. Applications for projects that are submitted in the busy construction season (April to September) may take longer to process.

Are there assistance programs available?
Yes, please check the Financial Assistance Programs website to see if you are eligible.

How can I get a copy of my House Plans?
You can request a search and obtain a copy of your House Plans by contacting our Records Management Branch at 311. It is recommended that you phone in advance to ensure you have all the required information for the search.

The Basic Search Fee is $50.75, (plus GST) with an additional fee for photocopying. (Fees subject to change without notice). The total fees payable for a copy of a typical residential house plan are approximately $55 - $60.

Searches of commercial buildings are also available with typical fees ranging from approximately $55 - $110, depending on the size of the plans, the type of media storage and amount of copying involved.

To request a search for your House Plans, you must be the legal owner of the property or submit a written authorization signed by the owner when you make your request. The written authorization should give you permission to view and/or copy the building plans for the specified address. The following sample “Letters of Authorization” may be modified to suit your circumstances:

  PDF Sample of Homeowner Letter of Authorization (60kb)
  PDF Sample of Commercial Owner Letter of Authorization (76kb)

Examples of situations where written authorizations from the owner will be required include search requests from a tenant, purchaser of the property, contractor, design consultant or other professional engaged by the owner. Real estate agents acting on behalf of the current owners/sellers may submit copies of the Real Estate Listing Contract instead of a Letter of Authorization. (Information in the Commission section of the form may be deleted/obscured).

Can I find out what past permits have been issued on a property?
Our Records Management staff can also search a property for all or for specific types of Building Permits issued in the past. Knowing whether building permits were taken out may be useful in planning renovations or in deciding whether to purchase a particular property. You do not have to be the legal owner of the property to request a search.

The Basic Search Fee is $50.00, plus GST and copying fees. It is recommended that you phone the Records Management Branch at 311 in advance to discuss the type of search you want to request.

Zoning Variance
A Zoning By-Law is the instrument used to regulate land use and development within the city. Within each Zoning District there are rules for development that apply to building setbacks from the property lines, building heights and lot coverage to name a few. When a property owner finds it either impossible or impractical to meet these rules for development, a variance application may be filed to modify provisions of the Zoning By-law.

There are 3 types of zoning variances:

  1. “Tolerance” - up to 5% of the bylaw requirement.
  2. “Administrative” - all variance applications for single and two-family dwellings and up to 25% of the Bylaw requirements for non-residential variances, all zoning variance applications within the downtown area under Zoning Bylaw No. 100/2004.
  3. “Board of Adjustment / Community Committee” - all other variance and conditional use applications.

For Variance application requirements and fees PDF (pdf 71kb).

Conditional Use
Conditional Use means a use of a building or land that may be unique in its characteristics or operation, which could have an impact on adjoining properties. This type of application requires 4 to 6 weeks for a decision.

For Conditional Use application requirements and fees  PDF (pdf 79kb).

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Last update: July 9, 2010

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