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Building Permits
Step Three:
So, you have chosen a location and want to do some renovations, now what?
To improve the space you have chosen and make it fit your business’ needs you will need to check with the City of Hamilton’s Building Division before you make any changes, to learn if you need a building permit.
This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
Common reasons why you may need a building permit:
01
Adding a patio
02
Removing or adding interior walls
03
Installing plumbing
Installing or modifying a sprinkler system
05
06
Installing a commercial cooking exhaust system
08
Installing exit signs and an emergency lighting system
Reconstructing or modifying windows and/or doors
04
07
Adding signage or replacing existing signage
09
Constructing a washroom or barrier-free washroom
10
Installing a grease interceptor or backflow preventer
11
Changing from one business use to a different business use
What are the steps to apply for a building permit for a new restaurant - in a new building or in an existing building?
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1. Apply for a building permit
Apply in person by visiting the 3rd-floor Building Division counter at City Hall. Learn more about applying for a building permit.
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2. Pay the appropriate fees
Contact building@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-2424 ext. 2720 for more details. You can also visit the City of Hamilton's online Building Permit Fees online resource.
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3. Submit a drawing package
Packages must include, but is not limited to:
a. Existing and proposed construction/demolition details.
b. A site plan or survey of the property showing, as a minimum, the lot size, dimensions of the property, parking spaces, landscaped areas, and setbacks from the building property lines and to other buildings.
c. Please note: The Ontario Building Code requires these to be prepared by a design professional (BCIN, Architect, or Professional Engineer) depending on the size of the building and/or the number of seats in the restaurant.
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*Additional points of interest
Prior to licence issuance, all required building inspections must be completed and the building permit for the restaurant is required to be closed by the building inspector.
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Building permit cost & timelines
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit for a New Restaurant | Minimum of $277.00 (1) Fee calculation depends on various factors. See the Building Permit By-law for details or contact building@hamilton.ca. (2) The applicant may need to pay the applicable law review fee of $272.00 (1) | Time for 1st review: 20-30 business days depending on the size of the building. |
- Fees subject to change without notice.
- For more information related to Building Permit classes and fees, please visit the City of Hamilton online Building Permit Fees online resource or contact building@hamilton.ca.
What is required to submit a building permit for a new sign or replacement of an existing sign:
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1. Submit an application
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2. Pay the appropriate fees
Please note: permit fees vary depending on how many signs are being installed and the type of sign installed.
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3. Provide drawings
Provide drawings showing the installation, construction, and connection details of the signs, foundation details (if applicable), and elevations of the building showing where the sign is to be installed (if applicable).
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4. Site plan
A site plan is required with submission. Learn more about site plans.
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*Additional points of interest
If the sign promoting your restaurant is attached to an exterior wall of the building, and/or if you require a new frame for your sign, then you will need to apply for a Building Permit for a new sign.
If you are just replacing the sign (plastic part) to indicate a new business name, and not replacing the frame, a permit is not needed.
Prior to Sign Permit issuance, the use advertised on the sign must be the recognized use in the building to which the sign pertains. If there is an existing over-hanging sign, there may be an annual inspection fee applicable.
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Sign permit cost & timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit for a New Sign (1) | This fee varies depending on whether the building is new or existing (2) | Time for 1st review: 10 business days |
| Mobile Sign (3) | $95.00 for 14 consecutive days OR $141.00 for 28 consecutive days | Approximately 48 hours to process |
| A-Frame Sign(3 & 4) | $109.00 / year OR $171.00 / 3 years | Approximately 48 hours to process |
| Banner Sign (3) | $109.00 for 28 consecutive days OR $213.00 / 7 consecutive days (For example: used for a grand opening or promotional event) | Approximately 48 hours to process |
- For more information related to Building Permit classes and fees, please visit the City of Hamilton online Building Permit Fees online resource or contact building@hamilton.ca.
- Fees subject to change.
- To apply for an A-frame sign, mobile sign or banner sign, an application is to be submitted to the Licensing Division located at City Hall, 71 Main Street West, 1st floor.
- Application for A-frame sign or banner sign requires proof of $2 million in liability insurance.
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Who do I contact with question about a new ground or wall sign?
A ground sign is a sign that is free standing and is supported by a structure secured to the ground. This structure is not supported by any building or other structure and does not have a billboard.
Please contact the Building Division by emailing building@hamilton.ca or visit the Hamilton Sign By-Law online resources for more information.
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Who do I contact with questions about mobile, a-frame, or banner signs?
A mobile sign can be readily moved from one location to another, and may be part of or attached to a wheeled trailer or frame without wheels but does not include a Temporary Sign. A mobile sign requires a Sign permit.
A sidewalk sign is a temporary sign that is a free-standing and is typically shaped like an “A” or a “T” with one or two sign faces.
Temporary signs include portable signs, sidewalk signs, and new home development signs.
Please direct questions regarding these types of signs to MLE@hamilton.ca or visit the Hamilton Sign By-Law online resources for more information.
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Once a sign permit has been issued, who do I contact with questions?
Once a permit has been issued, please direct your inquiries to 905-546-3950.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact:
The Hamilton Business Centre
Hamilton City Hall
71 Main St, W (1st floor)
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5
905-540-6400
hbc@hamilton.ca
Links:
Hamilton Business Centre