Non-residential New Construction

Additional permits and documentation may be required before preparing your building permit application, including:

• Site plan approval: You must submit an application for site plan approval before applying for a building permit. 
  

• Demolition permit: If there is an existing building on your site, you will require a separate demolition permit. A demolition permit is a type of building permit.

• Site servicing permit: If you are proposing modifications to the site servicing or installing new services, a separate site servicing permit is required. Contact buildingrequests@oakville.ca or 905-845-6601 ext 7377

• Halton Region services permit: If adding new connections at the street, a Halton Region services permit is required. Learn more at Halton Region permits.

Before you get started, consult the zoning by-law to ensure your proposed plans for the unit are permitted under the Town of Oakville's zoning by-laws which regulate the use, shape and location of buildings on properties. 

If changing the use or occupancy of the building or unit, a Zoning Certificate of Occupancy is required. 

Learn more about zoning in Oakville or contact us at 905-845-6601 ext. 3955.

If you are a new owner or tenant moving into a space or if a change of use is occurring, development charges for the Region of Halton may apply. A non-residential development charge form (pdf) will need to be submitted so the region can review the scope of work and determine if charges are applicable. Development charges must be paid prior to building permit issuance. 

Learn more about development charges, including current rates.

If your project is deemed to be substantial redevelopment, then Planning approval is required. Typically, site plan approval is initiated prior to applying for a building permit. 

If you are opening a daycare centre, site plan approval may be required. Learn more about planning applications or contact planningapps@oakville.ca.

An approved fire route is required. Please contact fireprevention@oakville.ca.

If your property is in a designated conservation area, contact Conservation Halton for approval at web@hrca.on.ca or 905-336-1158. Learn more about conservation-related permitting and planning. 

In certain instances, approvals from additional agencies are required.

• Halton Region: Business owners or operators are required to notify Halton Region Public Health when they are planning to open to the public, reopen (seasonal), undergo renovations or change in operation and/or services provided to the public including food premises, personal services setting, class A&B pools and tobacco/vapour product retailers. For more information visit Halton Region Public Health Notification of Business Opening, Reopening & Renovation.
• Ministry of Environment approval: If your project changes the use of the building or unit to a more sensitive use you will need to provide a record of site condition from the Ministry of the Environment. An example of a change to a more sensitive use is proposing a daycare centre in a former industrial unit. 
• Ministry of Education approval: If your project is for a daycare centre, Montessori school or private school you will need to provide a letter of approval from the Ministry of Education.
• Ministry of Long-Term Care approval: If your project is for a long-term care facility, you will need to provide a letter of approval from the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
• Ministry of Transportation approval: If your property is located close to a major highway as indicated in the MTO designated areas map you will require Ministry of Transportation approval.

Demolition activities may be eligible  for a reduction in property tax assessment under Section 357 of the Municipal Act which provides municipalities with the authority to cancel, reduce  or refund taxes based on specific criteria.

If you think you are eligible to apply for a property tax adjustment please complete the Application for Cancellation/ Reduction/Refund of Taxes under Section 357 form (pdf) and send to propertytaxrebates@oakville.ca. 

Deadline for submission is the last day of February, the year following the issuance of a demolition permit. 

A fee will apply, updated fees can be found on the Administrative Service Fees page.

Learn more about property tax assessments.