Planning Your Build

What can you build
on your property?

Start with your property’s rules. Then work out the drawings and approvals you need before moving ahead.

A starting guide for Ontario projects. Your municipality confirms the requirements for your property and intended use.

Check what you can build.

Have the property address or roll number and a clear description of how you plan to use the building.

Find your zoning

Use the municipality’s official zoning map to identify your zone. Read the permitted uses and any property-specific exceptions. Ask whether your proposal is treated as a main or accessory building.

Confirm maximum height

Find the height limit in the applicable bylaw, then ask planning staff how height is measured for your roof shape and ground level. Include the roof pitch when discussing your design.

Low eave ≠ overall height. The height entered in our Building Design Tool is the low eave. The roof rises above it; confirm the municipality’s measurement method before choosing your final height.

Check the building’s position

Confirm setbacks from property lines and other buildings, permitted lot coverage and any accessory-building size limits. Ask whether easements or site restrictions affect where you can build.

Start with your municipality’s planning department. Read Ontario’s zoning guide ↗

Understand the permit preparation.

Request the local application checklist early. The package depends on the building’s use, size and location.

What is usually needed	What it explains	Who to confirm it with
Site plan	Property boundaries, existing and proposed buildings, dimensions and setbacks. A survey or grading plan may also be required.	Your municipality and a site professional, where needed.
Building drawings	Floor plans, elevations, sections and structural details for the proposed building.	Trillium for the drawings included in your package; your project designer for the complete submission.
Foundation design	The foundation and anchorage needed for the building and site conditions.	Your project designer or engineer. Confirm who supplies it before ordering.
Other approvals	Site plan, conservation, septic, entrance or servicing approvals, if applicable.	Your municipality and the relevant approval authority.
Application and fees	Completed forms, required supporting documents and the application fee.	You or your appointed applicant, using the municipality’s checklist.

What happens after you apply?

The municipality reviews the submission and may request changes or further information. Obtain the required permits before starting the relevant work, then arrange inspections at the stages it specifies.

Catalogue drawings and tool previews are concepts; confirm the project-specific drawing scope in your written quote. Ontario permit guide ↗ · Example municipal checklist: Hamilton ↗

Ask the right questions. Then start your design.

Copy this enquiry, fill in the brackets and send it to your municipality’s planning or building department.

Enquiry to your municipality

Hello,

I’m considering a steel building at [property address or roll number] for [intended use]. The proposed size is [width × length], with a [gable / monoslope] roof.

Could you please confirm:
• The property’s zoning, whether this use is permitted, and any site-specific provisions.
• The maximum building height and how it is measured for this roof shape, including the grade reference.
• Required setbacks, maximum lot coverage and any limits for accessory buildings.
• The permit drawings, application forms, fees and other approvals needed for this project.

Please direct me to the relevant zoning map, bylaw sections and permit checklist.

Thank you.

Your next step

Turn the property rules into a building layout.

Once you know the permitted use, height and setbacks, explore dimensions, roof shape, doors, windows and colours.

Open the Building Design Tool ↗

You can explore a concept while you wait for a reply. Confirm the property rules before finalising it.

What can you buildon your property?