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Clarington building and demolition permit applications
Clarington, Ontario, Canada
Use Service Clarington to apply for building and demolition permits.
Key information
Use Service Clarington to apply for building and demolition permits. Confirm the project category before work; smaller-project exemptions do not establish that every zoning or property rule is satisfied.
On this page
Projects normally needing a permit
The source lists new homes and additions, accessory buildings over 10 square metres, raised porches or decks, garages, structural changes, basement partitions or entrances, apartments and plumbing alterations. Tents over 60 square metres or closer than three metres to a building are also listed.
Demolition permits cover buildings over 10 square metres except farm buildings under the source’s stated exception. Confirm the actual proposal with Building Services, rather than treating a short examples list as all code exemptions.
Sources: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Examples normally outside the building-permit requirement
Detached structures of 10 square metres or less and decks no more than 60 cm above grade are listed as normally not requiring a permit. Replacement doors, windows, roofing or siding, finishes, certain repairs, fixture replacement and furnace replacement are also listed.
These are qualified examples. A smaller shed can still face placement, easement or other rules. Use the project-specific pages and ask Building Services when the project changes structural work or use.
Sources: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Online submission and current design notices
Create a Service Clarington account, submit the application, required electronic documents and fee, including Schedule 1 designer information where required. Staff check code, zoning and applicable rules and email approval.
To link older files, use the same email as the earlier application and contact BuildingPermits@clarington.net if missing. Past and current permit searches are public without an account. The source posts new climate-design data effective July 1, 2026; designers should use the linked bulletin.
Sources: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Accessory threshold normally needing permit | Over 10 m² |
| Low deck example | 60 cm or less from grade |
| Tent examples needing permit | Over 60 m² or within three metres of building |
| Demolition threshold | Over 10 m², stated farm-building exception |
| Permit search | Public, no account required |
| Building help | 905-623-3379 extension 2660 |
Sources: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Steps to follow
- Define
Identify actual size, use and structural changes.
- Prepare
Use the project requirements and electronic-document guide.
- Apply
Submit through Service Clarington and wait for approval before work.
Sources: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Service locations
Maps locate the source-listed site or address. They do not verify an accessible entrance, internal counter or route.
Municipal Administrative Centre
40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, Clarington, Ontario
Municipal service location for the task described. Confirm the specific counter or booked appointment before travelling.
- General phone
- 905-623-3379
Questions and answers
Does an addition normally need a permit?
Yes.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
What accessory-building size normally needs one?
Over 10 square metres.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
What low-deck example normally does not?
A deck 60 cm or less from grade.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Can an apartment added inside a house need a permit?
Yes.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
What tent size is listed?
Over 60 square metres, or closer than three metres to a building.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
What demolition size is covered?
Buildings over 10 square metres, with the stated farm-building exception.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Where is the online application?
Service Clarington.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
Can I search existing permits without an account?
Yes.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
How can I link an older application?
Use the same email and ask BuildingPermits@clarington.net if it does not appear.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information
When does the posted updated climate-design data take effect?
July 1, 2026.
Source: Official Clarington building and demolition permit applications information