Do I Need a Building Permit for a Bathroom Renovation in Burlington?

The short answer: it depends on what you’re changing. The City of Burlington says construction projects related to a building generally need a building permit under Ontario’s Building Code Act, except for a specific list of exceptions. Replacing plumbing fixtures of the same type in the same location is on that exceptions list. Moving or adding plumbing, structural work and new walls are the kinds of changes you should check before you start. Electrical permits don’t come from the City at all; they come from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).

I’m a tile and bathroom installer, not a building official, so this page is general guidance. The City of Burlington’s building department has the final word. Call or email them before you start, and keep the answer in writing.

What the City of Burlington says

The City’s page, Do I Need a Building Permit?, starts with the rule: construction projects related to a building or structure require a permit under the Building Code Act, except in specific cases. It then lists the projects that don’t need one. The items most relevant to bathrooms are:

• “Painting, decorating, millwork and replacing plumbing fixtures of the same type and in the same location.”
• Replacing drywall with the same material where it doesn’t affect fire separation or other parts of the wall, like studs or insulation.
• Electrical work: the City doesn’t issue electrical permits. You contact the Electrical Safety Authority for those.

Anything that isn’t on the exceptions list is worth a call. The City’s building department can be reached at buildingpermits@burlington.ca or 905-335-7731 (as listed on the City’s page on October 17, 2026). Mike to confirm re-check contact details before publishing

Bathroom changes that usually mean “call the City first”

These are the kinds of changes that go beyond swapping fixtures. Whether each one needs a permit for your home is the City’s call:

• Moving the toilet, shower drain or vanity drain to a new location.
• Adding a new bathroom, for example in a basement.
• Structural changes, like cutting or altering floor joists to recess a curbless shower, removing or moving a wall, or enlarging a window.
• New walls or rearranging the room layout.
• Changes to ventilation or anything affecting a fire separation (common in semis, townhomes and condos).

Changes that are often simpler

• Replacing a toilet, vanity or tub with the same type in the same location.
• Painting and decorating.
• Replacing drywall with the same material, as described above.

A straight retile, where you’re replacing old tile with new tile and nothing else changes, isn’t named specifically on the City’s page, so ask the building department if you’re unsure. A full shower rebuild often involves more than tile (drain, valve, framing), which is exactly why it’s worth the call.

Electrical: that’s the ESA, not the City

Heated floors, a steam shower generator circuit, new lighting, a lit niche, a new fan: in Ontario, electrical work falls under the Electrical Safety Authority. The City’s page says so directly. Have a qualified electrician do the work and take out the ESA permit. (Heated Bathroom Floors)

Condos and townhomes in Halton

If you’re in a condo, your condo corporation almost certainly has its own rules: approval before work starts, working hours, elevator bookings, noise, and sometimes specific requirements for waterproofing and sound control. Get the board’s approval in writing first. That’s separate from any City permit.

Why permits matter (beyond the rules)

• Inspections catch problems while the walls are open.
• Selling your home: buyers and their inspectors may ask about unpermitted work.
• Your home policy: check with your provider; unpermitted work can complicate claims.
• Peace of mind: your plumbing and structure were checked by someone whose job it is.

How to check, step by step

1. Write down exactly what’s changing: moving plumbing? Touching joists? New walls? New electrical?
2. Read the City’s list: Do I Need a Building Permit?
3. Ask the building department (buildingpermits@burlington.ca) with your list. Keep the reply.
4. Book the electrician and ESA permit for any electrical work.
5. Condo? Get board approval in writing.
6. Build permit time into your schedule. (How Long Does a Bathroom Renovation Take?)

Questions to ask your installer

• Based on what we’re changing, do you expect we’ll need a permit?
• Who applies for it and who books inspections?
• Who’s doing the plumbing and electrical, and who takes out the ESA permit?
• How does the permit timing affect the schedule?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to replace a toilet or vanity in Burlington?

The City of Burlington lists replacing plumbing fixtures of the same type in the same location as work that doesn’t need a building permit. Moving them is a different question. Confirm with the building department if anything is moving.

Do I need a permit to move my shower drain?

Moving plumbing to a new location is the kind of change you should check with the City of Burlington building department before you start. Ask them with a short description of the change.

Does a curbless shower need a permit?

If building it means altering floor joists or other structure, check with the City before you start. If the floor can be built up without structural changes, the answer may be different. The City decides.

Who issues electrical permits for a bathroom in Burlington?

The Electrical Safety Authority, not the City. The City’s own permit page says so. A qualified electrician normally takes out the ESA permit.

Do condo bathroom renovations need approval?

Usually yes, from your condo corporation, and separately from any City permit. Get the board’s written approval and rules before work begins.

By Mike Bourdages, Burlington Tile. Last reviewed Mike to confirm review date. This page is general information, not legal or code advice. Always confirm with the City of Burlington.