What can the City do?
The City lists these consequences of not getting a permit, among others (City of Hamilton, Building Permit, read November 5, 2026):
| Consequence | In the City's words |
|---|---|
| An order on title | Receive order to comply to obtain a building/demolition permit that may be registered on title |
| A fine | maximum fines of $50,000 for an individual, or $500,000 for a corporation for a first offence, under section 36 of the Building Code Act |
| Work stopped | Ordered to stop work |
| Court | Legal action for building without a permit or not following an order |
| Costs to fix it | hire Professional Engineer, deconstruction etc. |
| Other approvals | Problems with the escarpment, conservation authority or zoning rules the work skipped |
| Extra fees | Additional fees under the City's Building Permit By-law |
Why does an order on title matter?
A buyer's lawyer searches the title. An open order shows up, and it can hold up a sale or cut the price until the work is permitted and inspected. Work hidden behind finished walls may have to be opened for the inspector.
How does unpermitted work get a permit now?
By applying the normal way, with drawings of what is there and what will change. For an apartment the Fire Department has ordered fixed, the City says to include the Fire Order Number for reference in the description of work
and submit drawings reviewed, approved and stamped by the Fire Department
(City of Hamilton, Additional Dwelling Units, read November 5, 2026); making a basement apartment legal covers that path. Where the work also breaks the zoning, a minor variance sought after the fact cost $5,160 in 2026 (when you need a minor variance).
Which jobs are most often built without one?
Ones people do not expect to need it: an attached deck (does my deck need a permit?), a finished basement (finishing a basement), a wall taken out (removing a wall), and on a heritage property, new windows (heritage properties).
How does JDT avoid it?
Every job is drawn first, and the drawing shows what the permit needs. Under JDT Construction Inc.'s agreement the homeowner applies for the permit and pays the City's fees; who applies for a building permit explains how that works.