Work out a fee
(square feet ÷ 10.764)
Choose the work and the area to see the fee.
The result is the City's formula, not a quote: the City calculates the actual fee when you apply, and it is subject to Harmonized Sales Tax (H.S.T.) where applicable
(City of Hamilton, Building Permit Fees, read November 5, 2026).
Which rates does it use?
| Work | Rate |
|---|---|
| New house, or new floor area added to a house | $18.32 per m² |
| Finishing a basement | $4.06 per m² |
| New basement or cold cellar | $6.58 per m² |
| Deck, balcony, open porch or stairs | $5.36 per m² |
| Garage or storage shed | $6.58 per m² |
| Residential greenhouse or open carport | $5.36 per m² |
| Retail, finished | $20.05 per m² |
| Retail, finishing only (a fit-out) | $5.07 per m² |
| Office up to 10 storeys, finished | $24.14 per m² |
| Office up to 10 storeys, finishing only | $5.85 per m² |
| Restaurant or other assembly building | $27.21 per m² |
| Industrial, finished | $14.06 per m² |
| ADU inside an existing house | $515 flat |
| Detached ADU in the rear yard | $1,030 flat |
| Minimum for any permit | $291 |
The City's formula is Permit Fee = SI x A
, with fees rounded off to the nearest full dollar
(City of Hamilton, Building Permit Fees, read November 5, 2026). New floor area on a house is charged at the house rate. Where no new floor area is made, the fee is 1% of the value of the work as set by the City. Extra fees can apply on top: a foundation permit ($453 for a house), water and sewer services, and for a new house development charges (development charges).
Where do I learn more?
The whole schedule with worked examples is in what a building permit costs. Whether your job needs a permit at all: decks, sheds and garages and basements. 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.