Upload these forms with your building permit application (unless they don't apply to your project):
- Owner Declaration Form (PDF) – most homeowners
- Schedule 1 Designer Form (PDF) – if a designer is involved
Gazebos or roofed structures
Follow these steps to plan your interior renovation project, apply for a permit and book inspections.
This page is for Gazebos or roofed structures.
Tip: print this page and use it as a checklist.
On this page:
1. Plan your project
Before you start, review these steps and gather key details about your project:
- size and location
- materials you’ll use
- any features like stairs or railings
2. Check if you need a permit
You typically need a building permit for gazebos or roofed structures if they are over 10m².
A Pergola is a structure with no roof, only joists (or slats). If you are adding a roof to a pergola, it becomes a roofed structure and may require a building permit.
3. Confirm who can prepare your drawings
Depending on your structure, drawings can be prepared by:
- home owners - for their own house
- Anyone - for structures 55m² or smaller
- Architect, Engineer, or BCIN-qualified designer
4. Prepare your drawings
All drawings must be to scale and dated.
Site plan including:
- lot size
- location of existing buildings
- location of roof/gazebo
- distances to property lines
Foundation plan that includes:
- material and depth
- helical pile locations if applicable
Floor plans that include:
- post sizes
- beam sizes
- collar tie size (if applicable)
- roof sheathing
- roofing material
- post to beam connection
- Roof rafter size, ceiling joist size, ridge board size, and spacings
- Roof joist size, ridge beam size, and spacings
Elevations including:
- height
- connection details
- post sizes
- beam sizes
- collar tie size (if applicable)
- roof sheathing
- roofing material
- post to beam connection
- foundation information
Cross sections including:
- post sizes
- beam sizes
- collar tie size (if applicable)
- roof sheathing
- roofing material
- post to beam connection
- foundation information
- roof rafter size, ceiling joist size, ridge board size, and spacing, or
- roof joist size, ridge beam size, and spacing
Truss layout – sealed by a professional engineer if proposed.
Helical pile layout – sealed by a professional engineer if proposed.
Note: If Roof/Gazebo is fabricated by any material not outlined in the Ontario Building Code, Engineered drawings will be required.
5. Prepare your forms
Complete the forms that apply to your project.
Contact us if you’re not sure which forms you need.
Forms you need if you’re applying online
Forms you need if you’re applying in person
Bring these completed forms to the service counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall:
- Permit Application Form (PDF)
- Owner Declaration Form (PDF) – most homeowners
- Schedule 1 Designer Form (PDF) – if a designer is involved
6. Check permit fees
Permit fees depend on your project. HST does not apply.
- roof fee: $118
Pay when you apply:
- online – credit card only
- in person – cash, debit or cheque payable to City of Waterloo
We’ll start reviewing your application once payment is received.
7. Apply online
Submit your application through the building permit portal.
Upload your drawings and forms when you apply.
8. Wait for review
The typical time to review an application is 10 business days.
We may ask for more information before approval.
9. Get and display your permit
Once approved, your permit package will be available on the portal.
We’ll email you instructions on how to access it.
Print the full package and keep it visible at the work site.
10. Book inspections
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must book inspections before the work is covered.
Find the required inspections listed on your building permit under "Mandatory Inspections".
Book inspections through the building portal (find it on the left menu):
- the earliest you can book an inspection is the next business day
- you'll need your permit number