Whenever you’re looking to do some home repairs or renovations it’s good to check whether you need a permit to do the work. When it comes to most roof work … a permit is usually not required.
If you’re tearing off old shingles and putting new ones back on, with no changes to the structure, most Ontario municipalities wouldn’t require a building permit.
But once the job touches the roof framing, changes the roof’s shape, cuts a new opening, or makes the roof heavier, you’ll likely need one.
Every town runs its own building department, though, so you’re going to want to check with your local municipality before starting anything.
Here’s how to tell which side of the line your project falls on, what the Ontario Building Code says about roofs, and who’s actually responsible for getting the permit.
Most everyday roofing is treated as maintenance. You generally won’t need a permit to:
Barrie is a good example of how this works.
The City’s permit list says re-shingling doesn’t need a permit as long as the weight of the roofing material doesn’t increase. Eavestroughs don’t need one either, (just make sure the water drains onto your own property).
If the work changes how the roof is built or what it holds up, plan on a permit. Work that will likely require a permit includes:
Barrie puts it simply: any construction that modifies, alters, or adds structural components needs a permit.
Most municipalities have similar requirements.
It depends on where you live. In a town where the test is weight, like Barrie, a lighter material may not need a permit. A heavier one, such as slate or concrete tile, almost certainly would.
Metal is usually lighter than asphalt shingles, but some building departments look more closely at any change in roofing type. Call yours before you sign a contract, not after the old roof is off.
Most houses fall under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code, which is written for housing and small buildings. The roofing section of the building code can be found in Section 9.26. It covers the roof covering itself, eaves protection against ice dams, flashing, and how it all gets installed.
A few other sections matter too.
Section 9.19 deals with roof spaces, including attic ventilation. Section 9.23 covers wood framing, including rafters and trusses. Section 9.4 covers structural design, which includes snow loads, a real concern in this part of Ontario.
The code gets updated every few years. The 2024 edition took effect on January 1, 2025, replacing the 2012 version, so if you’re reading older roofing articles, check which one they’re quoting.
One thing people miss: the code still applies when you don’t need a permit. A re-shingle has to meet Section 9.26 either way. The only difference is that no inspector comes to check.
As the property owner, you’re responsible for getting any building permits. Some roofers will apply on your behalf, but legally the permit is the owner’s responsibility.
If your roofer is applying for you, the municipality will usually want your written permission.
In Barrie, that’s a Property Owner Consent Form. Before work starts, get clear answers to three questions:
Get the answers in writing, ideally on the quote or contract.
If you decide to move forward on a project without a permit that would require one … don’t. If work starts without a required permit, most municipalities will charge the owner with a pre-permit surcharge on top of the regular fees. Some will also issue a stop-work order.
It can also come back later. Unpermitted work can show up when you sell, and you may be asked to open things up so an inspector can see what was done. This is not the stress you want when selling your house.
Call or email your local building department and describe the job specifically. “Tear off and re-shingle, same material, no structural changes” gets you a faster, clearer answer than “we’re redoing the roof.”
In Barrie, start with the City’s Residential Building Permits page or contact Service Barrie. Most other municipalities post a similar list online. If your home is a designated heritage property, ask about that too, since extra approvals can apply even to simple exterior work.
