Apply for a Building Permit

A building permit ensures that your structure is designed and constructed in compliance with the National Building Code and where applicable the National Energy Code for Buildings. It is issued according to the provincial Building Codes Act and regulations.

A building permit is required for the following (please note this is not the full list of structures that may require a building permit):

• Any dwelling (building used for residential occupancy) including a tiny home or cottage;
• Structures for industrial, institutional, commercial, and other uses;
• Accessory building greater than 20 m² (~215 ft²); or
• Deck that is:
  • Greater than 55 m² (~538 ft²);
  • 600 mm (24 inches) above ground; or
  • Supporting a structure such as a roof or second story deck.

Where do I get a building permit?

The location of your project will determine where you apply for your permit:

• Municipalities Charlottetown, Stratford, Summerside, and St. Felix issue the building permit for projects within their municipal boundaries. Contact your municipal planning office for more information. You can find contact details in the Municipal Directory.
• For all other areas, the provincial government issues the building permit. Find more information on obtaining a development permit. 

How do I apply for a building permit from the Province?

Fill out the online form using the blue button at the bottom of this page. You will be required to provide the following information:

• Contact details of the property owner (and applicant, if different than the owner);
• Property information like property ID (PID), location, and lot number;
  • Lot number may not apply to your project but if you need to add it to your application, it can be found on your deed or survey plan.
• Current use of the property and type of proposed structure;
• Structure dimensions;
• Estimated value of construction;
• Technical information (if applicable to the structure):
  • Foundation type;
  • Basement type;
  • Heating source;
  • Electrical service; and
  • Siding and roof material.
• Contact details for any contracted individuals or companies;
• Copy of the development permit if you received it from a municipality.
• Copy of the following plans:
  • Foundation;
  • Front, side, and rear elevations;
  • Floor plans;
  • Cross-sections;
  • Site plan; and
  • Truss/structural framing (this plan is required before a framing inspection can be completed).

You can also complete and sign the Building Permit Application and email it to landsdivision@gov.pe.ca or drop it off with all required documents to one of the offices listed at the bottom of this page.

What happens after I apply for a building permit online?

After you apply for a building permit, a provincial Client Service Officer will contact you by phone to collect payment.  

The processing time begins after full payment is received and varies depending on the nature of the construction and required assessments. A permit may be issued within 30 days for routine residential construction. 

How do I find the status of my building permit?

If you made an application for a building permit, you can review the permit status using your property ID (PID) and the date you made full payment for the permit. 

What is the fee for a building permit?

After your application has been reviewed by a provincial Client Service Officer, you will be contacted to pay the permit fee. You can find a full schedule of fees in the Building Code Regulations.

Who can I contact for more information?

Call 1-800-370-3977 if you have questions related to building permits.

The Lands Division offices are located at:

J. Elmer Blanchard Building
31 Gordon Drive
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Phone: 902-368-5280

Access PEI
41 Wood Islands Hill
PO Box 1500
Montague, PE C0A 1R0
Phone: 902-361-1273

Access PEI
120 Heather Moyse Drive
Summerside, PE C1N 5Y8
Phone: 902-432-2802

Access PEI O’Leary
45 East Drive
PO Box 8
O’Leary, PE C0B 1V0
Phone: 902-726-1408