Basement Renovation Permits in Durham Region: What You Need to Know
In Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa), a building permit is required for any basement renovation that involves structural changes, new plumbing, or creating a legal rental suite. Minor cosmetic updates like painting or flooring typically do not require a permit.
So, you’re finally ready to turn that basement into something useful — maybe a movie room, a guest suite, or even a legal rental apartment. Exciting, right?
But before the drywall goes up and the flooring goes down, there’s one big question: Do you need a permit?
If you live anywhere in Durham Region — Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington — the answer is almost always yes. Each city has its own rules, but they all want to make sure your basement is safe, meets the Ontario Building Code, and won’t cause headaches later.
Let’s break it down city by city
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Pickering?
If you’re finishing or renovating a basement here, you’ll need a building permit. That includes things like adding a bathroom, a bedroom, or turning the space into a rental unit.
Extra note: If you’re adding a basement apartment, it has to be registered under Pickering’s Additional Dwelling Unit by-law. Read More:
🔗 Pickering Building Permits
🔗 Pickering Basement Apartment Info
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Ajax?
Ajax is pretty straightforward: finishing your basement? You need a permit. Adding a bathroom? Definitely a permit.
And if you’re creating a rental suite, expect a few extra checks to make sure everything’s up to code.
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Whitby?
Planning to finish your basement in Whitby? You’ll need to apply for a permit, especially if plumbing, structural changes, or a walkout are involved.
Do I need a permit to finish a basement in Oshawa?
Oshawa has some very clear rules:
- If you’re adding bedrooms, they need egress windows for fire safety.
- Ceiling height needs to be 6’11” (though they allow 6’5” under beams or ducts).
- Cosmetic work like paint or flooring? No permit.
| City | Permit Required? | Key Requirement |
| Pickering | Yes | Must register Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) |
| Oshawa | Yes | Minimum 6’11” ceiling height; Egress windows |
| Ajax | Yes | Mandatory for all plumbing & rental suites |
Meet B&P Contracting
Here’s the thing: permits can feel overwhelming. Each city has its own forms, rules, and inspections. That’s where B&P Contracting comes in.
We’re a Durham-based renovation company that specializes in basements. What we do:
- Handle the permit applications for you.
- Create drawings and even 3D designs so you can see your future basement.
- Make sure every step meets Ontario Building Code.
- Manage the project from demolition to final inspection.
Basically, they take the stress out of the paperwork so you can focus on creating the space you want.
Check them out here: B&P Contracting Basement Renovations