Exterior Openings
What's on this page
↓Overview
↓Who is this for
↓What you need
↓Fees
↓Zoning requirements
↓How to apply
↓After you apply
Overview
A building permit is required in Milton for new exterior openings, including windows, doors, egress windows, and below-grade entrances installed on the exterior of a house or building.
Creating a new exterior opening can affect the structural integrity, energy efficiency, and safety of a building. Before starting your project, review the permit requirements, required drawings, zoning regulations, and inspection requirements to help avoid delays during the approval process.
This information is for:
-
Homeowners installing new windows or doors
-
Homeowners adding an egress window to an existing dwelling
-
Property owners creating a new below-grade entrance
-
Contractors applying on behalf of property owners
-
Property owners undertaking renovations that include new exterior openings
Before you apply, gather the required forms and supporting drawings.
Required forms
-
Schedule 1 – Designer Information Form (required when someone other than an architect or engineer prepares the design)
Construction drawings
Submit the following drawings with your application:
-
Site plan showing property lines, lot area, proposed openings, window wells, distances from property lines, and other structures
-
Floor plan showing all existing openings and proposed openings drawn to scale
-
Detailed page showing window and door types, dimensions, glazing, and elevation information
-
Wall section showing lintel sizes, flashing, air/vapour barrier requirements, drainage requirements, and integration with existing construction
Refer to the sample drawings and sample egress window drawings for specific drawing requirements, including the number of copies required. Review the application guidelines before submitting your application.
Building permit fees for exterior openings are listed on the Building Permit page.
Applicable fees must be paid when you submit your application.
Before applying, review the Zoning By-law to ensure your project complies with all applicable zoning requirements.
For example, exterior stairs associated with a new door opening must meet required setback requirements from property lines, including:
-
Front yard setbacks
-
Rear yard setbacks
-
Side yard setbacks (interior or exterior)
Confirming zoning compliance before applying can help prevent delays during the permit review process.
Additional requirements may apply if your subdivision has not yet been assumed by the Town of Milton. In these cases, you must obtain a developer's clearance letter from the builder before a pool permit can be issued.
To determine whether your subdivision has been assumed, call 905-878-7252 ext. 2398.
Once you have gathered the required forms and construction drawings:
-
Complete the application form.
-
Complete the Schedule 1 – Designer Information Form, if required.
-
Submit your completed application package through the online portal, including all supporting drawings and documents.
Town staff will review your application and supporting drawings to confirm compliance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable zoning regulations.
If additional information is required, staff will contact you.
After your permit has been issued and construction is underway, you must book the required building inspection. Inspections help ensure your project complies with Ontario Building Code and zoning requirements.
Typical exterior opening inspections include:
-
Framing inspection
-
Insulation and air barrier inspection
-
Final building inspection