Building Permits
Most renovation and construction projects in Thompson require a building permit to ensure that they meet all provincial and local requirements under the Manitoba Building Code and the City of Thompson Zoning By-Law and Building By-law.
Building permits also help us keep track of Thompson's development and how residents and businesses are investing in their properties over time.
Thompson's Zoning By-Law allows certain kinds of construction – commercial, residential, industrial and so on - to take place in certain areas. It also outlines requirements for details like building location, maximum building heights, and the number of parking spaces required in the area.
Projects Requiring Building Permits
- Constructing a new building;
- Additions to an existing building;
- Building construction exceeding $10,000 in costs, including roof repairs;
- Projects receiving assistance from the Manitoba Hydro Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program;
- A detached building (garage, storage sheds, gazebos, etc.) with a floor area over 108 square feet / 10 square metres;
- Decks, sunrooms, porches;
- Temporary or permanent business signs ( freestanding or affixed to buildings);
- Enclosing an existing deck;
- Finishing previously unfinished spaces in a home such as basement developments, attics, etc;
- Plumbing, electrical or air-conditioning systems;
- Foundation repairs;
- Hot tubs, pools, or any device capable of holding over 2 feet/600mm of water;
- Wheelchair ramps or barrier-free accessibility;
- Demolition or removal of all or portions of a building;
Projects That Don’t Require a Building Permit*
- Fences;
- Patching, painting or decorating;
- Replacing stucco, siding or shingles with same material;
- Replacing doors and windows when the opening is not altered;
- Installing cabinets and shelves;
- Detached accessory storage buildings of 108 square feet /10 square metres or less in building area;
* Although a building permit may not be required, construction projects must comply with the current Manitoba Building Code and applicable by-law requirements.
What Information Do I Need For a Building Permit?
Have the following information ready when applying for your building permit:
- Intended use (storage, hobby, house, garage, deck, sunroom, etc.)
- Survey certificate with designer's name, address & contact information;
- Location of the intended building (site plan) complete with north direction;
- Scaled drawing of all relevant dimensions, including front, rear & side profiles;
- Foundation details;
- Length and width of the building's exterior dimensions;
- Door & window locations; engineered roof truss/rafter certificates;
- Heating appliances where relevant (make and model)
Additional Requirements
If a construction project does not fall within what the Zoning By-law permits in a certain area or property, you can apply for a zoning variance. Variation applications take time, as they are reviewed both in committee and before Council, and require a public hearing. Being granted a variance is not guaranteed.
If you think your project may require a variation, it's important to start the permitting process early.
Some building permits require a Development Permit application. If this is the case the process will take longer. We encourage you to submit applications well in advance of your project start date.
For additional information regarding building permits, make an appointment with our building inspectors:
Chief Building Inspector
Danny Haywood
204-677-7953
Building Inspector
Travis Harms
204-677-7787
Fences
Fences can be constructed within the builder’s property line or on a shared property line with the consent of both landowners.
Backyard and shared side yard fences can be up to 1.8 metres, or 6 feet.
Front yard fences and side yards on corner lots can be up to 1.2 metres, or 4 feet.
Electric fences are not permitted in Thompson.
Decks
To obtain a building permit for a deck, submit either a copy of a Surveyor’s Building Certificate, or a well-drawn site plan showing all property dimensions, location of all buildings, and the location and size of the proposed deck.
The site plan must show:
- The overall size of the deck;
- The size and spacing of the beams, posts and deck joists;
- The type of foundation you have chosen to support the deck, and the location of any stairs leading to or from the deck.
- The height of the deck floor above finished ground level at its highest point.
Guardrails are required on decks that are more than 600mm (24 inches) above ground level. If a guardrail is required, the openings between each vertical support must be 100 mm (4 inches) or less.
The Zoning By-Law outlines side yard, front yard and rear yard clearances for decks.
Secondary Suites
Secondary suites are self-contained units inside what would normally be considered a single-family home. Homeowners often rent these suites out to tenants.
Dwellings with secondary suites need at least one exit that leads directly outside.
Entrance/exits must be clearly marked with a label affixed to the doors.
Each bedroom needs at least one window with an unobstructed opening at least 3.77 square feet, and no dimension less than 15 inches.
Common walls must use 1/2” drywall and be separated by a smoke-tight barrier and sound control. Doors must be at least 1-and-3/4” thick with a solid core and an approved self-closing device.
The ceiling of a secondary suite must be at least 6’5” from the floor.
Asbestos Safety
Asbestos is a mineral that is hazardous to human health when it's disturbed and allowed to float freely in the air. It was used in the past for insulation and fireproofing, among other things.
If you own a home in Thompson, it's possible there's still asbestos insulation in the home. This usually isn't a problem as long as it remains undisturbed and in good condition.
However, it can present a hazard when undertaking construction or renovation of your home. Simple acts like cutting or drilling asbestos-containing material can create a serious health hazard.
Suspected asbestos should always be assessed by a qualified inspector prior to construction or demolition. It should only be handled or removed by a qualified and experienced contractor who knows how to contain the environment and control the risk.
There's more information available through the fact sheets below:
Asbestos Assessment and Abatement Best Practices - Environmental Abatement Council of Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions about Asbestos - Manitoba Workplace Health and Safety
Hazard Alert: Asbestos - Employment and Social Development Canada
