Discussions

Looking for some info on permits. Such as how long does it take to get one and when to need one.  
I know you need them for rewiring, changing structure, and plumbing. But not for replacing an existing appliance such as a toilet.  
What about some of these things: roofing work like shingling, or siding, or window replacements. Id assume if the window was the same or smaller then you wouldnt need one. But if it is becoming bigger then that changes the structure of the wall so then yes.

Quote me but roofing you don't as long as there is no structural damage, siding you dont same as shingles,and you are correct on the windows. Once again dont quote me on those the government always changes stuff to get more money out of you so it's very possible now. Your best bet is to contact the city and talk to them about all your questions dont take advice off here because you can get penalties/fines or they can make you take stuff apart. As far as how long I would say a week or two depending how busy they are they will have to take a look before work starts then give you your permit and they will check in on different stages of the work until the final inspection so make sure on that aswell.but for the most part as far as I know if you ain't doing anything structural you dont need one.

I have seen permits take months. What work are you doing?  
 
http://brandon.ca/building-safety/building-applications-forms

there's quite a list to be done at some point... from taking down drywall, and pulling up linoleum to inspect for issues like covered up drains. to shingling, window replacements, digging up outside wall to install window wells. I'm also thinking of demolishing a bay window and replacing it with a standard window.

You’d need a permit to dig up your basement and install window wells, and to replace the bay window. But replacing lino, and doing the roofing wouldn’t need a permit.

All jurisdictions are the same but here , if it influences your tax assessment then you need a permit. Doing things like replacing window, shingles, siding, flooring, water heater etc you do not need a permit. This is viewed as maintenance. As soon as you enlarge a window or replace one with a bow / bay window, or make a new hole to add one, you are making improvements. Changing or adding walls or carpet (e.g. finishing your basement) are considered improvements because the tax assessor then checks boxes on his form that increase the value of your house. Replacing is maintenance - no permit, adding is improvements and requires permits.

nicemoustache said "All jurisdictions are the same but here , if it influences your tax assessment then you need a permit. Doing things like replacing window, shingles, siding, flooring, water heater etc you do not need a permit. This is viewed as maintenance. As soon as you enlarge a window or replace one with a bow / bay window, or make a new hole to add one, you are making improvements. Changing or adding walls or carpet (e.g. finishing your basement) are considered improvements because the tax assessor then checks boxes on his form that increase the value of your house. Replacing is maintenance - no permit, adding is improvements and requires permits. "

Though permitting and assessment are linked, the assessment is not what drives the requirement for permits. For example, resizing a window opening may mean that you will have to change the side of the header over the window. The permit ensures that all structural elements involved with that window change comply with the Manitoba Building Code. If you buy a house, you certainly wouldn't want to later find out that a window has an undersized header over it, or that it has been improperly protected from water ingress.

PrimeConvoy said "    nicemoustache said "All jurisdictions are the same but here , if it influences your tax assessment then you need a permit. Doing things like replacing window, shingles, siding, flooring, water heater etc you do not need a permit. This is viewed as maintenance. As soon as you enlarge a window or replace one with a bow / bay window, or make a new hole to add one, you are making improvements. Changing or adding walls or carpet (e.g. finishing your basement) are considered improvements because the tax assessor then checks boxes on his form that increase the value of your house. Replacing is maintenance - no permit, adding is improvements and requires permits. " Though permitting and assessment are linked, the assessment is not what drives the requirement for permits. For example, resizing a window opening may mean that you will have to change the side of the header over the window. The permit ensures that all structural elements involved with that window change comply with the Manitoba Building Code. If you buy a house, you certainly wouldn't want to later find out that a window has an undersized header over it, or that it has been improperly protected from water ingress. "

Permits ensure your work will be inspected. They also ensure that the value of your home will be re-assessed.