Permitting & Approvals

Permitting requirements vary by location, and it is the responsibility of the property owner to confirm what applies to their project. In Canada, most installations will require some level of approval, and beginning this process early helps avoid delays.

Municipal Requirements

Depending on your municipality, you may be asked to complete one or both of the following requirements:

Building Permits

Govern how the structure is designed and constructed, based on municipal requirements and provincial building codes for greenhouse building permits.

Site Plan Approvals

Your municipality may review where the structure is placed, including setbacks, height, lot coverage, drainage, and access. Depending on the location, this may involve a basic zoning review, Site Plan Approval (SPA), or a similar municipal process. Requirements vary by region.

Most provinces have size exemptions for small accessory buildings (commonly around 10 m² and 15 m² in Ontario). Since even the smallest Growing Dome typically exceeds these thresholds, permits are typically required.

Classifications and Considerations

Although delivered as a kit, Growing Domes are typically classified as permanent structures due to their size, engineering, and intended year-round use. As a result, they usually do not qualify under temporary structure exemptions, and permitting requirements still apply. Consult your municipality for information on greenhouse building permits and related information.

Larger installations and projects for schools, community spaces, or public use often require additional review regarding safety, accessibility, and occupancy. Furthermore, adding electrical, water, or other serviced systems may trigger separate inspections or approvals.

For grants or funding applications, a building permit (or confirmation that one is not required) is often required as supporting documentation.

Engineered Drawings and Approvals

Most building permit applications require structural drawings. Arctic Acres provides blank structural plans, which may need to be stamped by a licensed engineer before submission. We provide two ways to access these:

After Purchase

• Drawings are released upon signing a sales agreement and providing a deposit

Preliminary Review

• Drawings can be released earlier under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for discussions with your building department

Some jurisdictions may require a provincial engineering stamp ("wet stamp"), meaning the plans must be reviewed and certified by a licensed engineer in your province for your specific address/build site. Additional engineering may be required depending on site conditions such as snow load, wind exposure, or soil type.

Arctic Acres can connect you with engineers familiar with our structures. Costs associated with local engineering, stamps, or plan modifications are the owner's responsibility.

What Your Municipality May Require

Requirements vary by location, but your local authority may request:

• Site Plan Approval and setback compliance
• Foundation details and frost considerations
• Structural drawings and engineering documentation
• Utility approvals (if water or electrical systems are included)
• Compliance with local bylaws, covenants, or site-specific restrictions

Confirming these requirements early will help you plan your project accurately.

Planning Checklist

Before proceeding, it is recommended to:

• Contact your local building department early, as the total process may take several weeks or longer
• Ask about requirements for a pre-engineered greenhouse or accessory structure
• Confirm permit thresholds and whether a building permit is required
• Review zoning, setbacks, and foundation requirements
• Determine whether a provincial engineering stamp is needed
• Budget for additional engineering or approval costs
• Confirm any height, lot coverage, or siting restrictions
• Allow extra time for review if your project involves public or institutional use