A building permit is official municipal authorization required before beginning construction, renovation, or demolition of buildings. Permit applications include detailed plans that municipal staff review for compliance with building codes, zoning bylaws, and other regulations. Once approved, the permit allows construction to proceed, with inspections at specified stages. Permits ensure construction meets safety standards and land-use rules before work begins, rather than discovering problems after completion. Working without required permits can result in stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to remove unpermitted work. Permit fees help fund the municipal building department that provides this regulatory service.