Applications, Licences and Permits

Commonly requested applications, licences and permits

Business licences

The City of Peterborough licenses businesses in accordance with our Business Licensing By-law.

Building Permits

If you're doing construction or renovations, you may need a building permit before you can start on the project.

Oversize Load Permit

Apply for an Oversize Load permit through our online form.

Marriage licences

To apply for a marriage licence, visit our Marriage Licences and Ceremonies page.

Lottery licences

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario authorizes the City of Peterborough to issue charitable gaming licences to charitable, not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate an eligible mandate.

Patio licences

Licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio on city-owned property or for a temporary patio on private property.

Tree Removal

Apply online for a permit to remove any trees on private property that measure 7.5 cm in diameter or greater measured at breast height.

Freedom of Information Requests

You can make a request for information or request an update to information held by the City of Peterborough by completing our Freedom of Information Request Form.

Other commonly requested applications and licences

Road closures, Special Events and Filming

The festivals, concerts and other special events in Peterborough help make our community vibrant. If you are planning an event, please use our Special Events Planning Guide and Application, which will help you with all the required documentation including road closures. Other road closures for construction require our Temporary Road Occupancy Application.

If you are filming in Peterborough, please complete our Special Events Planning Guide and Application and refer to our updated Guide to Filming in Peterborough. For initial filming inquiries, including location discussions, production-support needs, local business and supplier connections, and guidance on the City’s current filming process, please contact the City’s Economic Development team at ecdev@peterborough.ca. For formal permit submission and application-related questions, please contact the City Clerk's Office.

As-built Drawing Request

The City of Peterborough's Engineering and Water Services groups supply businesses and residents with construction as-built drawings and records of municipal services owned and maintained by the City. As-built drawings typically consist of locations, materials, and measurements of constructed municipal services including roads, sewers and watermains.

If you are looking for as-built records, please complete our As-built Drawing Request form.

Driving Services

The City of Peterborough commenced licensing Driving Services on August 31, 2024. The information on Driving Services is provided in By-law 24-048.

Brokers are required to obtain a Brokers Licence each year if they are operating a driving service in the City of Peterborough. The brokers application requires the completion of a form, attestations and the submission of a copy of the master business licence along with payment.

The broker will register each of their drivers for a yearly Driving Services Licence by completing a form, attestations, providing a recent passport-style photograph and a copy of the driver's licence, as well as the payment of a fee.

Apply through our online application portal.

Please contact our Clerk's Office at City Hall, 705-742-7777, for more information.

Group Homes

Group homes are licensed by the City of Peterborough. Please contact the City's Licensing Clerk for information about the Group Home application and licensing process.