Permits and licensing · Newfoundland and Labrador
Renovation permits and contractor licences in Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, electrical permits are issued only to registered electrical contractors, propane work must be done by certified technicians, and construction and residential electrician are compulsory trades. Building permits are handled locally; in St. John’s, the property owner is responsible for getting one.
Regulators and licensing bodies in Newfoundland and Labrador
These official bodies license contractors, oversee safety or issue permits in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Department of Government Services – Engineering and Inspections
Issues electrical permits, registers electrical contractors and certifies gas technicians.
Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Certifies tradespeople and runs the public tradesperson registry. Construction electrician and residential electrician are compulsory trades.
Trades that need a licence in Newfoundland and Labrador
Electrical work
Electrical permits are only issued to registered electrical contractors, with limited exceptions. To register, a contractor must hold or employ someone who holds a journeyperson certificate of qualification in electrical construction.
Sources:Newfoundland and Labrador – Electrical permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)Newfoundland and Labrador – Electrical contractor’s registration certificate(opens in a new tab)
Gas and fuel-burning appliances
Everyone who installs, alters, services or removes propane appliances, equipment, systems, cylinders or tanks must be certified to do so.
Sources:Newfoundland and Labrador – Gas technician certification(opens in a new tab)
Certified trades
Construction electrician and residential electrician are among the province’s compulsory trades. Plumber is not on the compulsory list, so ask about the plumber’s certification and check it in the registry.
Sources:Newfoundland and Labrador – Compulsory certification of designated occupations(opens in a new tab)Newfoundland and Labrador – Tradesperson registry(opens in a new tab)
Building and renovation permits in Newfoundland and Labrador
Inside a municipality, your municipal council is the contact for development permits; in some areas outside municipalities, such as protected road zones, contact Service NL. In St. John’s, you must have your building permit before work begins, and the property owner is responsible for obtaining it even when a contractor does the job.
Sources:Newfoundland and Labrador – Land use planning FAQ(opens in a new tab)St. John’s – Building permits(opens in a new tab)
Permit information from large municipalities
Before you hire a contractor in Newfoundland and Labrador
Practical checks you can do yourself, using official tools where they exist.
For electrical work, hire a registered electrical contractor, since only they can get the electrical permit.
Check a tradesperson’s certificate or apprentice status in the provincial registry.
Official lookup: Newfoundland and Labrador – Journeyperson and apprentice registry(opens in a new tab)
For propane work, make sure the technician is certified.
Get your building permit before work begins. In St. John’s, it’s the owner’s responsibility even if a contractor does the job.
Sources for renovation permits and licences in Newfoundland and Labrador
Every fact on this page comes from these official sources.
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Electrical permits and inspections(opens in a new tab)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Electrical contractor’s registration certificate(opens in a new tab)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Gas technician certification(opens in a new tab)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Compulsory certification of designated occupations(opens in a new tab)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Tradesperson registry(opens in a new tab)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Land use planning FAQ(opens in a new tab)
- St. John’s – Building permits(opens in a new tab)
Find licensed pros
Compare local pros for the regulated trades in this guide, then confirm their licence with the regulator before you hire.
Renovation permits in other provinces and territories
Planning a renovation?
Describe your project once and hear from local pros. Ask each one for their licence and permit details before you hire.