Building Permits

The types of projects that require a building permit include but are not limited to:

• Pools
• Roofed Porches
• Sunrooms
• Carports
• Amish Sheds (PDF)
• Attached or detached garages or sheds
• Additions
• Decks 
• New or structural alterations; example: larger windows and doors, load bearing walls, etc.
• Adding and removing most walls
• Any new buildings including farm buildings and structures
• Addition of a bedroom in a basement
• Changing the use or occupancy of a building

If construction has started prior to the issuance of a Building Permit:

• Costly repairs may be required to gain compliance;
• Removal of work done not in compliance with the Ontario Building Code and/or other applicable law may be required;
• The Building Permit fee may be increased;
• Legal action may be initiated by the Municipality to gain Building Code compliance.

If you are not sure if a Building Permit is required for your project please contact the Building Department.

Before a Building Permit application can be accepted, it must be complete and approvals for all applicable laws must be in place. In most cases, plans will be required to reflect the construction details of the proposed work and all zoning information should be provided such as an up to date survey.

When applying for a Building Permit you will need to submit a completed application form and two copies of the following drawings:

• Floor plans for each floor
• Elevations
• Cross sections
• Mechanical/structural/electrical plans or data
• Plot plan/survey or site plan and

As the owner, you may design your own project and produce your own drawings. However, if you are not familiar with various government regulations, by-laws and Ontario Building Code requirements, you may wish to hire a qualified designer instead. Delays in the issuance of your permit can arise if your drawing and specification submissions are not complete or do not conform to the Ontario Building Code and/or Zoning By-Law.

Most designs for Building Permits, not completed by the owner, will require a designer registered and/or qualified under the Ontario Building Code BCIN (an Architect or Engineer is exempt from this requirement). A designer is anyone who is responsible for the design, which may also include preparing the drawings for submission. You may wish to check with the Building Services Division to find out whether your project requires a qualified designer.

Qualified designers will have a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN). 

Upon obtaining a Building Permit, the property owner or contractor is required to arrange for inspections of the ongoing construction. The Building Department completes the Building Code required inspections. 

Our Building Officials will inspect at key stages of construction (required inspection stages). It is the permit holder's (applicant’s/property owner's/contractor's) responsibility to call the Building Officials to arrange for inspections at the required inspection stages. The permit holder must also understand that they must comply with all of the inspection and its requirements.

Requests for inspections can be made by contacting the Building Department by phone or email. The scheduling of appointments for inspections are made with the Building Official.

Prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, the owner, builder or contractor must comply with the following requirements. Please note, incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Septic system permit: South Nation Conservation
   South Nation Conservation/www.nation.on.ca
   1-877-984-2948
2. Completed Application Form
3. Completed Schedule 1: Designer Information Form
4. Proof of Ownership or Authorization Form (when applying on behalf of owner)
5. One set of building plans for proposed structure
6. Site plan of property depicting proposed structure with setbacks and any existing buildings on property
   Site Plan – Rural Example (PDF)
   Site Plan – Rural Template (PDF)
   Site Plan – Urban Example (PDF)
   Site Plan – Urban Template (PDF)
7. Completion of the Energy Efficiency Design Summary
8. Completion of the HVAC Design Summary
9. Receipt of required fees

• Residential Renovations (PDF)
• Private Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas (PDF)
• Residential Decks (PDF)
• Demolition Permit (PDF)

Home

• New Residential Home Construction (PDF)
• Entrance Application (PDF)
• Schedule 1: Designer Information (PDF)
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary (PDF)

New

• New Accessory Buildings (PDF)
• Residential Additions (PDF)