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 (limited exceptions)
• 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 Building Services Division to gain compliance.

If you are not sure if a Building Permit is required for your project please contact the 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
• Truss details
• Plot plan/survey or site plan and
• Grading plan (for new sub-divisions)

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 Division C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code (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). Qualifications may be verified on the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website. 

Upon obtaining a Building Permit the property owner or contractor is required to arrange for inspections of construction. The Building Inspections Section carries out inspections in conjunction with a Building Permit and also responds to customer requests to determine if a permit is required. Knowledgeable staff assist both the homeowner and contractor on completing their projects in accordance with Ontario Building Code regulations and applicable municipal zoning requirements.

Our Building Inspectors work closely with other regulatory bodies in the Municipality and County, such as South Dundas Fire & Emergency Services (SDFES) and EOHU, to ensure that all applicable local regulations are adhered to. This involves conducting fire alarm tests, informing SDFES of any possible violations discovered during our routine inspections, and ensuring conformance with any agreements between the Municipality and any other organization dealing with development of lands, such as Site Plan Agreements and Subdivision Agreements.

Requests for inspections can be made by contacting the department. The scheduling of appointments for inspections are made with the Building Official.

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 ensure that they are knowledgeable about the Ontario Building Code and understand that they must comply with all of its requirements.

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
   Monique Sauve (Program Coordinator)
   Phone: 613-984-2948 ex. 316
   Fax: 613-984-2872
   Cell: 613-551-3117
2. Entrance-way permit/Setback permit:
   Municipal Roads/www.southdundas.com
   613-535-2673
   County Roads/www.sdg.on.ca
   613-932-1515
3. South Nation River Conservation (consent where applicable)
   Example: Flood Plan/www.nation.on.ca
   1-877-984-2948
   613-984-2948
4. Completed Application Form
5. Completed Schedule 1: Designer Information Form
6. Proof of Ownership or Authorization Form (when applying on behalf of owner)
7. Two (2) sets of building plans for proposed structure
8. 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)
9. Completion of the Energy Efficiency Design Summary
10. Completion of the HVAC Design Summary
11. Receipt of required fees

• Residential Renovations Permit Application (PDF)
• Private Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas Permit Application (PDF)
• Residential Decks Permit Application (PDF)
• Demolition Permit Application (PDF)
• New Residential Construction Permit Application (PDF)
• Residential Accessory Buildings Permit Application (PDF)
• Residential Additions, Attached Garages and Carports Permit Application (PDF)
• Entrance Application (PDF)
• Schedule 1: Designer Information (PDF)
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary (PDF)