Before undergoing any type of work on your property, no matter the nature and size, check with the Building Department if a building permit is required.

It is important to plan your project in advance, especially during summer months, where the Building Department is busier.

To make sure you submit a complete application, download the documents and drawings required for permit applications.

In recent weeks, we have seen a significant increase in permit applications. Delays are to be expected, our priority is to do everything possible to ensure the processing of each request.

I need a permit for what type of projects?

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install or change the use of a building. The following is a list of typical projects or situations that require the issuance of a building permit:

• Construct a new building exceeding 10 m² (107.64 pi²) in building area;
• Install new plumbing in a building or part thereof;
• Change the use of a building;
• Change the fuel source of a fireplace from gas-fired to solid burning;
• Construct an addition to an existing building;
• Construct a deck;
• Add or remove a structural wall in a dwelling;
• Complete a roughed-in bathroom or washroom;
• Alter an existing building or its plumbing system;
• Repair a building or its plumbing system;
• Install a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source;
• Install a solid fuel burning appliance;
• Complete a roughed-in fireplace;
• Detached or attached garages and carports;
• Solariums;
• Addition of a dormer;
• Raising a dwelling to provide a full basement;
• Sunroom;
• Install a sign;
• Above-ground and in-ground swimming pool;
• Replace exterior siding.

A permit is not required for the below projects

It is not necessary to obtain building permits to perform the following work. However, you must comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law and if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.

• Retaining walls less than 1 metre (39.4 inches) in height;
• Sidewalks;
• Planters and landscaping;
• Replacement of plumbing fixtures;
• Replacement of hot water heaters. Please note of the requirement since September 2004 to limit hot water to 49°C;
• Replacement of kitchen or bathroom cupboards by same dimensions;
• Painting, decorating and general maintenance;
• Replacing roof shingles on a residential dwelling;
• Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing systems;
• Replacement of furnaces by a similar heat output using same fuel;
• Accessory buildings, storage sheds not greater than 10 m² (107.64 pi²).

Documents

• Applicable Law checklist
• Building, demolition and municipal service hook-up permit
• Pool permit
• Sign permit
• Energy Effeciency Design Summary: Prescriptive Method
• Energy Effeciency Design Summary: Performance and other Acceptable Compliance Methods
• Example of declaration of applicant for building permit
• General Reviews by Architect and Engineers 

• Accessory building
• Basement
• Guide for building permit application
• Residential addition
• Sundeck
• Ventilation design

• Foundation construction plan42.71 KB
• Cross section plan44.02 KB
• Site plan - general information87.15 KB
• Ground floor plan38.45 KB
• Notes103.88 KB
• Site plan proposed new adition41.67 KB
• Rear Elevation22.62 KB
• Side Elevation27.79 KB

Inspection during construction

Scheduling of inspections

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Building Inspector to make sure the work conforms to the Building Code, the building permit and the approved plans.

Inspections required for the project will be indicated on the inspection form attached to the building permit.

The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection and 24 to 48 hours advanced notice is required.

Deficiencies to be corrected

Deficiencies noted during the inspection must be corrected and re-inspected prior to proceeding to the next stage of the construction.

Final inspection

Upon completion of the construction, your must call the Building Department for a final inspection.

Completion of construction

Once the final inspection is done and the construction is considered by the Chief Building Official to be completed, the performance deposit will be returned to the applicant, as per Building By-law N° 18-2008.

Processing of an application for a building permit

Submit application

Submit application to the Building Department complete with all required documents and/or drawings.

Review process

The Chief Building Official reviews the application to determine if the project is in compliance with the Building Code, the zoning and other municipal by-laws and provincial regulations.

Issuance of permit

If in compliance with the Building Code, the zoning and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a building permit is issued by the Chief Building Official.

The time period for the issuance of a permit shall be as per the Building Code requirements and shall begin on the day on which the application is considered to be complete by the Chief Building Official.

Payment of fees and posting of permit

You must pay all required permit fees as per Schedule “A” to Building By-law N° 18-2008, prior to starting the construction.

You must also post the Building Permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the Chief Building Official immediately. Changes may require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

Documents and drawings required for permit applications

Required Documents

For more information

Building Department

For any questions concerning construction, inspections, signs, pools or fences, please contact the Building Department at 613-632-0106, extension 2020.

Request for Inspection

To schedule an inspection, please contact the Building Department at 613-632-0106, extension 2020.

Ontario Building Code

Building Code information is available on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website at www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Zoning Regulations

Information on zoning regulations such as zoning, setbacks to lot lines, lot coverage or building height can be obtained from the Planner at 613-632-0106, extension 2231.

The Building Department is responsible for the administration of the Ontario Building Code Act. Therefore, it is responsible to process all building permit applications, review of applications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and inpsect all construction project sites.