Building

Building Permit required

A Building Permit is required for any new building greater than 15 square metres  (161.5 square feet), any addition to an existing building, any material alterations to an existing building which effects: the structural design of the building; mechanical; electrical; plumbing services; fire separations; exiting; fire protection systems; and the use of buildings. Home improvement projects that require a Building Permit may include:

• Constructing an addition, adding or removing walls, altering windows or doors, adding insulation
• Constructing a porch or sunroom
• Constructing a deck greater than 600mm (24 inches) above ground or a deck that provides entrance to the main door of your home
• Constructing a garage, carport, or shed
• Replacing the brick veneer on the outside of your house or replacing the masonry chimney below the roofline
• Finishing an attic space or finishing a basement
• Replacing a furnace and ductwork; adding or replacing a fireplace or wood burning stove
• Installing a lawn irrigation system and a backflow preventer for irrigation systems
• Plumbing and drains, installing or repairing a storm sewer, sanitary sewer or septic system, or water service
• Structural fire damage
• Fencing around a swimming pool or hot tub

Building Permit not required

A Building Permit is not required for a structure such as a shed or gazebo which measures less than 15 square metres (161.5 square feet) in area not containing plumbing.

Below is a list of other projects that do not require a permit. Although a Building Permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law.

• Landscaping such as constructing a fence, garden, walkways and interlocking stone
• Minor exterior renovations such as re-shingling your roof, replacing the siding, installing eaves trough, and replacing windows or doors that are the same size and location
• Minor interior renovations such as installing new flooring, painting and decorating.

Fences 

Except in the case of a swimming pool fence, no permit is required for the construction of a fence. No person shall construct a fence that does not comply with the requirements of By-law No. 2013-183. 

By-law No. 2013-183 - Regulate Fences 

Swimming Pool Fence Application 

Building Permit Application 

You can obtain an Application for a Building Permit by dropping by City Hall or view/print a copy of the application for a permit to construct or demolish.  

Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

A "complete" application includes:

• completed application form
• construction drawings prepared by a qualified person
• building permit fee 

Building Permit Applicant

It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that a Building Permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the Building Permit, but you should ensure that they have the permit prior to starting construction.  

Buidling Permit Fees

Building Permit application fees are set by Council and are reviewed yearly. Fees are based on the value of construction which includes all materials and labour for the building. The value of the land and landscaping are not included in the fees.

The current building permit fees are available in our by-laws section listed under By-Law 2019-163. 

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

For small projects like home renovations and additions, building officials will generally issue the Building Permit within one week from the day that your application is a "complete" application. 

For a larger project like a new home, the permit may take two weeks to process.

Making sure that your application has all of the information that the Building Code requires is the best way to ensure that your permit is not delayed. You are encouraged to contact the building department to discuss your project well in advance of your proposed construction start date.

When can construction begin?

You can start building as soon as you receive your Building Permit.

You must build your project according to the plans that were approved by the City.

The Building Code requires you to 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 building official immediately. Changes may require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

Required inspections 

Inspection arrangement 

Building officials do not automatically inspect your project.  You or your contractor is required to contact the Building Department to request an inspection before work proceeds from one inspection stage to the next.

Building officials are generally able to do an inspection with 24 hours notice. The Building Code mandates that a building official must make an inspection within 48 hours of a request.

If the work is not inspected at the required stage, you may be asked to uncover and expose the work for inspection. If the building official finds that some work does not conform to the approved plans, he or she will advise you that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.

Inspector contact 

A Building Official will answer your questions or meet with you to discuss your construction project. 

Melvin Bursey
Chief Building Official
Phone | 705-672-3363 x 4131
Email | Submit an email to Melvin Bursey

Annual Building Reports 

Forms

Application for Entrance Permit

Municipal Services Form 

Swimming Pool Fence Application 

Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

Demande de permis de construire ou de demolir

Waste Diversion Plan

Application for Change of Use

Notice: Reediness for Inspection

Completion Notice: Reediness for Occupancy

 Yards

• Must not have rubbish/debris, objects/conditions that may create a health, fire, or accident hazard.
• Must not have deep ruts/ holes or pests.
• Must not create a nuisance to other properties.
• Must prevent ponding of storm water, instability or erosion of soil and surface water run-off from entering basements.

Vegetation

(trees, shrubs, grass, etc.)

• Must be kept pruned, free from dead branches and show no signs of disease.
•  Must not interferer with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Driveways and Walkways

Must be in good repair and free from debris including accumulation of snow and ice.

 Building Exterior

• Must be in good repair, in uniform colour and in a structurally sound condition.
• Must be protected from deterioration by the application of appropriate weather resistant material. (paint, coatings, etc.).
• Foundation walls supporting buildings must be in good repair.
• Must not have loose or improperly secured objects, materials or surface defects (paint pealing or flaking, siding and trim secured).

Windows and Doors

• Windows, doors and screening must be in good repair, weather tight and draught free.
• May not be damaged (frames, glass, paint).
• Windows must be able to lock from the inside.
• Doors must be able to lock from the inside and outside.
• Doors must be free from debris including accumulations of snow and ice.

Roofs

• Must be in good repair, in a weather tight condition, free from loose or unsecured objects or materials (shingles, accumulations of snow and ice, etc.).
• Eave troughs or roof gutters must be in good repair free from obstructions and properly secured.

Stairs, Handrails, Porches and Balconies

Must be in good repair and shall be constructed in conformance with the Ontario Building Code.

Garages

Must prevent gas fumes and carbon monoxide from entering the area of a dwelling unit.

 Vehicles

• Must be operatable and licensed, not in abandoned condition (wrecked, discarded, dismantled, etc.).
• Must be stored in the property driveway or backyard.

Accessory Buildings and Other Structures

• Must be in compliance with the property zoning and building standards.
• Must be in good repair and may not be dilapidated, collapsed, partially collapsed or partially constructed.
• Must not have sustained damage due to flood, fire, wind, rain or snow, that render the building unusable.

Fences

Must  be in good repair free from accident hazards and in an structurally sound condition.

Maintained in Good Repair

What does this mean?

A minimum standard of the physical condition to be in compliance with the standards set out by the property standards bylaw with the discretion of the City appointed property standards officer.

• in good condition
• well taken care of
• operating well
• normal upkeep