Municipal Building Permits

A building permit grants legal permission to start construction or demolition of a building project. Permits ensure that construction meets the minimum standards set out in the Ontario Building Code in order to protect public health and safety, in accordance with the requirements of Provincial legislation.
 
You  DO need a building permit if you plan to:

- Construct a new building
- Renovate, repair or add to a building
  • Finishing a basement
  • Replacement of brick veneer
  • Dormers or finishing of attic space
  • Insulating of exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
- Demolish a portion of a building
- Change a building's use
- Install, change or remove portions and load-bearing walls
  • Adding or removing most walls (i.e. creating different room sizes and/or uses)
 
  
- Install new or make structural alterations to windows or doors
- Build a garage, balcony or deck
  • Attach/detach garages, sheds
  • Carports
  • Porches
  • Sunrooms
  • Solariums
- Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
- Installation of irrigation systems
- Swimming pools
  • In-ground and blow-up
- Erecting a fence
- Replace or increase insulation, dry-wall or plaster
 
  
- Installing or modifying heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems or fireplaces
  • Furnace and ductwork replacements
  • New fireplaces
  • Completion of roughed-in fireplaces
  • Installation of wood-burning stoves
  • Installation of cleanouts
- Reconstruction of chimney
  • Replacement of masonry chimney below roofline
- Install, repair of storm, sanitary and water service
  • Conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
  • Plumbing and/or drains
  • Install or Replace Septic System

You DO NOT need a building permit to:

- Build a utility shed under 100 square feet
- Replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
- Build a roofless deck under two feet (.61m) above grade
- Re-shingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
- Install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
  
- Damp-proof basements
- Replace existing forced-air furnace, provided there are not structural changes
- Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced air systems
- Perform electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)
  
- Paint or decorate
- Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
- Pool heaters
- Landscape
- Add free-standing satellite dishes
- Replace a plumbing fixture only
 
 
It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you get a permit. You may be ordered to stop work, prosecuted and even ordered to remove work already done. Contact your local Municipal office if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project. *SEPTIC PERMITS & REPAIR PERMITS ARE NOW ISSUED AT THE MUNICIPALITY.
 
Even though your project may not require a building permit, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-Law and Building Code. It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit, but the owner should ensure that they have the permit prior to any work starting.
 
For further questions, or to obtain a building permit, call the Municipal office at 519-363-3039.