Building Permits

How do I Apply for a Building Permit?

A Building Permit application is available online or may be obtained from the Building Division at City Hall. This application must be completed and signed before it will be accepted.

A complete application for a Building Permit will include:

• Completed Building Permit Application signed by the property owner or the owner's authorized agent (usually the general contractor)
• Two complete sets of construction drawings
• A site plan (if required)
• Building permit application fee
• Payment of any other charges and fees for services that may be applicable

If you have questions before you get started, we encourage you to contact the Development Coordinator.

Submit the completed application form with the required information to the Building Division.

The application is reviewed by Building staff who assess the application. The application is also reviewed for compliance with the City's Zoning By-law, conformity with the Ontario Building Code, service connections, and other policy and law which might apply to your specific project.

Please read the permit documents carefully before starting construction. Construction must comply with the plans and documents submitted with your permit. Any changes must be approved by the Chief Building Official and failing to do this could result in serious complications.

Why is a Building Permit Needed?

A building permit will ensure all work done to structures is safe with respect to public health, fire protection and structural sufficiency and that construction meets minimum standards set out in the Ontario Building Code.

Starting work without a building permit is illegal and a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act. A penalty fee will be added to the Permit cost. A building permit is required for any material alterations to existing structures as well as any new construction.

Examples of work that requires a permit:

• Any structure exceeding 10 m² (107 ft²)
• Any material alteration to an existing structure
• Woodstoves
• Decks, sheds and garages
• Plumbing
• Retaining walls exceeding 1 meter in height
• Tents
• Demolition of any structure or interior
• Fire separations
• All temporary buildings

Plumbing

A Plumbing Permit is required for the installation of piping, drains, sewers and plumbing fixtures. Please contact the Development Coordinator to discuss your project before applying for a permit.

What Information is Required in Support of a Building Permit Application?

• Plans and drawings (to scale) that clearly show what work is being proposed
• Drawings must include floor plans, framing plans, foundation plans, cross sections, elevations
• Site plan (see below) must show all outlines and dimensions of the property, driveways, existing and proposed buildings
• Survey is preferred and must be submitted for any major project
• The level of detail provided must allow staff to review the proposal
• New houses, building additions, accessory buildings over 10 m² (107 ft²) in area, swimming pools and any other project which may alter the drainage of the property will require a lot grading and drainage plan. An Engineering Services Application is required.

You must provide a Letter of Undertaking and General Review Commitment Certificate when the building must be designed by an architect or professional engineer or both.

All construction plans must be drawn to scale, fully dimensioned and of professional quality. Sample drawings of the minimum amount of information and quality to be submitted include:

• Site Plan or Lot Grading and Drainage Plan
• Basement Plan
• Ground Floor Plan
• Second Floor Plan
• Roof Plan
• Building Section
• Detail Section
• Building Elevations
• Heating, Ventilation & Plumbing
• Electrical Plans
• Deck Plans

How does the Zoning By-law affect Construction Projects?

Before you apply for a building permit, it is important to determine the zoning by-law regulations that apply to your property. The Zoning by-law tells you what you can use your property for, the size and location of the building, as well as other requirements. The regulations address such matters as:

• Permitted land uses within different parts of the City
• Setbacks of buildings from property lines
• Setbacks of buildings from lands zoned hazardous
• Building heights (usually from the ground in front of the building)
• Building floor areas (can be defined as minimums or maximums)
• Lot coverage (usually a maximum percentage of the lot that may be covered by buildings)
• Accessory uses and buildings (i.e., pools and utility sheds)
• Home occupations and outside storage
• Required municipal services (water and sanitary sewer services)
• Parking requirements

For more information on the Zoning By-Law, please contact the Planning Division.