Building Permits

Why do I need a building or plumbing permit?

What type of work requires a building or plumbing permit?

You would be required to obtain a building and/or plumbing permit for any work that meets at least one of the following criteria:

• The construction of any structure exceeding 10 m^₂ (107 ft²)
• Any material alteration to an existing structure (i.e. changes in the structure of roofs, removal or alteration of existing walls, addition of larger/smaller windows, etc.)
• Installation of a wood stove
• Decks over 10m² in size and/or attached to a house and/or that are at least 0.6 m above the ground
• Sheds and garages (over 10m² in size)
• New plumbing or alterations to existing plumbing
• Retaining walls exceeding 1 meter in height
• Tents exceeding 60 m² in size
• Fire separations within existing buildings
• All temporary buildings (such as temporary carports, etc.) 

What information is required for a building permit?

Every building permit application is different and may require different information, depending on the scale and nature of the intended project. In some cases, it may be necessary to go through a Planning Approval process prior to the submission of a building permit application. For detailed advice about your own development plans, please contact the City’s Development Coordinator. General submission items are listed below.

For all building permit applications:

• A complete Building Permit Application Form

For any new, minor buildings, decks, pools:

• A detailed site plan showing all property-line setbacks, the area of all existing structures, and the flow of any drainage due to the proposed structure.
• Building plans, showing the structural details of the proposed building/structure and elevation drawings, if relevant
• Permit from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA), if relevant

For all new major construction and renovations:

• Two sets of detailed building plans, including floor plans, elevation drawings, electrical drawings, plumbing drawings, HVAC drawings, etc. as relevant
• Detailed property survey and drainage/grading plan prepared by a qualified engineer
• Permit from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA), if relevant 
• 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 much does a building permit cost?

Most building permits are calculated at a rate of $10.25 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum fee of $120.00 for residential building permits and $240.00 for commercial and institutional permits.

New, single residential houses have a different permit value, as per the City’s Fees and Charges By-Law. In addition, any new residential units may be subject to development charges, as per the City’s Development Charges By-Law and Grey County’s Development Charges By-Law.

Plumbing permits start at a minimum of $125.00, but larger projects may cost more for additional fixtures, etc. All new buildings and/or roofed structures are subject to an Engineering Fee. All applications are subject to a $30.00 Occupancy (admin) fee.

For a full break-down of relevant permit fees, see the City's Fees & Charges By-Law 

Note: These fees are subject to change at any time, at the City’s discretion. 

What am I paying for exactly?

With a valid building permit, you are paying for peace of mind that your intended project is permitted in terms of the Ontario Building Code, the City’s Zoning By-Law, and any other relevant policies and By-laws. During the building process, one of the City’s Building Officials will visit the property to inspect the on-going work on your property during various stages of construction. At the end of the project, you will be issued with an Occupancy Permit, to demonstrate that the project has been successfully completed to meet the minimum standards of the Ontario Building Code and other relevant laws. This confirmation is important for insurance purposes, for potential purchasers of the property, and for the safety of any users of the building or structure. 

What happens if I build without a permit?

How long does it take for the City to issue a building permit?

What happens after I have received my building permit? 

Once you have paid for and received a valid building permit, you are required to commence construction on the project within 6 months of the date of permit issuance, unless express permission is granted by the Chief Building Official. 

Once the work has commenced, property owners/applicants are required to contact the Building Department to book mandatory inspections at each stage of the construction process, as regulated by the Ontario Building Code.

I want to put up a tent for an event. Does that require a permit?

How does the Zoning By-law affect construction projects?

Before you apply for a building permit, it is important to determine the zoning regulations that apply to your property. The City's 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 'Hazard' (ZH)
• 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 (e.g. pools and utility sheds)
• Home occupations and outside storage
• Required municipal services (water and sanitary sewer services)
• Parking requirements
• Secondary units ("accessory apartments") and converted dwellings 

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

How do I get more information about applying for a building permit?

To get more information about building permits, fees, processes and timelines, please contact the Development Coordinator by email or phone (519-376-4440 ext. 1231)