Building Permits

• To apply for a building permit, we require:

  • Complete Building Permit Application Form
  • Two sets of building drawings
  • New dwellings in residential areas require a site and grading plan by a land surveyor or engineer
  • Accessory structures require a property site plan
    • Example site plan
  • Some projects may require the approval of other agencies such as but not limited to: Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation
  • Multi-unit residential, commercial, industrial etc. are subject to site plan control

Application Timeline

When a complete application is received our staff review and communicate with the applicant as per the Ontario Building Code Act timelines:

• 10 business days for residential building permit application
• 15 business days for a small commercial building permit application

30 business days for a large commercial building permit application

Projects Requiring a Permit

Before you start construction of any type, please contact the Building Department.
Some projects that require a permit include (but are not limited to):

• Build a new building or structure (greater than 108ft²)
  • Accessory Building Guide
• Build any addition or make structural changes 
• Renovations or repairs to existing buildings
  • Secondary Suite Guide
• Build a deck
  • Deck Guide
• Finish an unfinished basement
• Add or change size of doors or windows
• Create a new entrance
• Wood burning stove or fireplace
• Plumbing
  • Adding a washroom or altering existing plumbing
• Septic
• New insulation
• Connect to municipal water
• Demolish a house or building greater than 108 square feet. A form 357 is required after demolition and is to be submitted to the Treasury Department.
  • Before demolition it is your responsibility to contact the Water Department and your hydro provider (Hydro One or Westario)
• Change the use of a building
• Installing a swimming pool
• Pool Guide
• Pool fence

Projects Not Requiring a Permit

Some projects that do not require a permit include:
- replacing existing doors and windows (same size)

• Install siding on small residential buildings
• Roofless deck that has an area of less than 108 ft²and the maximum height off the ground is under 0.61 m (2 ft)
• Accessory building that square footage is less than 108 ft² (i.e. garden shed)
  • Must be in a side or rear yard; minimum setback 1m from property lines
• Re-shingle roof
• Dry-wall or plaster
• Paint or decorate
• Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards
• Install fence on your own property (call the Building Department if you are on a corner lot)