Residents, who are considering building, or renovating over 161 square feet (15sqm) must obtain a building permit and pay all fees prior to commencement of any construction. We recommend you contact the building department in your early planning stages so we can help identify the steps for your consideration and this will avoid any potential costly delays and disappointments. Building By-Law 2019-16
Do You Need A Permit
The following are examples of residential projects that require a permit. If unsure, please contact the Chief Building Official for direction.
- All new dwellings, duplex, triplex, single detached, semidetached and other similar projects
- All decks, landings, ramps, verandahs, and platforms regardless of size that serve a dwelling unit
- Alteration of deck guard system or handrails on decks and platforms that serve a dwelling or freestanding structure over 15m2
- Detached Sheds, garages and other accessory buildings over 15m2
- Interior renovations (new walls and framing, insulation and vapour barrier, creation of new rooms and similar projects)
- Alteration of plumbing pipes (movement of pipes, reconfiguration, tie in of new vents, new fixture creation and similar projects)
- Temporary Tent placement on residential property for tents over 60m2 in area for special events
- Window and door alterations (enlargement of exterior openings for windows and doors)
- Parging and Waterproofing a foundation (blueskin, dimple board, weeper install, stone over weepers and similar projects)
- Change out of a HVAC furnace or installation of an HRV into an existing dwelling
- Exterior Insulation of a house
- Basement Finishing
The following are examples of non-residential projects that require a permit. If unsure, please contact the Chief Building Official for direction.
- Exterior stucco or cladding removal and/or replacement
- Alterations to sprinkler systems and fire alarm components
- Interior renovations to any existing units
- Bathroom renovations
- Interior layout changes
- All new construction (additions, new builds etc.)
- Placement of a portable or prebuilt building
- Foundation repairs
- Landing, deck, ramp and other exterior platform renovations, alterations and installations
- Tent or group of tents over 60m2 in area
- Barrier free alterations within existing units
- HVAC alterations
- Removal or addition of new exit doors, fire separations, firewalls, and other similar projects
The following are examples of projects that do not require a permit. If unsure, please contact the Chief Building Official for direction.
- Re-painting
- Putting new siding on a house
- Shingling a roof, putting steel on a roof (as long as you do not have more than 3 current layers of shingles)
- Changing out a toilet, tap, or sink for a new fixture (using the same pluming piping or very minor alterations)
- A free standing structure being built under 10m2 that does not directly serve a dwelling unit (eg. freestanding deck in a yard, etc.)
- Painting
- Changing of flooring on top of subfloor, laying carpet or vinyl
- Kitchen cupboard changes and alterations
- Landscaping
- Changing of windows and doors in their existing rough openings
Pick Your Project
We wish to emphasize that the Building Department enforces the Ontario Building Code. Questions concerning Zoning or land use By-Laws should be directed to the Planning Department and any questions concerning property drainage, and grading should be directed to the Roads Department.
Please note that while we strive to keep all forms and applications available online up to date, it is advisable to contact the township office for updated forms and prices for all packages.
