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.
• 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
• Hot Tubs
• 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.

• 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

Please contact the planning department to confirm setbacks for desired project. 

New wells
When drilling a new well, be sure to use a Licensed Well Contractor approved by the Ministry of the Environment.

Well records
If you would like to order a copy of the official well record for your water well, please visit the Ministry of the Environment’s Well Records website or call 1-888-396-WELL (9355).

Well Water Testing
Private well water can be tested for free through the Health Unit. Pick up a free well water testing kit at the Municipal Office. 

 New Entrance/Driveway

An entrance permit is required to establish or change an entranceway onto a property off of a public road. You do not need to apply for an entrance permit if your property is on a private road. An entrance permit must also be in place prior to the issuance of a building permit. Entrance permits are submitted to and approved by the Public Works Department. 

Entrance Permit Application -Municipal Roads

County Entrance Permit Application - County Roads to be submitted to Lanark County.

Highway 7 entrances are issued by the Ministry of Transportation 

New Civic Address

Your Civic Address (or 9-1-1 address) uniquely describes a specific location and is primarily in place to help emergency services locate properties. Addresses are subsequently referenced for mail and other services. 

Civic/Rural Addressing Application Form

Deck Design Guide

This guide is for informational purposes only. It is the responsibility of the Applicant/Designer to review the building code and ensure all information is complete, accurate, and up to date.

The design and construction of a deck and/or Porch must comply with the Municipality of Drummond/North Elmsley Zoning By-Law as well as the Ontario Building Code (OBC).