Building Permits

A building permit is required for many construction projects, including:

• New buildings and additions
• Renovations and repairs
• Demolitions and relocations
• Change of building use
• Detached buildings over 10 m² (sheds 15 m² or larger)
• Decks, pools, fireplaces, wood/pellet stoves
• Plumbing and sewage systems
• HVAC systems
• Mobile homes and park model trailers
• Prefabricated structures (including shipping containers)
• Retaining walls over 1 m in certain locations
• Solar collectors over 5 m²
• Exterior storage tanks
• Communication towers
• Pedestrian bridges
• Temporary buildings (tents over 60 m²)
• Pool enclosures
• Fire alarm systems

A permit is generally not required for:

• Small accessory buildings (10 m² or less, sheds under 15 m²) without plumbing
• Landscaping
• Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets, fixtures using existing plumbing)
• Re-roofing
• Replacing siding only
• Replacing windows or doors without changing size
• Hot tubs with a lockable cover
• Swimming pools (a pool enclosure permit may still be required)

Note: Projects must still comply with the Township Zoning By-law and other applicable regulations. Contact the Building Department if you're unsure.

Depending on your project, you may need:

• Planning approval
• Sewage permit
• Entrance permit
• Conservation Authority approval
• Provincial ministry approvals (Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Transportation, Labour)
• Municipal Heritage approval
• Registered deed (if required)
• Tarion/HCRA documentation
• Engineered drawings, truss designs, HRV designs, or heat loss/gain calculations
• Ministry of Labour Notice of Project (projects over $50,000)

Most complete applications are reviewed within 10 business days after all required documents and payment are received.

Applications are reviewed in the order received.

Most applications require:

• Completed application form
• Site/plot plan
• Construction drawings
• Applicable fees

All electronic submissions must be in PDF format.

Permits are valid for one year. Extensions may be granted if construction has started.

Yes. With an active dwelling permit, you may stay in a camper on your property for up to 2 years, provided an approved sewage system is in place.

1. Submit a complete application and payment.
2. Building and Planning review.
3. Permit issued and posted on site.
4. Begin construction and schedule inspections.
5. Occupancy inspection (if applicable).
6. Final inspection.
7. Permit closed.

Before occupancy, the Township must receive required approvals, which may include:

• Plumbing completion
• ESA certificate
• HVAC final inspection and balancing report
• Potable water test
• Sewage system certificate
• Insulation certificate

See the Township Occupancy Checklist for complete requirements.

A permit is required for:

• New fire alarm systems
• Replacing control panels
• Adding of devices to existing circuits
• Adding new circuits/zone to existing fire alarm control unit/transponder
• Network modifications
• Installation of ancillary devices
• Central station connections

Projects requiring a permit must include:

• Commitment to General Review (CTG)
• Engineer-stamped fire alarm drawings

When is a Fire Alarm permit not required?

A permit is generally not required for:

• Replacing compatible devices
• Power supply replacement
• Software modifications
• Routine maintenance, testing, or inspections

Tarion provides warranty coverage for eligible new homes in Ontario. Since 2021, builder licensing has been managed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA).

The HCRA licenses and regulates new home builders and vendors in Ontario.

Most new home builders and sellers must be licensed. Owner-built homes may not require a licence but are not eligible for Tarion warranty coverage.

• Property owners may be able to prepare their own drawings for residential projects.
• Drawings must be clear, accurate, and include enough information to confirm Building Code and zoning compliance.
• If drawings are incomplete or do not include the required information, you may be asked to revise them or hire a qualified designer.
• The OBOA (Ontario Building Officials Association) and LMCBO (Large Municipalities Chief Building Officials) have provided sample construction drawings, please see the attached copy for reference.