Frequently Asked Questions

Effective January 1, 2025, the Ontario government introduced a new Ontario Building Code aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, improving building safety and quality, and facilitating housing construction. The 2024 Code streamlines sector processes and enhances alignment with the National Construction Codes by removing many variations between provincial and national requirements.

This update introduces several important changes, including:

• Enhanced requirements for fire protection

• Improved means of egress

• Updated regulations for mezzanines

• Guidelines for roof-mounted solar panels

• Barrier-free provisions

• Protection against radon and carbon monoxide

• Coordination of plumbing, heating, and ventilation standards with the National Code

Building permits keep people safe. By getting a building permit and the required inspections, you can ensure that your project meets health and safety standards, the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law.

You need a Building Permit to:

• Construct any new building such as new single family dwelling, garage, or shed

• Install or repair a foundation

• Install a pre-manufactured fabric structure or shelter such as a tent or greenhouse, that is more than 60 m² (646 ft²) in aggregate ground area

• Repair or add to a building, including porches and decks

• Do interior renovations that include structural, plumbing and mechanical systems

• Enclose a porch or add a roof over a deck

• Add a chimney, woodstove or fireplace

• Install an above ground pool or in ground pool

• Replace foundation drain tiles

• Re-brick or install siding (lumber, vinyl, hardboard, metal)

• Finish a basement

• Move a building onto a property

• Create a basement apartment

• Insulate an existing building or change insulation and vapour barrier

• Demolition projects

No construction, alteration or conversion shall occur until a building permit is applied for and issued. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and is a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act.

Other types of structures or renovations not noted above may require a building permit. Please contact the Building Services team to confirm.

You don’t need a Building Permit to:

• Do non-structural work such as eaves troughs, kitchen cupboards, landscaping, driveway surfacing, sidewalks or fences (however, Fence By-law requirements apply)

• Build a wooden deck with no roof, where the finished deck level is 24″ (600 mm) or less, above finished grade, regardless of size when not attached to building (however, Zoning Regulations apply)

• Replace windows and doors, provided openings are not enlarged

• Change or add cooling systems, air cleaners, plenum heaters and in-line humidifiers

• Replace a furnace

• Build a proposed free standing structure that is under 108 ft2 (however, Zoning Regulations apply)

• A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit if it is not more than 15 m2(161.5 ft2) in gross area

• Replace plumbing fixtures

• Replace roof shingles

It’s important to know your property’s zone prior to planning any work.

• how land may be used (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.);

• where buildings and other structures can be located;

• the types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used; and

• the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks.

To confirm your property’s zoning and permitted uses, please call 705-507-1177.

The builder, contractor, and/or property owner is responsible for:

• obtaining the permit

• having the the permit posted on the job site

• keeping the approved plans on the job site

Property owners may authorize a contractor or other person to apply on their behalf by providing a written authorization with their permit application.

Please refer to your municipality’s Building By-law for the applicable fee schedule.

The legislated time period will commence after the required documentation has been submitted as per the Ontario Building Code, Division C – Part 1, Table 1.3.1.3, Period within which permit shall be issued or refused.

10 business days for

Class of Building (a) Except for a retirement home, a house where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit.

Class of Building (b) A detached structure that serves a building described in Clause (a) and does not exceed 55 m2 in building area.

Class of Building (c) A tent to which Section 3.14. of Division B applies.

Class of Building (d) A sign to which Section 3.15. of Division B applies.

15 business days for

Class of Building (a) Buildings described in Clause 1.1.2.4.(1)(a), (b) or (c) of Division A, other than buildings described in Column 1 of any of Items 1 and 4 of this Table.

Class of Building (b) Farm buildings that do not exceed 600 m2 in building area.

20 business days for

Class of Building (a) Buildings described in Clause 1.1.2.2.(1)(a) or (b) of Division A, other than buildings described in Column 1 of any of Items 1 and 4 of this Table.

Class of Building (b) Farm buildings exceeding 600 m2 in building area.

Class of Building (c) Retirement homes.

30 businessdays for

Class of Building (a) Post-disaster buildings.

Class of Building (b) Buildings to which Subsection 3.2.6. of Division B or any provision in Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11. of Division B applies.

Several inspections are mandatory throughout the building process. Inspection requirements vary from project to project. An inspection schedule will be provided once your permit is issued. All inspection requests should be made through the Building Department by calling 705-507-1177.

Structural

• 2 sets of scaled construction drawings

• Elevation Plans (front, rear, right, left)

• Floor Plan(s)

• Basement Plan

• Site Plan

• Cross Sections (section view)

• Foundation

• Private entrance permit (Public Works approval)

Mechanical

• Plumbing Plan

• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Plans (duct layout, heat loss calculations and mechanical design summary)

• Radiant Heat Design

Site/Lot Elevation Showing Plan

• Size and location of all existing and proposed buildings, garages, pools, sheds, etc. on property.

• All property lines and dimensions as well as the distance between all structures and the property lines, drainage patterns and driveway.

Letter of Authorization

• A letter from the property owner is required should the applicant not be the owner.

With very few exceptions, demolishing a structure requires a building permit. The permit application process is much the same as with a building project.

A permit issued for a new building, including additions, shall expire two (2) years from the date of issuance. Permits for accessory buildings, repairs, or renovations shall expire one (1) year from the date of issuance. If the project is not completed by expiry date, the applicant must apply for a one (1) year extension permit .