Building Permits

Do I need a permit?

Agricultural buildings

Backflow prevention device

The installation of a backflow prevention device requires a plumbing permit.

For more information please visit the backflow prevention page.

Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Large Multi-Residential

Demolition

A demolition permit is required to demolish, or partially demolish, a structure.  a Professional Engineer must provide general review of a project if the building is more than 600square metres (6460 square feet), more than 3 storeys, contains pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members, if the demolition will affect the angle of repose of footings for neighbouring buildings, or if lasers or explosives are to be used.

Fees

List of forms:

• Application form
• Commitment to general review form
• Demolition tracking form

Fences and pools

Please visit our Fences and Pools page

Residential - decks, sheds, garage, gazebo, or finished basements

Checklist for permit submission

(Please contact the Building division regarding any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements)

Fees

List of forms:

• Application form
• Schedule 1: designer information

List of sample drawings:

Deck

• specifications
• drawing

Garage / shed

• mud sill
• pier footings
• frost footings
• floating slab
• elevations

Residential - new dwelling units, additions or alterations

Checklist for permit submission

(Please contact the Building division regarding any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements)

Accessory apartment guideline

Fees

List of forms:

• Application form
• Schedule 1: designer information
• A ventilation (HVAC) design summary form is required for all new residential projects and for most additions
• An energy efficency design summary (EEDS) form is reqired for all new residential projects and for most additions. Either an EEDS prescriptive form or EEDS performance and other compliance form is required.
• A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) balance certificate is required to be submitted prior to Occupancy of a dwelling if an HRV has been installed
• For new dwelling units where a final inspection deposit was paid, a final inspection must be requested within 12 months of occupancy to be eligible for a refund of the deposit.  Please submit a final inspection refund request form when the project is complete and ready for the final inspection.

Plumbing

A plumbing permit is required for alterations to a plumbing system.  This includes adding or relocating fixtures, permanently removing fixtures, adding or altering venting or drainage piping, adding or altering an irrigation system, etc.  A permit may not be required for the replacement of a fixture in the same location - for instance, replacing an older model toilet with a new low flush model.

Plumbing within new buildings, additions or alterations to an existing building, is included as part of the building permit for the entire project.

For plumbing alterations without construction work, such as irrigation systems, installation of back flow prevention devices or water/sewer service replacement, repairs or alterations, a plumbing permit is required.

Fees

List of forms:

Please contact the Building division to confirm which of the forms are required.

• Application form
• Schedule 1: designer information
• Commitment to general review form
• Location sketch of proposed work (for water and sewer service work)
• Backflow prevention report

Septic

A building permit is required to alter or install a septic system.

Checklist for permit submission

(Please contact the Building division regarding any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements)

Fees

List of forms:

• Application form
• Schedule 2: sewage system installer information
• General maintenance of septic systems

Septic audits

A septic audit is required when new plumbing fixtures, bedrooms or more than 15 percent floor area are proposed to be added to a residence.  For non-residential systems, please contact the Building division to determine if a septic audit will be required.

Septic audits must be performed by a licenced septic installer and be witnessed by a building inspector. Inspections must be requested minimum one business day in advance, prior to 4 p.m. by calling 519-634-8519 ext. 243.

• Septic audit requirements

Septic system mandatory maintenance inspection program

Signs

Solar Panels

A building permit is required for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on a building.

Checklist for permit submission

(Please contact the Building division regarding any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements)

Fees

List of forms:

• Application form
• Schedule 1: designer information
• Commitment to general review form

Tents

A building permit is required for a tent that is 60 square metres (645 square feet) or larger, or a group of tents spaced less than 3 metres (10 feet) apart with a combined area of 60 square metres (645 square feet) or larger.

Checklist for permit submission

(Please contact the Building division regarding any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements)

Fees

List of forms:

• Application form
• Commitment to general review form

Other approvals

 The following are frequently required approvals. Additional approvals may apply.

Alternative solutions