Building Permits

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Do I need a permit?

The Do I need a Permit page provides examples of when a permit is required and when it is not.

Agricultural buildings

Agricultural buildings and assembly uses

When a farm building is proposed to be used for an assembly type use, such as a wedding/reception, retreat, place of gathering, etc, a change of use permit is required. Please review the document summarizing this process.

Checklist for permit submission

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

Farm buildings

A building proposed to be constructed under the National Farm Building Code must be located on an agricultural property, be of low human occupancy (1 person per 40 square metres /430 square feet) and house livestock, farm related equipment or commodity storage.

Checklist for permit submission

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

Minimum distance separation

Nutrient management

Grain bins, silos and tanks

In addition to the forms listed below, please view these additional requirements for grain storage structures.

Fees and forms

Fees

List of forms:

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

Small Buildings

What is a small building?

Less than 600 square metres (6458 square feet)
Less than 3 storeys in height
Does not contain an Assembly (A1, A2, A3, A4), Care or Detention (B1, B2, B3) or High Hazard Industrial (F1) Occupancy

Checklist for permit submission

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

Large Buildings

A large building is a building that does not meet the parameters of a house or a small 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 and forms

Fees

List of typical forms required for small and large buildings:

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:

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:

List of sample drawings:

Deck

Garage / shed

Residential - new dwelling, addition or alteration

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
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.

Please note: the last day for septic system installations in 2017 is December 11. The 2018 install season will commence when ground conditions and weather are suitable in the spring (as determined by the Township).

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:

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

Please visit our Sign Permits page.

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:

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:

Other approvals

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

Electrical work

The Electrical Safety authority (ESA) is responsible for electrical permits and related inspections. Information on applying for an electrical permit and having electrical work inspected can be found on the ESA website.

Grand River Conservation Authority

You may need a permit from the GRCA for activities such as building, construction, changing the existing grade, adding or removing material if the project is in or near:

rivers and streams
wetlands
slopes
lakes and ponds

Heritage buildings

Heritage Wilmot is required to be consulted on all applications to alter designated heritage building or buildings located within New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District. This also applies to work not requiring a building permit. Approvals are coordinated through the Planning division of the Development Services department.

Ministry of Transportation

Any work on a property close to Highway 7/8 may require a building and land use permit from the MTO. Please consult the MTO website to determine whether approval is required.

Natural gas work

Union Gas is the natural gas supplier in the Township of Wilmot. For information on approval requirements for new or modified natural gas services and supply please visit the Union Gas website.

Source Protection screening

Effective July 1, 2016: all planning and building permit applications, including site plan applications, in a vulnerable source protection area will require screening for potential drinking water threats and associated SPP policies.

For more information please visit the Region of Waterloo's website.

Alternative solutions

For approval of an alternative solution, please complete this form.