Prior to starting a new construction project either inside or outside, you must first determine whether you require a building permit.
Building, construct and demolish are defined terms in the Building Code Act.
Projects that require a building permit
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Below are a few examples of projects however this list is not complete. The building division should be contacted when your project is not listed here or if you are unsure whether a permit is required.
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Adding a bedroom
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Additions to a building
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Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size
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Detached garage, shed or accessory structure 108 square feet and greater (measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall)
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Decks greater than 24 inches above grade at any point
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Finishing a basement
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Swimming pools with a design depth of 36 inches or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
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Creating an apartment (in-law suite, accessory apartment, granny flat, duplex etc.)
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Plumbing fixtures added or relocated
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Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam
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Re-insulating walls, ceilings or floors
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Wood stove or wood burning fireplace
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Installing a new window or door where increasing the size of the existing opening
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Retaining wall that is greater than three feet and three inches in height
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Roof structures including a pergola or trellis 108 square feet and greater
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Solar Panels that are mounted to a building
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Septic system installations and alterations
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Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
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Signs
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New residential dwellings
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Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area
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Tent or group of tents that is, more than 645 square feet, including temporary wedding or special event tents
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Industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural construction, alterations or changes of use
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Backflow prevention device for lawn irrigation systems connected to potable water
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Other approvals
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The following are frequently required approvals. Additional approvals may apply.
Electrical work
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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.
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Grand River Conservation Authority
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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:
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rivers and streams
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wetlands
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slopes
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lakes and ponds
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Heritage buildings
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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.
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Ministry of Transportation
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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.
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Natural gas work
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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
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Between now and July 1, 2016: If your project will have planning or building permit applications filed but not approved before July 1, 2016, you are encouraged to determine how the new process may affect your approvals after July 1, 2016. After the effective date of 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.
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Projects that Do Not Require a Building Permit
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Structure less than 108 square feet measured from the outside face of walls (measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall) and that do not contain plumbing (ex. toilet, sink, etc) - these structures must still comply with the zoning regulations.
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Fence (but must comply with fence regulations)
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Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
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Door and window replacements (where there is no increase in the size of the existing opening)
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Installing new shingles on existing roof
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Removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling
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Replacing a plumbing fixture (ex. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location
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How to apply for a permit
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To address continuity of services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Township of Wilmot will only be accepting building permit applications through this electronic submission form.
For application requirements, please visit the Building Permits page and select the applicable project.
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