Building Permit

Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of any structure greater than 10 m² (108 ft²), or for any structure that contains plumbing.

The following are examples of projects that require a building permit. It is not a complete list.

•         Any structure attached to a house
•     Decks and balconies that meet the following criteria:
• The walking surface is more than 0.6 m (24”) above the adjacent ground
• Attached to a building or structure
• Has a roof
•         Porches, gazebos, or cabanas over 10 m² (108 ft²)
•         Additions or alterations to an existing building, such as:
• Adding, relocating, or altering plumbing fixtures
• Removing or altering a load-bearing wall, column, lintel, or beam
• Adding or removing interior walls, including changes to room sizes or uses
• Re-insulating walls, ceilings, or floors
• Repairing or altering the foundation
• Installing a new window or door, or enlarging an existing opening
• Installing a new fireplace or wood stove
• Changing the heating system
•         New homes, additions, or secondary units
•         Multi-residential or non-residential buildings — when constructing, renovating, or modifying
•         Demolishing all or part of a building, including interior demolition
•         Renovating a basement, such as:
• Finishing an unfinished space
• Adding a bedroom
• Adding or removing walls
• Changing insulation type or R-value
• Making structural changes
• Adding or changing plumbing
• Creating a second unit
• Changing the use or occupancy of a building.
•          Tents over 60 m² (including grouped tents)
•           Solar panels over 5 m²
•           Demountable stages and sound or lighting towers
•           A backflow device for an irrigation system where the irrigation systems connect to the municipal water system
• Installing an enclosure around a swimming pool with a depth of 760 mm (30 inches) or greater, including temporary pools.
• Constructing a retaining wall greater than 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in height, depending on its location
• Repairing or installing a septic system
• Installing a new sign or altering an existing sign

Please note that electrical work is not reviewed or inspected by the Building Department. For information regarding electrical permits and inspections, contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1-877-372-7233).

The following are examples of projects that do not require a building permit. However, the structure must still comply with the Zoning By-law and any other Township By-laws:

• Building a detached structure less 10 m² (108 ft²), that does not contain plumbing
• Decks and balconies that meet the following criteria:
  •      The walking surface is less than 0.6 m (24”) above the adjacent ground
  •      Detached from any building or structure
  •      Does not have a roof
•           Detached sheds up to 15 m² (161 ft²) that meet the following criteria:
• Only one storey tall
• Not attached to any other structure
• Used only for storage
• Without plumbing
•           Replacing a plumbing fixture with the same type in the same location
•           Re-shingling a roof, if you remove the old shingles
•           Replacing siding on a house, garage, or accessory building
•           Installing an eavestrough if drainage doesn’t affect other properties
• Building a fence, but the fence must comply with our Fence bylaw
• Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
• Replacing a door or window within an existing opening, where no structural members are changed, and no fire-resistance rating is in place

The following supplementary documentation may also be required when you submit the application:

• • Building Code Matrix
  • Commitment for General Review Form
  • Design Level Cross Connection Survey (Backflow)
  • Renovation Sprinkler Verification Certificate
  • Review Form for Roof Truss & Engineered Floor/Roof Layout
  • Owner Authorization Form (If applicant is not the owner)
  • Energy Efficient Design Summary
  • Tarion Owner Builder Acknowledgement Form
  • Residential Mechanical Ventilation Design Summary
  • SB-10 Form
  • Field Review Form
  • Site Plan Review
  • Entrance / Access Permit Application (Public Works)
  • Well Record Request

If your property falls under the Grand River Conservation Authority’s jurisdiction, a separate permit from the GRCA (or written approval in lieu of a permit) may be required: https://www.grandriver.ca/planning-development/map-your-property/ 

To confirm if your property falls within a Source Water Protected Area, please use (TAPS) source water protection mapping tool: https://taps.regionofwaterloo.ca/Html5Viewer/index.html?viewer=taps/

Every property in a vulnerable area must include either a Notice of Source Protection Plan Compliance or a Section 59 Notice with their building permit submission. 

Building inspectors review projects during key stages of construction to ensure work complies with the Ontario Building Code and approved plans. Inspectors may visit the construction site several times and must be able to see the portion of work under inspection and the drawings.

Book inspections 24 hours in advance

• Email the Building Department
• Phone 519-632-8800 x124

Inspections will be booked on a first come first serve basis. Please include the address, permit number, preferred date, and the type of inspection being requested.  

Please note: All inspection requests require a minimum of 24 hours notice. Requests for the next business day must be received no later than 3:00pm on the date requested and will be subject to availability.  Any inspections that cannot be accommodated for next day inspections will be scheduled for the following business day. Once you submit your request we will review and schedule your inspection. You will receive an email confirmation at the end of the day.

Residential building permits are categorized as follows:

Pool, Hot Tub - Fence Enclosure

Please refer to our Fence By-Law for more information, which includes pools and hot tubs.

• Pool Application Form
• Pool Permit Package

Deck

• Application Form
• Deck Permit Requirements Checklist
• Deck Design Guide

Farm Building (Barn)

• Application Form
• Requirements, Example Drawings, Nutrient Management Requirements & Minimum Distance Details
• OMAFRA Headquarters

Industrial / Commercial Building

• Application Form
• Industrial-Commercial Requirement Checklist
• Field Review
• SB-10 Compliance Form