Building Permit

Building Permit Application Process

1. Complete the building permit application form.
2. If you are not the owner, please include a completed authorization letter with your permit submission.
3. Email the forms to building@northdumfries.ca
4. Applications are accepted when the permit fee is paid. Please refer to: the Township fee schedule. Based on permit type, Development Charges may be associated with the building permits. 
5. The following supplementary documentation may also be required when you submit the application:
• Building Code Matrix
• Commitment Form
• Design Level Cross Connection Survey
• Renovation Sprinkler Verification Certificate

When is a Building Permit Required?

A building permit is required for:

• Construction of a new building or placement of a structure (e.g. mobile home) on a property
• Renovations, repairs, or additions
• Repair or alteration of a foundation
• Change a building's use
• Demolition or to remove portions of a building
• Install, change, or remove portions and load-bearing walls
• Create new openings for, or change sizes of, doors and windows
• Building a garage, balcony, or deck
• Erect a temporary building
• Install a swimming pool and construct a security fence around the pool area
• Install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
• Install or alter a wood burning appliance
• Reconstruct a chimney
• Install a new sign or alter an existing sign

If work is done without the required permit(s), an order to stop work may be issued, work already done may be removed, or the owner may be prosecuted. Contact the building department about whether or not a permit is needed. The Township provides assistance throughout the process and notifies each applicant when a permit is ready or if an application was not approved.

When is a Building Permit Not Required?

A building permit is not required for the following:

• Replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
• Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
• Build a utility shed under 161 square feet (not more than 15m² in gross floor area)
• Re-shingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
• Install eaves-troughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
• Damp-proof basements
• Paint or decorate
• Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Erect a fence (except for around swimming pools, which requires a permit)
• Electrical work (however the Electrical Safety Authority must inspect electrical installations)

Building Inspections

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 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 (Group C)

Residential building permits are categorized as follows:

Pool, Hot Tub, Fence

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

• Pool Permit Flow Chart
• Pool Permit Package
• Pool Application Form

Agricultural Permits

Farm Building (Barn)

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

Industrial/Commercial Permits

Industrial/Commercial Building

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

Other Permits