When Do I Need a Building Permit?
  Why Do I Need a Building Permit?
  How Do I Apply?
  What Is A Site Plan?
  Can I Draw My Own Building Plans Or Drawings?
  What Do I Need For My Water And Sewage Systems?
  Do I Need A Plumbing Permit?
  Do I Need A New Home Warranty Registration Number?
  What Does A Building Permit Cost?

  When Do I Need To Contact The Conservation Authority?
  What Are Development Fees?
  Are There Any Other Matters I Should Consider?
  What Are My Obligations During Construction?
  When Can I Occupy The Building?
  Can I Occupy an Unfinished Building?
  Why Do I Need Inspections?
  What Happens If I Build Without A Permit?

• Any new buildings including farm buildings and structures

• Adding a carport, garage, rooms or another storey to an existing building

• Adding structural features such as a balcony, decks, a canopy or dormer, or enclosing a porch

• Excavating to construct a new or full basement under an existing house

• Constructing any accessory building over 10 sq. metres (100 sq. ft.) such as a garage or utility building

• Doing renovations or repairs of any kind, including the addition of a bedroom in a basement, or undertaking structural changes such as removing a load bearing partition or wall

• Signs having structural components or over 7.5 metres in height, retaining walls over 1 metre in height, antennas or towers over 16 metres, pools deeper than 3.5 metres, and dishes or solar collectors over 5 metres²

• Changing the use or occupancy of a building

• Installation of wood burning equipment and/or chimneys

• Installation of a public pool

• Installation or alteration of any building system such as plumbing, heating, ventilation or any life safety systems

• When a building or structure is to be moved

A demolition permit is required if you are tearing down a building or part of a building.  A farm building (located on a farm) does not require a demolition permit.

To ensure that construction within the municipality meets with standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, and in doing so protects the Public=s Health, Safety and Welfare.  Building Officials use Building Permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes.  The value of your home or business investment could be reduced if it does not meet with the code requirements.

You will be required to complete and sign an application form.  This form is available at the Municipal Office.  You may also be required to submit other information depending on the type of construction project you propose (refer to the check list provided to determine what common types of information are required for various projects).

• Municipal address

• Lot and Concession number

• Use of building

• Location of all buildings

• Lot dimensions

• Set backs from rivers, ponds, property lines

• North Arrow

• Vehicle access (drive way)

• Retaining walls (if applicable)

• Right-of-way (if applicable)

  • Easements

  • Location of septic system

  • Location of well

  • Location of ground source heat pump ( if applicable)

• Drainage plan showing how the water will be draining away from the building

• Location and discharge of sump pump

Yes, plans are required for new buildings, additions, accessory buildings and structural alterations, the following information must be included for each of the plans:

• 2 sets of plans to be submitted; one set will be returned to you to be kept on the construction site at all times

• Measurements may be in metric or imperial

• Plans may vary depending on the type of construction but generally should include: 
   

·    All dimensions
·    Floor framing, size and spacing
·    Beams, columns (sizes)
·    Stair location, number of steps or height of steps
·    Foundation wall
·    Footings
·    Partitions
·    Door, windows (sizes)
 

·    Plumbing fixtures
·    Furnace
·    Floor drain
·    Lintels
·    Cross bridging
·    Use of space
·    Scale of plans 

·   All dimensions
·   Floor framing, size and direction
   (Submit Manufacturers Floor Layouts)
·   Beams, lintels, and columns (sizes)
·   Stair location, number of steps or height of steps
·   Partitions
·   Doors, windows (size)

·   Plumbing fixtures
·   Cross bridging
·   Intended use of spaces (names of rooms)
·   Roof framing (upper floor), size and direction
    of framing, include ridge lines and valleys
·   Fireplace/stove and chimney locations
·   Scale of plans 
 

·     Truss and Floor Layouts from the Manufacturer must be submitted with your application. The engineered shop drawings for 
    trusses and manufactured floor joists may be provided at the time of your framing inspection .
 

·     Finishing details of the exterior
·     Accurate grade location
·     Steps and handrails
·     Deck and porch construction details
 

·     Windows, doors
·     Roof Pitch
·     Chimney height 

·    Schematic of all drains and vents
·    Fixture locations and details of grab bars and stall sizes for Barrier Free washrooms 
 

·     Scale of plans
·     Vertical height dimensions
·     Identify all materials used in walls, roof and floor construction
·     Stair sections (dimensions)
·     Roof pitch

·     Construction details
·     Exterior grade
·     Lintels, Beams, columns
·     Roof overhang
·     Dimensions of materials 
 

·     Certificates are required for the installation or enlargement of any private sewage system i.e. septic tank and tile field
·     Copy of certificate must be submitted to the Building Inspector before a Building Permit can be issued
·     In the case of an addition, change of use, etc., a letter of approval is required.

·     A Building Permit is required for the installation of any plumbing fixtures or modification to any plumbing and drainage systems
·     Plumbing inspections are required .

You need to contact the Conservation Authority whenever you plan to build within the flood plane or in an area that is likely to flood once in a 100 years.  This can be difficult to tell because this flood line is not usually visible on the ground.  If you are not sure then call either the South Nation Conservation Authority or the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority depending on which river takes the water run off from your property.

Development fees are established by By-law for new development on a property, the fees help offset the costs of municipal infrastructure effected by expanding development.  The fees are due before a Building Permit may be issued.

Bell Canada

• for telephone connections and the location of buried cable

• contact your own agent for coverage during construction 

• electrical permits and inspections are required for any electrical wiring
• information about a hydro service for your property or the location of buried cable is available by contacting Hydro One.

• Make sure that location of services will not affect future plans, ie. Garages, decks, pools, additions, sewage/water systems, play ground equipment, fencing, etc. 

Building without a permit is against the law and is subject to fines or penalties set out in the Building Code Act and the Provincial Offences Act.  Furthermore, the cost of issuing a permit where construction has begun is double the standard permit fee.  The Chief Building Official may also ask for engineering inspections on the existing building or parts thereof before a permit can be issued.  This is an unwise and expensive proposition, don’t do it. 

NOTE:  The issuing of a Building Permit does not in any way relieve the Owner or his agent from complying with all the rules and regulations of the Zoning By-laws, the Ontario Building Code, or any other applicable law.