Most construction requires a Building Permit, but a Building Permit cannot be issued if other Planning approvals are first required.

Common permits and approvals that may be required when construction or alteration is proposed:

• Building Permit
• Occupancy Permit
• Demolition Permit
• Pool Permit
• Minor Variance
• Site Plan Control Approval
• Subdivision Approval
• Zoning By-law Amendment
• Official Plan Amendment

See Forms & Fees

All non-residential development (i.e. commercial, industrial, institutional) of any kind requires Site Plan Control Approval. This includes additions or expansions to existing non-residential uses.

Development proposals of more than 10 residential units also require Site Plan Control Approval. Site Plan Control is a tool the Township uses to review elements of proposed developments which are difficult to regulate through the Zoning By-Law. Issues such as site access, drainage, stormwater management, traffic patterns, road upgrades, and environmental issues are reviewed as part of this process.

Any development that cannot meet the regulations dictated by the Zoning By-Law (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.) requires a Minor Variance.

If both Site Plan Control and Minor Variance approvals are required there is a Combined Application Form.

Any use proposed that is not permitted by the Zoning By-Law requires a Zoning By-Law Amendment. Minor Variances can be applied for if one is seeking a minor reduction or relief from a quantitative aspect of the Zoning By-Law (i.e. Reduce the front yard setback from 7.5 m to 5m) but Zoning By-Law Amendments are necessary to allow uses not permitted, alter other non-quantitative aspects of the Zoning By-Law, or request major reductions from quantitative aspects of the Zoning By-Law.

An Official Plan Amendment is required if a proposed development is not permitted by the Official Plan.

Building Permit Guidelines

Building Permit Application Requirements for the Construction of a New Single-Family Dwelling or a Seasonal Residential Dwelling

Find Building Permit Applications on the Forms & Fees page.

The applicant must be the owner of the building or property or a person authorized in writing by the owner to apply for a permit on the owner’s behalf.

Required Plans:

• One (1) electronic copy of plans/drawings to scale including Foundation Plan, Floor Plan, Elevations, Cross-Section, and any other plans required by CBO
• Site Plan drawn to scale and indicating property boundaries; the true dimensions of the lot to be built upon or otherwise used; the proposed location, height and dimensions of any building, structure or use proposed for such lot including the location of the sewage system; the proposed location and dimensions of yards, parking areas and loading spaces; distances of existing and proposed structures from all boundaries and if applicable from any waterbody, existing right-of-way, and easements.
• A statement signed by the owner, disclosing the exact use proposed for each building, structure or use and giving all information necessary to determine if such proposed or existing building, structure or use conforms to the requirements of the applicable Zoning

Other Required Permits/Approvals – Only if Applicable:

• Planning Approval – through the Development Services Department
• Septic Permit – through the Development Services Department
• Entrance Permit – through the Public Works Department
• Ministry of the Environment Approval
• Ministry of Natural Resources Approval
• Ministry of Agriculture and Food Approval
• Conservation Authority Approval

Other Required Documents:

• Copy of Registered Deed – if proof of ownership required
• Ontario New Home Warranty Declaration
• Heat loss/Heat gain calculations (By HRAI* and BCIN qualified designer)
• Certified design for HRV units (ventilation systems) including duct layout & sizing.
• Truss design drawings to be stamped by professional engineer from Ontario
• Solid Fuel Burning devices and Factory built Chimney (ULC listing needed) *HRAI-Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute

1. When all information is received it will be reviewed by the Building Department
2. A calculation sheet will be completed by this department indicating the fee and this will be signed by the applicant
3. A letter will be prepared indicating any deficiencies or missing information. If all information is complete and the application does not contravene any applicable law, Act or Code, a permit will be issued. The permit must be posted on site.

Follow-Up:

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the Township is notified for all required inspections. Inspections require 48 hours notice.

During Construction:

• Post the Building Permit in a visible place.
• Notify your designer and the Building Department when ready for inspections. (Required inspections listed in this guide).
• Notify your designer and the Building Inspector of any proposed changes to your building plans. These will be required prior to changes on site and in order to gain approvals.

The time required for the processing of a building permit application varies in accordance with:

• quality and completeness of the submitted plans;
• the proper qualifications of the designer with a valid Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) based on the project.
• degree of compliance of the plans with applicable Regulations.
• current workload of staff.

The Development Services Department has created an electronic mail list geared to contractors and related businesses. The mail list will be used to distribute updates and alerts and the new department newsletter. Add me.

The Department maintains a publicly available list of contractors (including septic, HVAC and general contracting). While the Municipality does not promote any individual business, over time it has been found to be a helpful resource for folks seeking services or looking to start a project. Add my business.