WHEN ARE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED?

In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter or repair a building. A building is defined as a structure occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet).

The following are examples of projects which will require building permits:

• Installing or repairing all or part of a septic system

• Construction of a new home

• Addition of a carport, garage, porch or room(s) to an existing home

• Construction or finishing of rooms in the basement or attic

• Any structural work including alterations to interior partitions or the installation of new skylights, windows or doors

• Addition of dormer(s)

• Enclosing a porch or deck

• Addition of a deck to an existing home

• Raising a house

• Excavating a crawl space to provide a full basement

• Construction or installing an accessory building such as a garage, tool shed, or playhouse larger than 10 square metres (107 square feet)

• Solid fuel burning appliances

PLEASE NOTE

ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND DECKS REGARDLESS OF SIZE MUST BE LOCATED ON THE LOT TO CONFORM TO THE APPLICABLE ZONING BY-LAW. BE SURE TO CHECK WITH ZONING TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE ZONING BY-LAW WHETHER OR NOT YOU REQUIRE A BUILDING PERMIT.

PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

During the preliminary planning (feasibility) stage of your project it is imperative that you determine what Zoning By-laws apply to your property. Zoning By-laws regulate the use, size, location and types of buildings permitted on a parcel of land.

The information you will require from the Zoning By-law will include: 

• Minimum building setbacks (distance from the buildings to the property lines)   
• Building height restrictions 
• Total building floor area and lot coverage permitted

APPLYING FOR A BUILDING PERMIT

An application for a building permit can be obtained from the Building Department in the Municipal Office and on the webpage. With your application you will be required to submit detailed construction drawings and sufficient information for us to establish that your project complies with the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable laws.

TWO COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH AN APPLICATION. ALL PLANS MUST BE DRAWN TO SCALE FULLY DIMENSIONED AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITY.

Outlined below are drawing and information requirements for a number of specific projects. If you find that you’re not able to produce these documents, then you should retain the services of a qualified person to prepare the necessary information.

ADDITION TO HOUSE

• Site plan, showing all buildings on the property, dimensions to lot lines and location of easements 
• Foundation plan 
• Plan(s) of addition, in detail (complete framing of floors and roof), AND floor plan(s) of the existing house 
• Cross-section of addition including connection between new and existing 
• Exterior elevations of all views, dimensioned, showing all doors and windows

ATTACHED GARAGE

• Site Plan as for additions 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan 
• Roof framing plan, new and existing 
• Cross-section including connection of new to existing 
• Elevations of ALL views, dimensioned, showing all doors and windows 
• Floor plan showing location and sizes of all windows and doors

DETACHED GARAGES AND SHEDS

• Site plan as for additions

• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan 
• Roof Framing Plan 
• Cross Section 
• Exterior elevations of all views, dimensioned, showing all doors and windows

CARPORTS 

• Site plan as for additions 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan 
• Roof Framing Plan 
• Exterior elevations of all views 
• Cross section, showing roof, beam, post and pier details as well as connection between new and existing

DEMOLITION PERMITS

If you propose to demolish any structure occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) or part of such a structure, you will required a Demolition Permit. An application must be filed with the Township. Process information can be obtained from the Building Department Clerk.

PERMIT FEES & PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

Building and other applicable fee’s will be calculated after your application is reviewed by the various departments within the Township. Remember, until such fee’s are paid a Building Permit has not been issued. Any construction prior to a permit being issued may result in legal action.

If in the process of reviewing the application it is found additional information is required and if we are unable to contact you by phone we will forward a letter to you stating specifically what is required in order for us to continue the processing. It is suggested that you respond to our requests for information as promptly as possible in order to avoid any further delays in obtaining your permit.

PERMIT ISSUANCE

Your building permit will be at the front counter upon completion of our review of your submission. If you wish to have your permit mailed, you must indicate this on your permit application. NOTE: All fee’s must be paid before the building permit will be mailed.

The Building Permit must be posted on the construction site for the inspector to verify at all times. The permit drawings and documents must also be available on site for use by the various inspectors assigned to your project.

Please read the permit documents thoroughly before commencing construction. The construction must be in compliance with the plans and documents issued with your permit. Any deviation from the approved drawings must be reported to the Chief Building Official in the form of a Revision Permit. Please contact the Building Services Department should this situation arise since, depending on the degree of change, revisions can get quite complicated.

THE CONSTRUCTION MUST BE INSPECTED

The Township’s Building Inspectors serve you by ensuring that the construction complies with the Ontario Building Code and the reviewed drawings for which the permit was issued. It is mandatory for you to call for inspections. Mandatory inspections are listed on documents issued with your permit drawings.

The phone number to request an inspection is 538-2337 ext. 233. Please have your permit number available when you call. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required.

If you have hired contractors to construct the project, it is your responsibility, as the owner to ensure that they have called for the mandatory inspection. It is in your best interest to have these inspections carried out and any deficiencies identified by the inspectors corrected prior to the contractors completion of the project.

OTHER PERMITS AND APPROVALS

Plumbing Permits

A Plumbing Permit is required for the installation of drains, sewers and plumbing fixtures. However, if your project involves construction that requires a Building Permit, the plumbing approval will be incorporated, and a separate Plumbing Permit will not be necessary.

After your permit has been issued, you, as the homeowner may install your own plumbing, drains and sewers. If, however, you are hiring a contractor, ensure that he is licensed.

Electrical Permit

Prior to the installation or alteration of electrical equipment you are required to ensure an electrical permit is obtained from Ontario Hydro. For application requirements, contact them at 48 Alliance Blvd., Unit 108, Box 4300, Barrie Ontario L4M 6L4, ph. 1-800-571-7724.

SEWER, WATER AND ENTRANCE PERMITS

If you are constructing a new dwelling in an area serviced by municipal sanitary sewers and water, you are required to connect to those services. Application for sewer and water connections can be obtained from the Municipal Office or from the District of Muskoka.

An Entrance Permit will also be required for any new or revised entrances to a Township or District road, or Provincial Highway. Entrance Permit applications for Township Roads can be obtained from the Township Office.