Building and Renovating

Building Permits

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a permit is required when constructing, demolishing or renovating a building or structure. Listed below is some information to help you determine if your project requires a permit.

To find out if your project requires a permit, contact Nancy Small, Chief Building Official, nsmall@northhuron.ca. All building department services are completed internally. To schedule a site inspection or appointment, please contact the Municipal Office.

Apply HERE for a Building Permit.

What work requires a permit?

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, or change the use of a building.

The following is a list of typical projects that require a building permit:

Adding a bedroom to the basement
Adding a dormer to existing roof
Additions to an existing building
Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structures
Basement or main floor walkouts
Creating a duplex (in-law suite, accessory apartment, granny flat)
Decks greater the 24 inches in height above grade
Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area
Detached garage, shed or accessory structure 108 square feet and greater (measured to the outside face of exterior walls)
Finishing the basement of a house
Industrial, Commercial, Institutional and multi-residential construction or alterations or changes of use
Installing a new window or door (when increasing the width of the existing opening)
New Residential Dwellings
Pending location, a retaining wall that is greater than 1 meter in height
Plumbing fixtures added or relocated
Re-insulating walls, ceilings, or floors
Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel, or beam
Renovation or converting an existing building (change of use)
Septic system installations and alterations, Septic System Application
Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
Solar Panels that are mounted to a building
Swimming pool and fence
Tent or group of tents that is, more than 60m2 (646 ft2) in aggregate ground area, attached to a building, or constructed within 3m (9'-10") of any structure
Woodstove or wood burning fireplace

What work does not require a permit?

A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure such as a gazebo or tool shed that measures an area of ten square meters (108 sq. ft.) or less.

The following is a list of typical projects that do not require a building permit:

Decks less than 24 inches in height, not supporting a roof, not attached to another building
Door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed)
Fences, unless installed around swimming pool
Installing a gas fireplace
Installing new shingles or steel on an existing roof
Installing a water softener
Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Replacing a plumbing fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location.
Structure less than 108 square feet measured from the outside face of walls (that does not contain plumbing)

What is required to be submitted to obtain a Building Permit?

The Ontario Building Code requires an Application to Construct and or Demolish and or the Installation of Septic System to be applied for by the registered owner of a property or an authorized agent acting on behalf of the owner.

Fill in and complete the Application to Construct and or Demolish, and/or the Application for Septic System and submit to the Building Department with:

2 sets of Construction Drawings (foundation, floor plan(s), cross section, elevations, pre-engineered building components, etc., as appropriate).
2 copies of the site plan or property survey; or lot grading and drainage plan
HVAC design and Schedule 1 Designer Information Form
Energy Efficiency Design Summary Form
Conservation Authority approval if required
If you are uncertain what is required, please contact us via email or phone

Below is a summary of the Checklist to ensure you submit the necessary paperwork along with your application when proposing to do the following:

Single Family Dwelling/Semi-Detached/Duplex/Townhouse
Residential Additions
Attached Garages / Carports
Accessory Building for Residential Houses
Decks & Porches
Agricultural Building
Tent
Demolition
Demolition - Utility Sign-off Form

Building Permit Fees

Building fees are outlined in the fees and charges by-law. Fees are calculated based on variables and project specifications. Your permit fee will be calculated upon the review process and will be payable upon picking up your permit.

When do I require a demolition permit?

A demolition permit is required for all buildings that would normally require a building permit. The Ontario Building Code exempts farm buildings located on agriculture property; however, you should complete a Form 357.

How long does it take to approve a Building Permit Application?

Depending on the project, a permit must be issued from within ten to thirty business days pending the type of project, providing all applicable drawings have been received, all fees paid, and any other applicable law has been approved. To ensure your permit application is expedited, you must submit all required documentation.