Construction Department

When should I apply for a permit? For what type of project?

Before undertaking any work on your property, regardless of its nature or scope, check with the Construction Department to see if a permit is required. It's also important to plan ahead for the work you plan to do, especially during the summer months, when the Construction Department is in greater demand.

Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, modify, install or change the use of a building. A building permit is required for the following construction projects or works:

Construct a new building with a surface area exceeding 15 m² (161.45 pi²);
Install, repair or modify a plumbing system;
Change the use of a building, build an addition to an existing building, add or remove a structural wall in a building, modify or repair an existing building, or raise a building to build a basement;
Change the combustion source of a fireplace;
Install a furnace with a new combustion system, install solid-burning equipment, complete the rough-in of a fireplace;
Build a patio, deck, attached or detached garage, permanent carport and/or solarium;
Install or demolish an above-ground or in-ground pool, or a spa (Jacuzzi);
Replace exterior siding, or install a dormer window;
Install a sign.

When is a permit not required?

A building permit is not required for the following projects. However, you must comply with the Town's Zoning By-law requirements and, if applicable, the Building Code.

Support walls up to 1 meter (39.4 inches) high;
Residential driveways, horticultural work, roof coverings (residential);
Horticulture;
Replacement of plumbing accessories for water heaters, kitchen or bathroom cabinets of the same dimensions. N.B. since September 2004, hot water must be limited to 49°C;
Painting, decorating and general maintenance;
Addition of air-conditioning units or heat pumps to the existing system and/or furnaces with a similar source of combustion and heat output;
Accessory buildings and sheds (without services) not exceeding 15 m² (161.45 ft² ).

When in doubt, it is always best to consult the Construction Department to validate the compliance of your project.

How to apply for a permit

All applications go through the same process and are carefully reviewed. Here are the steps in the permit application process.

Step 1: Submit your request

It is important to submit a written request using the appropriate form for the project you are undertaking. When submitting your application, please include all necessary documents. The list of documents is an essential tool to help you with your application.

Best practices! We recommend that you contact the Construction Department directly to obtain the appropriate form and discuss the documents required for your permit application.

Step 2: Review process

The head of the Construction Department or their agent will review the application to determine whether the project submitted complies with the Building Code and also complies with applicable provincial and municipal by-laws.

Step 3: Issuance of a permit

The application is approved if it is deemed to comply with the code, zoning and other applicable by-laws, and a building permit is then issued by the Chief Building Official. The time limit for issuance of the permit is set in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code, and begins on the day the application is deemed complete by the Chief Building Official. The table below shows the time allotted to the department to provide comments, and approve or refuse an application. Please note that the number of days allocated does not include weekends or public holidays.

Type of construction project	Number of days allotted to issue a permit (when all required documents have been provided)
Residential	Up to 15 days
Residential (multiple units)	Up to 20 days
Commercial	Up to 20 days
Industrial	up to 20 days
Institutional	Up to 20 days

Step 4: Payment of fees and posting of permit

To obtain your building permit, you must pay all fees as indicated by the department in accordance with the current schedule.

When you receive your permit, you must display it in a window or at a visible location on the construction site. It is also important to keep a copy of the construction plans on site and to inform the Chief Building Official of any changes related to your project, if applicable. Changes made outside of the original request may require a revision and an additional approval step. The Chief Building Official will then guide you through the necessary steps to follow.

What should I include in my permit application?

It is important to be prepared when applying for a permit. The permit approval process is always faster when all necessary documents are provided and confirmed with the Construction Department.

This document allows you to properly determine the plans and documents required according to the type of permit requested. When in doubt, it is always preferable to contact the Construction Department.

Where can I find information for my project?

Construction projects must comply with Ontario Building code and municipal regulations.

See below for a list of Municipal By-laws containing pertinent information that could be useful for your project.

Development charges

These fees are intended to cover the costs associated with creating, improving or maintaining the infrastructure and utilities that will be required to support new developments.

Objectives of the fees

Finance infrastructure: Royalty fees are used to finance the construction or improvement of public infrastructure such as roads, sewers, waterworks, parks, schools and other municipal services required to accommodate new residents or businesses.
Balancing costs: These fees allow the costs of new infrastructure to be shared between the developer and the municipality, rather than being borne entirely by existing taxpayers.
Ensure sustainable development: By imposing these fees, municipalities ensure that new developments contribute financially to the utilities and infrastructure that will be used by their future occupants.
Avoid overloading existing services: Fees help prevent the overloading of existing infrastructure and public services by ensuring that additional resources are available to meet the needs created by development.

How are the fees used?
The funds collected via fees are generally earmarked for specific projects identified by the municipality, such as the extension of water networks, the construction of new roads, or the creation of new parks. In short, royalty fees are an important mechanism for ensuring that urban development contributes equitably to the creation and maintenance of the public infrastructure and services needed to support a community's growth.
Consult the Development Charges Study and the municipal By-law N° 16-2020 related to Development Charges.

Inspection

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by a Building Inspector to make sure the work conforms to the Building Code, the building permit and the approved plans.

Inspection during construction

Scheduling of inspections

When a building permit is approved, the key inspection stages will be determined. Since each project is unique, the inspection stages are specific to each case.
Inspections required for the project will be indicated on the inspection form attached to the building permit.
A notice of 48 hours, during regular working hours, is required. The applicant must submit an inspection request in writing using the contact information provided when the building permit was issued.

Deficiencies to be corrected

Deficiencies noted during an inspection must be corrected and re-inspected prior to proceeding to the next stage of the construction.

Final inspection

You must contact the Construction Department to schedule the final inspection once the project is considered complete.

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