Applying for a Building Permit

The permit application process is an important step in planning to build, renovate, or make additions to a property. Once approved by the Building Services team, your building permit confirms that your plans were reviewed by qualified professionals and are compliant with safety standards.

Step 1
Complete the Building Application Form.

Step 2
Submit the application form to Building Services along with all required plans and specifications as defined in the Building Application Guide. You will be contacted and asked to provide missing documents if any. We ask that all Permit Applications and submissions be submitted electronically or through an appointment.

Step 3
After having received all required documents, a building official will review the plans and specifications for approval. No construction, alteration or conversion shall occur until a building permit is applied for and issued. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and is a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act.

Step 4
If approved, the Building Services team will produce the building permit documentation and contact you. Payment is required for your building permit to become official.

Step 5
Once the permit has been received, property owners or contractors must: post a copy of the permit in a window or other prominent place on the work site; and keep a copy of approved construction plans on the work site.

Step 6
A building official will monitor your project to ensure that construction meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, municipal and provincial regulations, and the stipulations of your building permit.

Good to know

• First time home builders should book an appointment with a building official to learn about the application process in greater depth.
• Building permits have a 1 year expiration date from the date of issue. You will have to apply for an extension if the work is not completed within the year.
• Property owners or contractors may request an inspection for advice and information at any time during construction. Electrical installations may require an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority. Call 1-877-372-7233 or visit online at esasafe.com.
• The inspector may send you a notice by mail if work does not conform to approved plans. Re-inspection may be required before you resume construction. You may be subject to legal action if work continues without resolving the situation.
• Alternative methods of establishing compliance with the Ontario Building Code, such as professional consultant reports, are not acceptable without prior approval of the Chief Building Official.
• See our Building Application Guide for all other details including timelines, fees, and what to do if an application is turned down.

Who is in charge of the Building Permit?

The builder, contractor, and/or property owner is responsible for: obtaining the permit, having the it posted on the job site, keeping the approved plans on the job site

What if I don’t have a Building Permit?

No construction, alteration or conversion shall occur until a building permit is applied for and issued. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and is a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act.

When do I need a building permit? 

• Construct any new building such as new single family dwelling, garage, or shed
• Install or repair a foundation
• Install a pre-manufactured fabric structure or shelter such as a tent or greenhouse, that is: a) more than 60 m² (646 ft²) in aggregate ground area b) not attached to a building, and c) constructed more than 3 m from other structures
• Repair or add to a building, including porches and decks
• Do interior renovations that include structural, plumbing and mechanical systems
• Enclose a porch or add a roof over a deck
• Add a chimney, woodstove or fireplace
• Install an above ground pool or in ground pool
• Replace foundation drain tiles
• Re-brick or install siding (lumber, vinyl, hardboard, metal)
• Finish a basement
• Move a building onto a property
• Create a basement apartment
• A demolition permit is required before you take down all or part of a building. The process is much the same as for a Building Permit; however, your application may be affected by special circumstances. For example, if a building has historical or architectural significance, it may be designated as a heritage building under the Ontario Heritage Act, in which case, the demolition would require approval from Municipal Council.

Other types of structures or renovations not noted above may require a building permit. Please contact Building Services team to confirm.

When don’t I need a building permit? 

• Do non-structural work such as eaves troughs, kitchen cupboards, landscaping, driveways, sidewalks or fences (however, Fence By-law requirements apply)
• Build a wooden deck with no roof, where the finished deck level is 24″ (600 mm) or less, above finished grade, regardless of size when not attached to building (however, Zoning Regulations apply)
• Replace windows and doors, provided openings are not enlarged
• Change or add cooling systems, air cleaners, plenum heaters and in-line humidifiers
• Replace a furnace
• Build a proposed free standing structure that is under 108 sq. ft. (however, Zoning Regulations apply)
• Replace plumbing fixtures
• Replace roof shingles

What Plans and Specifications are required when applying for a house permit?

Structural

• 2 sets of scaled construction drawings
• Elevation Plans (front, rear, right, left)
• Floor Plan(s)
• Basement Plan
• Site Plan
• Cross Sections (section view)
• Foundation

Mechanical

• Plumbing Plan
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Plans (duct layout, heat loss calculations and mechanical design summary)
• Radiant Heat Design

Site/Lot Elevation Showing Plan

• Size and location of all existing and proposed buildings, garages, pools, sheds, etc. on property.
• All property lines and dimensions as well as the distance between all structures and the property lines, drainage patterns and driveway.

Deed or Tax Bill:

• To verify ownership and provides a legal description of the property.

Letter of Authorization

• A letter from the property owner is required should the applicant not be the owner.

New Construction

Group A – Assembly Occupancies: Schools, libraries, theatres, churches, restaurants, etc.
$8.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $65.00 administration fee

Group B – Institutional Occupancies: Hospitals, nursing homes, care homes, etc.
$8.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $65.00 administration fee

Group C – Residential Occupancies: Single family dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplexes, apartments, hotels, motels, etc.
$0.88 per square foot of gross floor area, excluding crawl spaces, plus $65.00 administration fee

Group C – Seasonal: Cottages, Camps.
$0.70 per square foot of gross floor area, excluding crawl spaces, plus $65.00 administration fee

Group C – Residential: Garages, carports, accessory buildings, etc.
$0.45 per square foot of gross floor area, plus $65.00 administration fee

Group D – Business and Personal Services Occupancies: Offices, banks, medical clinics, etc.
$8.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $65.00 administration fee

Group E – Mercantile Occupancies: Retail stores, supermarkets, department stores, etc.
$8.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $65.00 administration fee

Group F – Industrial Occupancies: Warehouses, factories, etc.
$8.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $65.00 administration fee

Farm Building

New Construction / Additions / Renovations or Alterations
$0.45 per square foot of gross floor area, plus $65.00 administration fee

Additions

Groups A, B, D, E, F: $8.00 per $1,000 of construction value, plus $65.00 administration fee

Group C: $0.88 per square foot of gross floor area, excluding crawl spaces, plus $65.00 administration fee

Renovations or Alterations

Groups A, B, C, D, E, F: $8.00 per $1,000 of construction value, plus $65.00 administration fee

Other

Demolition Permit: $80.00

Change of Use Permit: 8.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $65.00 administration fee

Permit Extension: $65.00

As per By-Law 2018/25 (Amending By-Law 2005/49) – Building Department, Schedule A

Information and fees in this section are subject to change.

Building & Demolition Permit Application

Letter of Authorization

Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineers

Acknowledgment of Incomplete Application

Permit Application Guide

Formal Complaint and Agreement Form (Property Standards and Vital Services By-law 2001/71)

Planning and Building Information Request

Request for 9-1-1 Sign

New Single Family Dwellings

Addition to Single Family Dwelling

Garage

Repair to Foundation

Wall Section

Sun Deck

Carport Addition

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Electrical Safety Authority

Ontario Building Code Information

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority
705-474-5420 

Service Locates – Call Before You Dig
1-800-400-2255

Union Gas
1-888-774-3111