Effective January 1, 2025, the Ontario government introduced a new Ontario Building Code aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, improving building safety and quality, and facilitating housing construction. The 2024 Code streamlines sector processes and enhances alignment with the National Construction Codes by removing many variations between provincial and national requirements.

This update introduces several important changes, including:

• Enhanced requirements for fire protection
• Improved means of egress
• Updated regulations for mezzanines
• Guidelines for roof-mounted solar panels
• Barrier-free provisions
• Protection against radon and carbon monoxide
• Coordination of plumbing, heating, and ventilation standards with the National Code

Good to Know for Housing and Renovation Projects – Effective April 1, 2025

Here are are some key updates on housing and renovation projects. Note that this is not a complete and final list of changes.

1. New regulation for openings in guards
2. Pipe rough-in for radon control
3. Application of Carbon Monoxide alarms
4. Outdoor intake and exhaust opening requirements

Click here to see the details on these updates and what they entail. 

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must obtain a building permit to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install or change the use of a building. Construction may not begin until a building permit has been issued.

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.

Step 1

Submit a building permit application. You now have two options: 

1) Complete the Online Permit Application, through our e-permitting process. Required plans and specifications must be submitted electronically through the portal.

OR

2) Complete the Permit Application Form (PDF), and submit to the Building Services Team at building@westnipissing.ca along with all required plans and specifications. We ask that all documents be submitted in electronic format even if you have submitted hard copies.

Step 2
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 3
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 4
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 5
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.

You need a Building Permit to:

• 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 more than 60 m² (646 ft²) in aggregate ground area
• 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
• Insulate an existing building or change insulation and vapour barrier
• Demolition projects

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.

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

You don’t need a Building Permit to:

• Do non-structural work such as eaves troughs, kitchen cupboards, landscaping, driveway surfacing, 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 ft2 (however, Zoning Regulations apply)
• A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit if it is not more than 15 m2(161.5 ft2) in gross area
• Replace plumbing fixtures
• Replace roof shingles

It’s important to know your property’s zone prior to planning any work. Enter your address in the interactive zoning map to find out how your property is zoned. Use the Zoning By-law 2014/45 to know:

• how land may be used (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.);
• where buildings and other structures can be located;
• the types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used; and
• the lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks.

Visit the Planning, Development and Land Use page for more information.

The builder, contractor, and/or property owner is responsible for:

• obtaining the permit
• having the the permit posted on the job site
• keeping the approved plans on the job site

New fee schedule as of March 2023

New Construction

Group A – Assembly Occupancies: Schools, libraries, theatres, churches, restaurants, etc.
$11.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $80.00 administration fee

Group B – Institutional Occupancies: Hospitals, nursing homes, care homes, etc.
$11.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $80.00 administration fee

Group C – Residential Occupancies: Single family dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplexes, apartments, hotels, motels, cottages, camps, etc.
$1.20 per square foot of gross floor area, excluding crawl spaces, plus $80.00 administration fee

Group D – Business and Personal Services Occupancies: Offices, banks, medical clinics, etc.
$11.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $80.00 administration fee

Group E – Mercantile Occupancies: Retail stores, supermarkets, department stores, etc.
$11.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $80.00 administration fee

Group F – Industrial Occupancies: Warehouses, factories, etc.
$11.00 per $1,000 of construction value plus $80.00 administration fee

Accessory Buildings: Garages, carports, sheds, etc.
$0.65 per square foot of gross floor area, plus $80.00 administration fee

Flat Fee Permits: Decks, pools, greenhouses, weeping tiles, re-cladding, sign permits.
$185.00

Farm Building

New Construction / Additions / Renovations or Alterations
$0.65 per square foot of gross floor area, plus $80.00 administration fee

Additions

Groups A, B, D, E, F: $11.00 per $1,000 of construction value, plus $80.00 administration fee

Group C: $1.20 per square foot of gross floor area, excluding crawl spaces, plus $80.00 administration fee

Renovations or alternations

Groups A, B, C, D, E, F: $11.00 per $1,000 of construction value, plus $80.00 administration fee

Other

Demolition Permit: $110.00

Change of Use Permit: $1.20 per $1,000 of construction value plus $80.00 administration fee

Permit Extension: $80.00

Illegal Construction

Fee for Illegal Construction: Double the permit fee to a maximum of $2,500.00

As per By-Law 2023/23 (Amending By-Law 2005/49 and 2018/25) – Building Department, Schedule A

Information and fees in this section are subject to change.

The legislated time period will commence after the required documentation has been submitted and payment has been processed as per the Ontario Building Code, Division C – Part 1, Table 1.3.1.3, Period within which permit shall be issued or refused.

10 days for

Class of Building (a) Except for a retirement home, a house where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit.

Class of Building (b) A detached structure that serves a building described in Clause (a) and does not exceed 55 m2 in building area.

Class of Building (c) A tent to which Section 3.14. of Division B applies.

Class of Building (d) A sign to which Section 3.15. of Division B applies.

15 days for

Class of Building (a) Buildings described in Clause 1.1.2.4.(1)(a), (b) or (c) of Division A, other than buildings described in Column 1 of any of Items 1 and 4 of this Table.

Class of Building (b) Farm buildings that do not exceed 600 m2 in building area.

20 days for

Class of Building (a) Buildings described in Clause 1.1.2.2.(1)(a) or (b) of Division A, other than buildings described in Column 1 of any of Items 1 and 4 of this Table.

Class of Building (b) Farm buildings exceeding 600 m² in building area.

Class of Building (c) Retirement homes.

30 days for

Class of Building (a) Post-disaster buildings.

Class of Building (b) Buildings to which Subsection 3.2.6. of Division B or any provision in Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11. of Division B applies.

Several inspections are mandatory throughout the building process. Inspection requirements vary from project to project. An inspection schedule will be provided once your permit is issued.

All inspection requests should be made though the Building Services Intake Clerk using one of the following methods: online request form, phone, or email.

Inspection Request Form
705-753-6944
building@westnipissing.ca

• 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 email 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.

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
• Private entrance permit (Public Works approval)

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.

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.

New Single Family Dwellings

Addition to Single Family Dwelling

Garage

Repair to Foundation

Wall Section

Sun Deck

Carport Addition

A permit is required before you take down all or part of a building.

The permit application process is much the same as with a building project; 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.

Property owners wishing to construct, install, relocate, excavate, remove or reset an entrance culvert to access their property must first submit a Private Entrance Application.*
*All applicants must refer to By-law 2017/39 before completing this application.

For all information pertaining to entrances, driveways and culverts, see the Roads and Sidewalks page.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Electrical Safety Authority  1-877-372-7233 or visit online at esasafe.com

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

Our role is to:

• Help property owners, builders and contractors obtain appropriate building permits prior to starting projects such as new builds, renovations, or building additions.
• Perform inspections to ensure projects are designed and constructed in accordance with the plans and requirements.
• Aim to minimize hazards to persons and property by ensuring all construction within the Municipality adheres to provincial and municipal regulations.
• Issue building, plumbing, demolition, occupancy and other permits governed by the Ontario Building Code.