The Building Services Team
- Helps property owners, builders and contractors obtain appropriate building permits prior to starting projects such as new builds, renovations, or building additions.
- Performs inspections to ensure projects are designed and constructed in accordance with the plans and requirements.
- Aims to minimize hazards to persons and property by ensuring all construction within the Municipality adheres to provincial and municipal regulations.
- Issues building, plumbing, demolition, occupancy and other permits governed by the Ontario Building Code.
We ask that all applications and submissions be sent electronically or by appointment.
Alain Bazinet
Chief Building Official
705-753-6906
abazinet@westnipissing.ca
Jacques Dupras
Building Inspector
705-753-6943
jdupras@westnipissing.ca
Tanya Lelievre
Planning and Building Clerk
705-753-6949
tlelievre@westnipissing.ca
Forms and Documents
Application for Building or Demolition Permit
Acknowledgment of Incomplete Application
Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineers
Letter of Authorization from Property Owner
Planning and Building Information Request
Applying for a 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 Permit 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 shared 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.
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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, 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 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.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
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
