Building Services

 The Building Code Act of Ontario defines a building as:

• a structure occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (108 sq. ft.) consisting of a wall, roof and floor, or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto,
• a structure occupying an area of 10 square metres (108 sq. ft.) or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto,
• plumbing not located in a structure, (c.1) a sewage system or
• structures designated in the building code. The Building Code Act states that: no person shall construct or demolish or cause a building to be constructed or demolished in a municipality unless a permit has been issued therefore by the Chief Building Official.

The Building Code Act also defines construct to mean the doing of anything in the erection, installation, extension, material alteration or repair of a building which also includes installation of a building unit fabricated or moved from elsewhere

 You will need a building permit for any of the following:

• construct a new building
• additions to any building having a combined area of 10m (108 sq. ft.) or more
• renovation or repair to a building
• demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• change a building's use
• new or structural alterations to windows or doors
• build a garage, carport, shed, porch or sunroom
• excavate a basement or construct a foundation
• new or altered plumbing
• an accessory structure larger than 160 sq. ft. in area
• a deck more than 2 ft. above ground
• a wood burning stove or fireplace installation
• additional dwelling unit
• a basement entrance
• a second suite
• dormers or finishing of attic space
• installation, repair of storm, sanitary and water service
• finishing a basement or a portion thereof
• installation of cleanouts
• conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
• plumbing and / or drains (except replacing fixtures)
• insulating exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
• installation and repairs to sewage systems (septic systems and holding tanks)
• structural fire damage

You do not require a Building Permit for the following:

• detached accessory structures (gazebo, shed, etc.) which measure less than (160 square feet) in area and contain no plumbing
• fences (other than for swimming pools)
• open decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a dwelling unit and less than (24 inches) above grade
• roof shingling or replacement of siding for residential dwellings
• windows using same size of openings provided there are no structural changes

Contact Building Services for further information on Building Permit requirements. 

Note: Although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code requirements.

Owners are responsible for getting a permit before construction starts. Building without a permit is against the law and could result in you and/or your contractor being subject to fines or penalties.

Projects completed without a permit may not meet the building code standards, resulting in poor construction that may be unsafe; this could lead to costly repairs to correct the problem or even bring about complete construction failure. If you have begun your project without a permit, your permit costs double, and we may pursue legal action to ensure compliance.

The Ontario Building Code stipulates the timelines for permit issuance. Most residential permits require 10 business days to process. Processing timelines commence once all required information is received and the application is deemed complete. This includes Essex County Conservation Area (ERCA), Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), Essex County Roads Approval, MTO or any other legislation or regulations that is required.