Building Permits & Applications

Accessory Structure Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Accessory Structures include but are not limited to: Sheds, Detached Garages, and Roof Structures.

Requirements

• Permit Application 
• Schedule 1 (Designer Information)
• Development Review Forms
• Site Plan
• Lot Grading Exemption Request or Grading Plan
• Building Plans (Electronic copies are preferred)
• Engineered Truss and Floor Plans (if applicable)
• Conservation Authority Approval

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all permits for an accessory structure. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damaged has occurred to Municipal property.

Inspections

After a building permit has been issued, inspections will be required to be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled. There is a handout that is intended to assist in avoiding common deficiencies found on inspections.

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Requirements

Below is the information required to apply for a permit. Site Plan

• Permit Application 
• Schedule 1 (Designer Information)
• Development Review Forms
• Site Plan
• Lot Grading Exemption Request or Grading Plan
• Building Plans (Electronic copies are preferred)
• Engineered Truss and Floor Plans (if applicable)
• Heat Loss Calculation and Duct Design
• Soil Gas Control Form
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary
• Conservation Authority Approval

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all permits for an accessory structure. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damaged has occurred to Municipal property.

Inspections

After a building permit has been issued, inspections will be required to be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled. There is a handout that is intended to assist in avoiding common deficiencies found on inspections.

Application Package

A bunkhouse is a structure that provides temporary accommodation for farm labour where the size and nature of the farm operation requires additional employment. The bunkhouse may be located on a parcel of land that is part of the extended farm operation but is not intended to be used as a permanent or principal place of residence. The bunkhouse is intended to be located within proximity to the farm building cluster to preserve prime agricultural lands. Where a bunkhouse is used as temporary accommodation for employees of multiple farm operations, the use shall be considered an on-farm diversified use.

Bunkhouse development is subject to site plan control and requires site plan approval.

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for a bunkhouse and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

A permit is required to build a deck that exceeds 23 5/8” (600mm) in height from the ground, or is a covered deck.

Application Package 

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Requirements

Below is the information required to submit for a permit.

• Permit Application
• Schedule 1 (Designer Information)
• Development Review Forms
• Site Plan
• Lot Grading Exemption Request or Grading Plan
• Building Plans (Election copies are preferred)
• Engineered Truss and Floor Plans
• Conservation Authority Approval

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all permits for a deck. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damage has occurred to Municipal property.

Inspections

After a building permit has been issued, inspections will be required to be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled. There is a handout that is intended to assist in avoiding common deficiencies found on inspections.

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Requirements

A permit is required to demolish any structures that exceeds 10 m2. The process is similar for a building permit, but some special situations may affect your application. The following information is require to be filled out and provided to apply for a permit:

• Permit Application
• Utility Clearance Form
• Site Plan

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all construction and demolition permits. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damages have occurred to Municipal property.

Inspections

After a building permit has been issued, inspections must be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of 2 days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled.

      Application Package 

A farm building is defined as all or part of a building that contains an agricultural occupancy. An agricultural occupancy means the use of all or part of a building that is located on land that is associated with and devoted to the practice of farming, and is used for the purpose of producing crops, raising farm animals, or preparing, marketing, storing or processing agricultural products.

Building permits are required for all farm buildings containing livestock and manure storage greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet). Farm buildings greater than 600 square metres in size must be designed by a professional engineer.

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for Farm Buildings and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

Application Package

A farm building is defined as all or part of a building that contains an agricultural occupancy. An agricultural occupancy means the use of all or part of a building that is located on land that is associated with and devoted to the practice of farming, and is used for the purpose of producing crops, raising farm animals, or preparing, marketing, storing or processing agricultural products.

Buildings for the storage of personal items/vehicles, workshops, or other accessory structures not used for farm purposes are not considered farm buildings and need to be designed according to the requirements of the Ontario Building Code for their defined use.

Building permits are required for all farm buildings greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet), such as equipment storage, grain bins, and silos. Farm buildings greater than 600 square metres in size must be designed by a professional engineer. All grain bins/silos including their foundations must be designed by a professional engineer.

If the farm building is going to contain livestock or manure storage, please refer to the Farm Buildings
(Housing Livestock or Containing Manure Storage) permit guide.

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for Farm Buildings and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Requirements

The following information is require to be filled out and provided to apply for a permit:

• Permit Application with Schedule 1 (Designer Information)
• Development Review Form
• Site Plan
• Foundation Plan
• Floor Plans
• Elevations
• Sections and Details
• All drawings
• Engineered Truss Drawing
• General Review Commitment Certificate

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all construction and demolition permits. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damages have occurred to Municipal property.

Inspections

After a building permit has been issued, inspections must be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of 2 days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled.

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Requirements

• Pool Permit Application
• Development Review Forms
• Site Plan (indicating location of pool, fencing and gates)
• Lot Grading Exemption Form or Grading Plan
• Building Plans (Electronic Submissions Preferred) 
• Undertaking for Repair Form
• Conservation Authority Approval

Any structures that exceeds 108 square feet (10 meters squared) as well as decks beyond 23-5/8” (500mm) in height from grade require a separate permit.

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all In-Ground and On-Ground pools. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damaged has occurred to Municipal property.

Inspections

After a pool permit has been issued, an inspection prior to filling the pool with water will be required. The inspection will ensure that all safety measures are in place as per the submitted site plan and the requirements set out in the Pool By-law.

Renovation Application Package

The Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires a permit for renovations if those renovations include any of the following.

1. Structural alterations to the building. (Removing or altering load-bearing walls, columns, lintels, or beams.)
2. Finishing your basement or adding a bedroom to a basement
3. Adding or removing plumbing drains or vents (If a septic system is present and new plumbing fixtures are being installed, a report from a qualified septic installer may be required to ensure that system can handle the increased load.)
4. Reinsulating walls, ceilings, or floors
5. Changing the heating source in an existing building

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for interior renovations and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

The Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires a permit for renovations if those renovations include any of the following.

1. Structural alterations to the building. (Removing or altering load-bearing walls, columns, lintels, or beams.)
2. Finishing your basement or adding a bedroom to a basement
3. Adding or removing plumbing drains or vents (If a septic system is present and new plumbing fixtures are being installed, a report from a qualified septic installer may be required to ensure that system can handle the increased load.)
4. Reinsulating walls, ceilings, or floors
5. Changing the heating source in an existing building

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for interior renovations and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department

A septic permit is require for the following:

• Installation of a private sewage disposal system
• Modification to, or upgrading of a sewage disposal system
• Any work that may affect or may require a sewage disposal system
• Permit Application 

Requirements

• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information
• Lot Grading Exemption Form
• Septic Design and Calculations

Application Package

A building permit is required for any solar panel installation with an aggregate face area (“face area” includes the aggregate area of all panels or modules) of 5 square metres (54 square feet) or greater, that is mounted to a building or structure.

Additionally, a permit is required when the solar panel(s) is designed to provide hot water or to provide primary or supplementary heating.

A building permit is NOT required for solar collector systems installations where:

1. the panel is less than 5 sq m (50 sq ft) in area
2. the panel is not installed on a building
3. is not connected to a plumbing system
4. is not connected to a mechanical heating system

Existing buildings must be evaluated by an engineer for the extra load the solar panels apply to the roof assembly. Solar panels may add dead loads to the structure and can cause extra wind uplift and live loads, such as snow accumulation, due to the placement of the panels. Transfer of loads through the panel mounting system may cause a relocation of where and how the loads are applied to the roof assembly (uniform and/or point loads). If insufficient capacity is identified, the system would have to be strengthened.

Electrical permits and/or inspections available from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) may also be
required where the system has electrical connections. If you have a grid-connected PV system, the ESA must inspect it before it is turned on in most cases.

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for the installation of Solar Panels and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

Application Package

A tent permit is required when the aggregate ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 60 m2, when a tent or a group of tents are to be attached to a building, or when tents are constructed closer than 3.0 metres to property lines, to other buildings and to combustible material or vegetation.

A Building Tent Permit is not required when the tent or group of tents measure less than 60 m2 in aggregate ground area, provided that the tent(s) are not attached to a building and are erected more than 3 metres from other structures.

Firefighting access must be provided to a tent or group of tents. Fabrics for tents must meet specific
standards for flame resistance. (CAN/ULC-S109, “Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films”, or NFPA 701 “Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films”)

Design and review by a Professional Engineer is required when:
1. Tents exceed 225m2 in ground area
2. Tents exceed 225m2 in aggregate ground area and are closer than 3m apart
3. Contain bleachers, and
4. Are enclosed with sidewalls

For tents that exceed 30m2, the applicant will also be required to consult with the Fire Department prior to submission of the Building Tent Permit, to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code’s requirements.

Application Package

A building permit is required for the installation of any wood burning appliance including a masonry fireplace, factory-built fireplace, certified woodstove, uncertified wood stove and/or a chimney that vents solid fuel burning appliance.

This permit guide provides a summary of the Building Permit submission requirements for a word burning appliance and has been developed for convenience purposes only. The property owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Central Elgin By-laws, other applicable laws, and the Ontario Building Code.

If you want to change the way you use all or part of your building you may need a change of use permit. Different building uses have different code requirements. The proposed Change of use may have to be reviewed to ensure that the existing building can support the change in use. Even though no construction may be planned, upgrading of one or more of the following areas may be required.

• Fire Safety (removing or changing wall fire separations, exits, exit signs and emergency lightening, and fire alarm system)
• Door Hardware
• Washrooms and Fixtures
• HVAC System (Ventilation)

It is recommended that the applicant check with Planning Staff to ensure that the proposed change in use complies with the Municipal Zoning By-law.

Permit Application

The applicant must obtain a designer licensed in the Province of Ontario to review the existing building and to prepare the plans (i.e. Architect, Engineer or Qualified Designer).

The following information is required to submit for a change of use permit:

• Permit Application 
• Letter of Use (includes buildings use in detail, occupant loads, number of employees, and anything that might affect the design of the space).
• Site Plan 
• Architectural Plans (Floor Plans With Dimensions, Building Sections, Fire Separations)
• Part 10 Building Matrix as Applicable.

Anyone who starts construction without a permit may be subject to penalties and additional fees. Anyone who is charged and found guilty of building without a permit can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for repeated offences. Fines are even higher for corporations. Fines may also be levied if you don't follow an order from the building department.