The Building and By-law Department is responsible for building permits and enforcement of the Building Code Act and other applicable legislation and by-laws.

Applying For a Permit

The Municipality now offers CloudPermit - an online system to apply and track building permits, make payments, request inspections, and receive email updates on the building permit process.

Get up to date information on the status of your application anywhere, at any time. To get started click the button below. 

Apply for a Building Permit

Watch the instructional video - on how to submit a building permit.

Permit Process

Once a permit application has been submitted, a plans examination is completed to ensure that the drawings submitted meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations. After review, the permit may be issued to the applicant and all applicable fees must be paid prior to release and start of construction.

Types of Permits

New Construction

Application Package

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

Demolitions

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:

  • Site Plan
  • Permit Application / Utility Clearance Form

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.

Additions

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

  • Site Plan 
  • Construction Drawings (Electronic copies are preferred)
  • Permit Application Form

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.

Accessory Structures

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

  • Site Plan
  • Construction Drawings (Electronic copies are preferred)
  • Permit Application 

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.

Pools

Application Package

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

Requirements

  • Pool Permit Application
  • Site Plan 
  • Fence Construction

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.

Decks

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.

  • Site Plan
  • Construction Drawings (Electronic copies are preferred)
  • Permit Application Form 

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.

Tent Permits

Application Package

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

A Tent Permit is required when:

  • The aggregate ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 60 m2
  • A tent or a group of tents are to be attached to a building.
  • 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 that 60 m2 in aggregate ground area, provided that the tent(s) are not attached to a building and are erected more that 3 metres from other structures.

Rules & Regulations

  • Must provide fire fighting access to a tent or group of tents.
  • The support frame structure and anchorage system must be designed and reviewed by a Professional Engineer for tents larger than 225 m2 once erected.
  • Fabrics for tents must meet specific standards for flame resistance.
  • Sufficient sanitary facilities must be available for the duration that the tent is erected.

A Professional Engineer is required when:

  • Tents exceed 225m2 in ground area
  • Tents exceed 225m2 in aggregate ground area and are closer that 3m apart
  • Containing bleachers
  • Are enclosed with sidewalls

Other Approvals

For tents that exceed 30m2, the applicant will 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.

The applicant will also require approval from the St. Thomas Planning Department. Permits and approvals may also be required from other agencies.

Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Site plan illustrating property lines, other buildings, proposed location of the tent(s), sanitary facility location and capacity, drawn to scale with dimensions
  • Confirmations for fire fighting access
  • Documentation confirming sufficiency of compliance with frame resistance
  • Interior tent layout, illustrating the location of tables, exits, seating number, aisle widths, etc.
  • Exit signs above exit doors
  • Fire extinguishers required next to exit doors
  • Any required approvals or permissions from other agencies 

Sign Permits

Application Package

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

A permit is required to install many types of signs within the Municipality. You can view the Sign By-Law for specific requirements for a particular sign, and for signs exempt from requiring a permit.

Requirements

  • Site Plan
  • Permit Application Form 

Fees

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

Change of Use Permits

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 the St. Thomas Planning Department (in which we contract out our zoning and planning matters to) 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.

Septic

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

Building Without a Permit
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.

Booking an Inspection

The Municipality inspects new, renovated and demolished structures—including pools and septic systems—to ensure that they're safe and up to code. Several different inspections may be necessary depending on the type and use of a structure. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor books the required inspections. 

Book Your Inspection Here