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.
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 |
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Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department. |
Demolitions |
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Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department. RequirementsA 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:
FeesThe fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section. DepositA 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. InspectionsAfter 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 |
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Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department. RequirementsBelow is the information required to apply for a permit. Site Plan
FeesThe fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section. DepositA 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. InspectionsAfter 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 |
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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
FeesThe fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section. DepositA 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. InspectionsAfter 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 |
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Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department. Requirements
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. FeesThe fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section. DepositA 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. InspectionsAfter 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 |
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A permit is required to build a deck that exceeds 23 5/8” (600mm) in height from the ground, or is a covered deck. Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department. RequirementsBelow is the information required to submit for a permit.
FeesThe fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section. DepositA 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. InspectionsAfter 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 |
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Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department. A Tent Permit is required when:
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
A Professional Engineer is required when:
Other ApprovalsFor 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
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Sign Permits |
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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-Lawfor specific requirements for a particular sign, and for signs exempt from requiring a permit. Requirements
FeesThe fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section. |
Change of Use Permits |
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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.
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 ApplicationThe 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:
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Septic |
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Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department A septic permit is require for the following:
Requirements
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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.
Contact Information
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