Are you planning a new building or home renovation project? At the Municipality of Trent Lakes, our goal is to help you get all of the permits, approvals and inspections you need to ensure your project meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, Building By-law and Municipal Zoning By-law.
Before you apply for a building permit, its important that you review the Building Information package which will answer the majority of building related questions including zoning, applicable agencies, permit fees, required documents, and other noteworthy items.
Your first step will be ensuring that your proposal meets the Municipalities Zoning By-law permitted uses and setback requirements for the lot. You may obtain your Zoning by using our Zoning Maps and Zoning By-law, or by using the Land Use Inquiry form. Once you've determined your zoning, you may begin creating a site plan for your proposal.
Examples of Site Plan Requirements can be found here.
After you've assembled the necessary documents for your project outlined below, you may create your building permit submission through Cloudpermit, or speak with Building Staff about options for submitting.
If you are submitting a permit on behalf of an owner as an agent, you will need to complete the authorization to act as agent form or provide similar documentation.
All applications and forms can be found on our Licenses, Applications and Permits webpage.
What documents do I need for my project?
Each proposal will require a particular set of documents in order for it to be deemed complete and for the review to begin. Below are the most common types of permit submissions and their required documents.
Boathouses |
(a) Foundation plan, (b) If a slab foundation greater than 55 square meters (m²) , slab to be stamped by Professional Structural Engineer, (c) If a slab foundation for garage is for a two-storey structure and / or has point loads, slab shall be engineered (any size of slab) requires a Professional Structural Engineer stamp, (d) Floor plans, Wall Sections containing all structural information, (e) Elevations of all 4 sides of the structure, (f) Guard details if applicable for all stairs, landings and decks. |
Commercial projects |
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Garages, sheds and other accessory structures |
(a) Foundation plan, (b) If a slab foundation greater than 55 square meters (m²) (592 ft²), slab to be stamped by Professional Structural Engineer, (c) If a slab foundation for garage is for a two-storey structure, supporting masonry, and / or has point loads, slab shall be engineered (any size of slab) requires a Professional Structural Engineer stamp, (d) Floor plans, Wall Sections containing all structural and energy efficient information, (e) Elevations of all 4 sides of the structure, (f) Guard details if applicable for all stairs and landings. |
Outdoor wood burning furnace |
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Prefabricated steel building |
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Renovation or additions including on-site sewage systems, existing furnace and new or additional furnace |
(a) Foundation / basement plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the Building Code, (b) Main floor / second floor plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the Building Code, (c) Sections throughout pertinent parts of the building to show how the building is being constructed, (d) Elevations of each side of the building, (e) Engineering for elements including any elements that fall outside of Part 9 of the Building Code (LVL beams, beams carrying point loads, ridge beams, etc.).
Roof trusses sealed by engineer if available at time of application. If not, they must be submitted as soon as they are received, Engineered beam designs (e.g. LVL design sheets), and
On-Site Sewage System:
On-site sewage system permit fixture count must match the architectural plans being submitted.
Existing furnace to be used to provide heat for Additions:
New or additional furnace:
(a) Heat Loss / gain calculations, (b) Duct Layout- in colour to clearly identify cold and warm air plenums, (c) HRV layout.
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Slabs supporting a structure |
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Single family dwelling |
(a) Foundation / basement plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the Building Code, (b) Main floor / second floor plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the Building Code, (c) Sections throughout pertinent parts of the building to show how the building is being constructed with building components labelled, (d) Elevations of each side of the building, (e) Engineering for elements including any elements that fall outside of Part 9 of the OBC (LVL beams, beams carrying point loads, ridge beams, etc.),
(a) Heat Loss / gain calculations, (b) Duct Layout- in colour to clearly identify cold and warm air plenums, and (c) HRV layout. (d) If the heat source is an in-floor loop layout system, a “Loop Layout Plan” prepared by a BCIN qualified designer shall be provided along with an HRV design.
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Decks |
(a) Foundation plan (sono tube locations and pad size), (b) Floor framing plan – floor joists sizes, beam sizes, attachment details to the dwelling, (c) Section through deck to show all components from footing to guard, (d) Distance from grade to deck floor to be shown on the section, (e) Guard details- SB-7 compliance or a pre-engineered guard system, (f) Pre-engineered guard system to have manufacturers installation document, (g) Ledger board connection detail. |
Park Model Permits for Tourist Commercial Properties |
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Agricultural Structures |
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Wood stove / fireplace / chimney installations |
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Review the frequently asked questions related to getting a building permit. Please contact us if you have a question about your new building or renovating project. We are happy to help.
How long does it take to receive a permit? |
According to the Ontario Building Code processing times can vary depending on project type. As a general rule, permits are issued within 10 business days for most home renovation projects. Time is counted beginning on the day after a permit application is received and only after all required information has been received in our office. |
When is a permit required? |
Some of the projects that require a building permit include:
Often, designers or contractors will get permits on your behalf, but homeowners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that a building permit is obtained before construction begins. |
When is a permit not required? |
Some of the projects that do not need a permit include:
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How long is the permit valid? |
Construction or demolition must start within 12 months from when we issue the permit. Failure to do so could result in the revocation of the permit. Construction or demolition must not be substantially suspended or discontinued for more than one year. Suspension or discontinuation could result in the revocation of the permit. |
What happens if I don't get a building permit? |
If you do not receive a building permit, the work may not comply with Ontario Building Code. This could result in:
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Why do I need a building permit? |
Building permits are required to:
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Who can apply for a building permit? |
The following individuals can apply for a building permit:
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What is a building permit? |
A building permit is a license that:
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If you are building or buying a new home, your builder should be registered with TARION.
Once you've created your site plan, the Municipality will require drawings which can be completed by the home owner or a qualified individual.
You'll need to get a building inspection at various stages throughout your building or renovation project. Learn how to book an inspection and find out when you need an inspection.
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