A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction on a building project. The building permit process helps enforce the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the Municipal Zoning By-law. It ensures compliance during construction as well as the structural safety of the completed building.
All permits need building plans and a site plan. Others may need proof of entrance approval, conservation authority approval, septic or water and sewer approval, and/or payment of development fees.
Apply for a building permit
Before you start construction of any type, please contact the Building department to find out if you need permit.
Building Permit Application
A complete building application will include a completed application, site plan and technical drawings. Additional documents may be required depending on the nature of the proposal.
Building Permits can be submitted through our online Cloudpermit portal. You can view Cloudpermit's Solutions page for information on how to create an account and submit a building application or head over to our Cloudpermit page.
You may also come into the office to submit a building permit in person.
Building without a permit is against the law and you can't begin any construction until you've received permit approval.
If you begin building without approval, you or your contactor could be subject to fines or penalties as set out in the Ontario Building Code. Building permit applications are produced on legal size paper and can be picked up at the Building Department.
Demolition permits
Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that a permit is obtained before demolition of any building begins. If a demolition permit is not applied for and a replacement structure is submitted, the Municipality may not be able to verify previously existing structures and not be able to approve the siteplan. Demolition permits are also necessary for adjusting your properties assessment value.
Demolition Permit Application
Permit types and their requirements
Boathouses
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- Completed Building Permit Application
- Designer Schedule 1 complete by Designer
- Site plan
- Approval and permits from other agencies if applicable: MNRF work permits, Trent Severn Water way permits (not sure if this is the correct language or applicable)
- Use of all areas/storeys
- Architectural drawings prepared by a qualified BCIN Designer including:
- Foundation plan
- If a slab foundation greater than 55 square meter, slab to be stamped by Professional Structural Engineer
- 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.
- Floor plans, Wall Sections containing all structural information
- Elevations of all 4 sides of the structure
- Guard details if applicable for all stairs and landings
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Commercial projects
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- Complete Building Permit application
- Site plan
- Septic approval from either PPH or MOE (depends on size of septic system for project)
- Architectural plans- scope of project will determine if building needs to be designed by a qualified BCIN Designer with Large Buildings Classification or an Architect / Engineer.
- HVAC / Mechanical design
- SB- Energy Efficiency may be required depending on use of building
- Building Matrix
- Occupancy classification with occupant load calculations provided
- For Assembly Occupancies, floor layout of seating plans to be provided (eg, restaurant will need to show tables and chairs)
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Garages, sheds and other accessory structures
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- Completed Building Permit Application
- Designer Schedule 1 complete by Designer
- Site plan
- Architectural drawings prepared by a qualified BCIN Designer including:
- Foundation plan
- If a slab foundation greater than 55 sm, slab to be stamped by Professional Structural Engineer
- 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.
- Floor plans, Wall Sections containing all structural information
- Elevations of all 4 sides of the structure
- Guard details if applicable for all stairs and landings
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Outdoor wood burning furnace
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- Site Plan
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Manufacturers installation manual
- Required setbacks from structures as per the manufacturer
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Prefabricated steel building
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- Complete Building Permit application
- Site plan
- Engineered drawings for the pre-fabricated building
- Foundation plan to support the steel structure. If it is a slab, the slab is required to be engineered by a Professional Structural Engineer.
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Renovation or addition
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- A completed Building Permit application
- Schedule 1 completed by designer
- EEDS (Energy Efficiency Design Summary) prepared and signed by designer
- A detailed site plan (see site plan list)
- Architectural Drawings prepared by a qualified BCIN (Building Code Identification Number)
- Architectural Drawings for a dwelling shall include:
- Foundation / basement plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the OBC
- Main floor / second floor plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the OBC
- Sections throughout pertinent parts of the building to show how the building is being constructed
- Elevations of each side of the building
- Engineering for elements including any elements that fall outside of Part 9 of the OBC (LVL beams, beams carrying point loads, ridge beams, etc)
- Roof truss layout
- Roof trusses sealed by engineer if available at time of application. If not, they must be submitted as soon as they are received.
- Septic Permit from Peterborough Public Health or a letter form the PPH permitting the current septic system support the proposed addition or renovations.. Septic permit fixture count must match the architectural plans being submitted.
- Use of all rooms/spaces/storeys clearly labelled
- Existing furnace to be used to provide heat for addition- A letter from a qualified BCIN Designer stating that the existing system has been verified that it can support the addition.
- New or additional furnace -HVAC design prepared by a qualified BCIN designer. HVAC plan shall include:
- Heat Loss / gain calculations
- Duct Layout in colour to clearly identify cold and warm air plenums
- HRV layout
- If Heat source is an in-floor loop layout system, a Loop Layout Plan shall be provided along with and HRV design
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Slabs supporting a structure
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- Any slab supporting a one-storey structure greater than 55 square meters requires a Professional Structural Engineer stamp
- Any slab supporting two storeys and / point loads shall be engineered (any size of slab) requires a Professional Structural Engineer stamp.
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Single family dwelling
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- A completed Building Permit application
- Schedule 1 completed by designer
- EEDS (Energy Efficiency Design Summary) prepared and signed by designer
- A detailed site plan (see site plan list)
- Architectural Drawings prepared by a qualified BCIN (Building Code Identification Number)
- Architectural Drawings for a dwelling shall include:
- Foundation / basement plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the OBC
- Main floor / second floor plan with all structural elements shown and sized as per the OBC
- Sections throughout pertinent parts of the building to show how the building is being constructed
- Elevations of each side of the building
- Engineering for elements including any elements that fall outside of Part 9 of the OBC (LVL beams, beams carrying point loads, ridge beams, etc)
- Roof truss layout
- Roof trusses sealed by engineer if available at time of application. If not, they must be submitted as soon as they are received.
- Septic Permit from Peterborough Public Health. Septic permit fixture count must match the architectural plans being submitted.
- Use of all rooms/spaces/storeys clearly labelled
- HVAC design prepared by a qualified BCIN designer. HVAC plan shall include:
- Heat Loss / gain calculations
- Duct Layout in colour to clearly identify cold and warm air plenums
- HRV layout
- If Heat source is an in-floor loop layout system, a Loop Layout Plan shall be provided along with and HRV design
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Wood stove / fire Place / chimney installations
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- Completed Building Permit Application
- Manufacturers installation manual
- Required setbacks from combustible interior walls as per the manufacturer
- WETT inspection will be required for final
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Fees
Permit fees vary based on the type of project and location within the municipality. All fees are payable upon issuance of the permit. Please refer to Schedule B in the Fees and Charges by-law.
Frequently asked questions
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?
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| 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?
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Some of the projects that require a building permit include:
- Construct a new building
- Add an addition or make structural alterations, renovations or repairs to an existing building
- Change a building's use
- Make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
- Build a garage, balcony or deck
- Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
- Install new or modify existing plumbing systems, replacement of taps, sinks, toilets, or shower fixtures do not require a permit
- Install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces
- Build an accessory shed larger than 15 square meters
- Any structure including a deck, gazebo or guest cabin greater than 10 square meters. See the bullet above for accessory sheds.
- Wood burning stove/fireplace installation
- Build a basement entrance
- Finish an existing unfinished basement
- Install a sign
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.
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When is a permit not required?
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Some of the projects that do not need a permit include:
- Replace existing doors and windows (same size), subject to distance from property lines
- Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
- Build a utility shed under 15 square meters- zoning setback requirements still apply
- Re-shingle a roof
- Dry-wall or plaster
- Paint or decorate
- Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards
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How long is the permit valid?
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| 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?
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If you do not receive a building permit, the work may not comply with Ontario Building Code. This could result in:
- Costly repairs may be required to gain compliance
- Removal of work that isn't in compliance
- The building permit application fee may be increased based on administrative penalties found in our Fee's and Charges By-law under Schedule B
- Legal action may be initiated by the Planning and Building Services Department to gain compliance
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Why do I need a building permit?
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Building permits are required to:
- Ensure that construction within our municipality meets with standards set out in the Ontario Building Code
- Ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met
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Who can apply for a building permit?
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The following individuals can apply for a building permit:
- The homeowner
- Contractor or designer with appropriate authorization from the home owner
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What is a building permit?
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A building permit is a license that:
- grants legal permission to start the construction of a building project
- Gives building officials the means to enforce the requirements of various standards
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