Building Permit Information

Residential Occupancy Permits 

Before you can occupy your newly constructed residence (including cottages and sleeping cabins) you are required under the building code to obtain an occupancy permit. This occupancy permit is issued by the building department once your building has reached the minimum level of completion as set out in Division C - 1.3.3.4. of the Ontario Building Code.

Please refer to the excerpt from the Ontario Building Code to determine what you need to have completed to receive an occupancy permit.

Dock Permits

A permit is not required for a dock replacement of the same size, location and configuration. If you are increasing the size, changing the configuration, or constructing a brand new dock, you will require a building permit. Please refer to the Planning Handbook and Zoning By-Law for dock regulations.

MNRF Dock and Boathouse Requirements  

Depending on the size of your dock, you may require approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). On June 1st, 2017, the MNRF made changes to the Public Lands Act. As a result, most docks and single-storey boathouses that have 15 square metres or less in physical contact with the shoreland no longer require review or approval from the MNRF. Floating docks, post docks and crib docks, having less than 15 square metres in physical contact with shorelands, are included in these changes.

A work permit will still be required for certain activities on shorelands. For example, the installation of cribs having a cumulative area of more than 15 square metres in physical contact with shorelands.

Building permits are required from the Township for the construction of a new dock or boathouse or boat port and/or the expansion of an existing dock, boathouse or boatport.

Sheds Under 15sqm

As Per Ontario Building Code - Division C - 1.3.1.1.(6):
A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Building Code Act and is exempt from compliance with the Ontario Building Code, provided that the shed,
a) is not more than 15sqm in gross area,
b) is not more than one storey in building height,
c) is not attached to a building or any other structure,
d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and
e) does not have plumbing.

Compliance with the Zoning By-Law is still required for such things as lot coverage, and setbacks. The shed is not permitted to be used as a sleeping cabin.