Building Department Frequently Asked Questions

 

It is against the law to commence construction without a permit and you could be subject to legal action under the Ontario Building Code Act. If the construction does not comply with the Ontario Building Code Requirements, you may be subject to: Costly repairs to gain compliance Removal of work not built in compliance An increase in building permit fees Legal action by the Building Department to gain compliance If you are unsure whether your project requires a building permit, contact the Building Department.

The Township is pleased to offer builders and residents the convenience of applying for a building permit online using Cloudpermit.

Cloudpermit allows you to apply for and check the status of your application anywhere, at any time. You can start an application and finish it later, receive email updates on the status of your permit application and even request building inspections.

Please visit the “Building Permits and Inspections” webpage to apply for your Building Permit using Cloudpermit. There is also a tutorial video on how to submit your application using Cloudpermit.

Plans must contain sufficient information in order for Building Department staff to determine if the proposed project conforms to all applicable regulations. Site plans are required for all permit applications, please refer to our Building Information Guides for details on required drawings

Please note, we do not accept CADD files. For large drawings, digital copies are preferred.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure required approvals from other agencies (where required) prior to the issuance of a building permit. Staff will advise the applicant of the required approvals from other government agencies upon submission of the building permit application.

Processing a building permit application typically takes between 10 to 30 business days, depending on the size and class of the project:

  • 10 Business Days - Residential permit applications 
  • 15 Business Days - Part 9 Buildings, Multi-Family Residential, Commercial and Industrial buildings less than 600 m2 and not over 3 storeys
  • 20 Business Days - Part 3 Buildings, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial buildings over 600m2 and/or more than 3 storeys
  • 30 Business Days - Post Disaster Buildings

The above timelines are for complete applications. A complete application meets zoning requirements, Building Code, applicable law, and the submitted documents provide all required information.

The Guelph/Eramosa Township Building Department is prepared to provide reasonable assistance to the applicant, but will not assist in the laying out of work or acting in the capacity of an engineering or architectural consultant. See our building information guides for drawing examples and more information about application details.

Once your permit is issued, construction must start within one year and be continuous and on-going.

The Corporation of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa By-Law 13-2018 regulates the fees and charges for the Building Department. These fees cover all plans review, the building permit, and resulting inspections. Building permit fees are not subject to HST.

Due to the high volume of inspections within a large geographical area, please ensure 48 hours notice is given when calling in to book your inspection. To book inspections, call the office or send an email:

Debra Kent - Building Department Administrative Assistant

Phone: (519) 856-9596 ext. 114      Email: building@get.on.ca

 

Your neighbours are not notified about your building permit providing the proposed work meets all current zoning regulations. Once a building permit has been issued, you are required to display the permit visibly from the street, road or waterway, if applicable.

Taxes are based on the assessed value of a property. For more information, please contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation at 1-866-296-6722 or visit them on line at www.mpac.ca

While many contractors act as an authorized agent for their customers, the ultimate responsibility rests with the homeowner. It is advisable for homeowners to discuss this with their contractor before applying for a building permit so everyone knows their role. Please note, you must submit an Owner Authorization Form with your application if the contractor will be acting on your behalf. If a permit is required for the work being undertaken, no work is to commence and no inspections will be carried out until the permit is issued.

Construction projects that do not require a building permit are still required to conform to the applicable zoning regulations. Whether the project is large or small, contact the Planning Department at 519.856.9596 ext 112 to determine the zoning and permitted uses for your property.