Building Permits and Inspections

NEW BUILDING CODE - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025:

Ontario has released a new Building Code that will come into effect January 1, 2025, with a three-month grace period until March 31, 2025 for certain designs that are already underway. The new Building Code aims to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry, increase safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to build housing.

Building Permits:

A building permit is formal permission to begin a construction or demolition project. Building permits are necessary to ensure that construction methods meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code (OBC), Federal and Provincial regulations, and local by-laws. The Building Department promotes and assists with building development to ensure safe structures for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

In addition to a building permit, other approvals may be required, based on your location and type of project. These approvals could include:

When do I need a Building Permit?

A building permit is required for the construction or alteration of any structure over 10 m² (108 ft²) in area. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that a building permit is obtained prior to any construction taking place - it is illegal to begin construction without one. A building permit application and detailed drawings of the project must be submitted for approval prior to commencing with any construction work.

  • any addition to an existing building
  • adding dormer(s) to existing roof
  • structural alterations
  • renovate, repair or add to a building
  • demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • change a building's use (when no construction is being completed)
  • install, change, or remove partitions and load bearing walls
  • make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
  • build a garage or balcony
  • excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • install or modify heating, plumbing or air-conditioning systems
  • install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces
  • construct an accessory structure larger than 108 sq. ft. in area
  • a deck more than 24" above ground
  • a wood burning stove/fireplace installation
  • a basement entrance
  • a second suite
  • adding a bedroom to the basement
  • pending location, a retaining wall that is greater than 1m (3'-3") in height
  • tent or group of tents that is more than 60 sq. m. (646 sq. ft.) in aggregate area, attached to a building or constructed within 3m (9'-10") of any structure
  • swimming pools with a depth of 0.8m (31½") or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
  • solar panels
  • septic system installation or alteration
  • replacing a septic tank
  • construct a shed that meets any of these criteria:
    • over 15 sq. m. (161 sq. feet) in size
    • more than one storey
    • attached to another structure
    • used for any purpose other than storage
    • contains plumbing
  • door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed)
  • fences unless installed around a swimming pool with a depth of 0.8m (30") or greater (including temporary or inflatable); see also Fences
  • installing a gas fireplace
  • installing new shingles on existing roof
  • installing a water softener
  • painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
  • removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling
  • replacing a plumbing fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location
  • structure less than 161 square feet measured from the outside face of walls (that does not contain plumbing)
  • deck not over 24" above grade at any point
* NEW * – Our Building Permit Application process is now Online!

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.

Use the documents below to help you get started in Cloudpermit.

Things to remember –
Dashboard – At any point you can return to “My Dashboard” page to see which applications you have made and if the Township is waiting for information from you to process your application further.

Delete – You can delete your application at any time by using the “Select Action” drop-down menu at the top of the page.

If you need help you can visit Cloudpermit support for answers to commonly asked questions. You can also contact our Building Services department at building@get.on.ca or calling 519-856-9596 ext 114 during business hours.

To apply for a building permit through Cloudpermit, click on the below button

Apply for a Building Permit

Fees for Building Permit applications are paid near the time of issuance of the Building Permit. An invoice will be sent by the Building Department Administrative assistant for the amount due. Some larger development projects require both Building Permit Fees and Development Charges.

The full list of Building Department Fees can be found here.

Development Charges:
When building a new house on a vacant lot (not redeveloped) the following Development charges would be applicable:

Grading Deposit for New Houses (2 Acre Lots):
When a new house is being constructed on a lot that is less than 2 Acres in size, a $5000 grading deposit is collected to ensure grading of the lot is completed correctly without affecting adjacent neighbours. The deposit is then returned to the applicant after the grading is completed as per the approved grading plan. For more information see our New House Grading Guide

Park Land Dedication Fee:
Parkland dedication is one of the ways that the Township secures additions to its park system. The dedication of parkland is a requirement under the Planning Act and allows the Township to ensure that its park system grows along with the community.

There are two types of parkland dedication – the dedication of physical land or the payment of money in lieu of dedicating lands (often referred to as cash-in-lieu of parkland).

For more information see the attached Parkland Dedication Memo.

PAYMENT:
Once an invoice has been issued to the permit applicant, there are two options to proceed with payment:

OPTION 1
Payment by cheque-mailed in or dropped off at The Township Municipal Office. If the office is closed, cheque can be dropped off in the outside mailbox. If mailing, please use the address within the invoice and be sure to include the “P.O.Box 700”.

OPTION 2
Interac e-Transfer – The Township of Guelph/Eramosa building department is set up to accept Interact e-Transfers up to a limit of $10,000. The following are instructions how to complete this:

  • STEP 1: Log into your online or mobile banking app and select the account you would like to use.
  • STEP 2: Set the Township of Guelph/Eramosa up as contact and use the following email: building@get.on.ca
  • STEP 3: Enter the amount to be paid.
  • STEP 4: in the message section, please be as specific as possible. Include your Building Permit number, address of the project, and what the project is for.
  • STEP 5: A security question is not required as The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is set up for Autodeposit.
  • STEP 6: When the e-transfer has been sent, The Township of Guelph/Eramosa will receive a notification of your payment. We will process the payment and will notify you that payment has been received and forward you a receipt through Cloudpermit.
*** The Township does not accept any credit card payments***

Every building permit requires the standard provincial application form, Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish. Building Permits that have a professional qualified designer will require a Schedule 1 form to be completed. When sewage systems are being constructed by a contractor, the sewage system installer is required to complete a Schedule 2 form.

See our guide on How to Fill out a Building Permit Application.

  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Owners Authorization Form if applicant is not property owner.
  • Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) form. It is also acceptable to have this chart incorporated into the construction drawings.
  • Site Plan drawing showing the location of the house and dimensions to property lines, septic tank, and septic distribution pipes (if septic is applicable)
  • Footing / foundation plan
  • Floor plan(s)
  • Roof plan / truss layout
  • Cross section(s)
  • Elevation views of all affected building sides
  • Structural framing details
  • Foundation / floor plans and cross sections to include the adjacent structure
  • If adding a bedroom, fixtures or more than 15% of existing living space of the house, a septic review will be required on the existing septic system to determine if upgrades will be required. (See "Septic Systems" below)
  • If adding more than 15% of existing house Heat loss / gain calculation, Ventilation HVAC Summary, and Schedule 1
  • For more information see our House Addition Guide
  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Owners Authorization Form if applicant is not property owner.
  • Lot Grading plan completed by a surveyor or engineer if the lot has an area of 2 Acres or less.
  • Site Plan drawing showing the location of the house and dimensions to property lines, septic tank, and septic distribution pipes (if septic is applicable)
  • Footing / foundation plan
  • Floor plan(s)
  • Roof plan / truss layout
  • Cross section(s)
  • Elevation views
  • Structural framing details
  • LVL beams should have “Passed” specification sheets. If LVL beams have point loads, professional engineer stamp will be required either on the construction plans or LVL specification sheets.
  • Heat loss / gain calculation, Ventilation HVAC Summary, and Schedule 1
  • Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) form. It is also acceptable to have this chart incorporated into the construction drawings.
  • For the installation of any wood-burning appliance please ensure to include a detailed installation plan and the manufacturers installation instructions
  • A Septic System Permit will be required if the house is not serviced by The Township. See the “Septic System” tab.
  • If the lot does not have an entrance, an Entrance Permit will be required to be obtained from the Public Works Department
  • For more information see our New House Guide – Serviced Lots (Urban) or New House Guide – UN-Serviced Lots (Rural)
  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Owners Authorization Form if applicant is not property owner.
  • Floor plans of the existing house.
  • Floor plans of the proposed work.
  • Room Labels
  • Structural framing work, beam sizes and how it is being supported.
  • If in a basement, ceiling heights under floor joists and bulkheads
  • If adding a bedroom, plumbing fixtures, or more than 15% of existing living space of the house, a septic review will be required.
  • For more information see our Residential Renovation Guide

Accessory apartments are required to conform to The Township's Zoning By-law before a building permit can be issued. For more information see the Township's NEW Accessory Residential Unit (ARU) Guide!

A maximum of two ARUs are permitted on a single lot, subject to compliance with applicable regulations (see the guide provided above). Please note, only one ARU may be located in a detached building, and only one in a principal building.

There are three types of ARUs reviewed by the Building Department:

Basement - Accessory Apartment:
  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Owners Authorization Form if applicant is not property owner.
  • Site plan drawing showing parking spaces
  • Floor plans of existing house and new proposed work
  • A Septic System review will be required if the house is not serviced by The Township.
  • For more information see our Basement – Accessory Apartment Guide
Addition - Accessory Apartment:
  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Owners Authorization Form if applicant is not property owner.
  • Site Plan drawing showing the location of the house and dimensions to property lines, septic tank, and septic distribution pipes (if septic is applicable)
  • Footing / foundation plan
  • Floor plan(s)
  • Roof plan / truss layout
  • Cross section(s)
  • Elevation views of all affected building sides
  • Structural framing details
  • Foundation / floor plans and cross sections to include the adjacent structure
  • A Septic System review will be required if the house is not serviced by The Township.
  • Heat Loss/Gain Calculations, Ventilation HVAC Summary, and Schedule 1
  • For more information see our Addition – Accessory Apartment Guide
Ancillary Building - Accessory Apartment:
  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Owners Authorization Form if applicant is not property owner.
  • Lot Grading plan completed by a surveyor or engineer
  • Footing / foundation plan
  • Floor plan(s)
  • Roof plan / truss layout
  • Cross section(s)
  • Elevation views
  • Structural framing details
  • Heat loss / gain calculation, Ventilation HVAC Summary, and Schedule 1
  • Energy efficiency form
  • For the installation of any wood-burning appliance please ensure to include a detailed installation plan and the manufacturers installation instructions.
  • A Septic System Permit will be required if the house is not serviced by The Township
  • For more information see our Ancillary – Accessary Apartment Guide
  • Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
  • Schedule 2 to be filled out by septic installer
  • Septic System Design Calculations (according to Part 8 of the O.B.C.)
  • Drawings of sewage disposal system
    • Site Plan drawing with sizes of the septic bed and location of property lines, type of well, streams or ponds, and buildings.
    • Cross Section showing depths of sand and spacing of distribution piping
  • Soil Classification and T-time Analysis of the native soil.
  • For more information see our Septic System Guide

A Building Permit for a retaining wall is required when the wall exceeds 1000 millimeters in height from ground level and is adjacent to:

  1. Public Property,
  2. Access to a Building, or
  3. Private Property to which the public is admitted.
For further information on when a retaining wall is required to have a Building Permit see our Retaining Wall Guide.