Building Permits and Applications

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must obtain a permit to construct, demolish, renovate, or alter a building. Construction cannot begin until you have been issued a permit.

New Ontario Building Code as of Jan 1, 2025

Ontario has released a new Building Code for the province, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. The 2024 Ontario Building Code better aligns with the National Construction Code, with over 1,730 technical changes. 

All new building permit applications must adhere to the new Building Code.

Learn more about the new Building Code.

On this page

Planning construction work? Be sure to check the zoning for your project location.

Before you start your application

Building permit process

Permit applications can be submitted by the property owner or by an agent on behalf of the property owner, such as a contractor or designer. Note that the Owners Authorization form (PDF) is required when a contractor or designer is applying for the Building Permit.

  1. Review what you should do before applying for a permit
  2. Submit your permit application through our online portal
  3. Zoning By-law review 
  4. Pay the applicable fees 
  5. We will process your application within a defined timeline based on completeness and complexity
  6. The building department will review your application form, and if approved, you will be issued your permit via email, and can then begin construction. Additional fees may be applicable depending on permit type
  7. Arrange inspections as required

Applying for your permit

After you've completed all required forms and documents, submit your application through our online portal. Once you've started your application, you can save it at any time and finish your submission within 30 days. After 30 days, your incomplete application will be deleted and you must begin the process again.

Once registered on the portal, you will be able to apply, upload documents, pay fees, check your permit's status and request inspections.

 

Start your application

If you require help at any time during the building permit process, contact staff in our Building division for assistance. 

When a permit is required

Our Building Officials inspect the construction of structures and buildings in Haldimand County to ensure the health and safety of our community. If you are planning a construction project, be sure to confirm if you need a building permit.

If you can’t find your project listed and are unsure if a permit is required, contact a Building Inspector for guidance.

Projects that require a permit

These categories correspond with the application types you will use to apply for on our portal site. 

A shed or similar structure, including garages, residential greenhouses, boathouses, gazebos, and pool houses/cabanas, that features any of the following:

  • A gross area greater than 15 square metres (161.46 square feet) when used for accessory storage purposes. A permit is required for accessory buildings greater than 10 square metres when used for purposes other than storage as per the Ontario Building Code Division C 1.3.1.1.(6). Accessory buildings that do not require a building permit are still required to conform with the provisions in the zoning by-law for accessory structures.
  • More than one storey in building height
  • Has plumbing (regardless of building size)

Alterations and additions include:

  • Any attached structure to an existing building (additional living space, garage, farm expansion)
  • Creating new window/door openings or enlarging existing ones, below grade entrances
  • Adding a bathroom or plumbing fixtures, modifying existing plumbing, or adding a backwater valve
  • Removing or altering load-bearing walls, beams, columns, and lintels
  • Altering the existing roof layout
  • Adding a bedroom to a basement
  • Re-insulating walls, floors, ceiling/attic space
  • Adding or altering a fireplace or solid fuel burning appliance
  • Sunrooms

A deck/porch structure that features any of the following:

  • is uncovered and higher than 0.3 metres (12 inches) above grade
  • Attached to a building resulting in a combined area of 10 square metres (108 square feet). Includes extensions to existing decks and rebuilding existing decks
  • Height greater than, or equal to, 0.6 metres (24 inches) above grade at any point will require rails, guards, and stairs in accordance with the Ontario Building Code. 
  • Covered decks and porches always require a permit

Be sure to check on height restrictions in the Zoning By-law for your area. Setbacks must comply with Zoning By-law (even if no permit is required).

View sample deck drawings (PDF)

This applies to the demolition of buildings greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet) in building area

A permit is not required for the demolition of a farm building located on a farm. 

Note: 

A Professional Engineer is required to undertake the commitment to  general review of the project during demolition only, where a building is: 

  • Exceeding three storeys in height or 600 square metres in building area
  • With pre-tensioned and post-tensioned members
  • Where the demolition will extend below the level of the footings of any adjacent building and within the angle of repose
  • Where explosives/lasers are used during demolition

Applies to foundations being repaired (structural damage, cracking, bowing, changing foundation material), applying drainage and damp proofing/waterproofing, and when lifting an existing building to add a foundation.

  • An enclosure permit is required for all pools with a water depth of 18 inches or greater
  • This includes all inflatable, above-ground, on-ground, and in-ground pools

Refer to our Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law for more information.

View a sample pool site plan (PDF)

New construction consists of the construction of any:

  • Detached single family dwelling
  • Semi-Detached dwelling unit
  • Townhouse
  • Pre-fabricated dwelling

A building permit is required when creating an additional dwelling that is:

  • Contained within the principal dwelling or
  • As part of a detached accessory structure or
  • In a standalone structure on the lot associated with the primary dwelling unit

Please see section 4.55 of our Zoning by-law for the permitted size, parking requirements and zoning provisions applicable to secondary suites.

A septic system permit is required for any new septic system installations, alterations or upgrading of existing systems and repairs.

All signs, other than those exempt under the sign by-law, require a building permit. Please reference our Sign By-law for more information.

A building permit is required for solar panels in accordance with the Ontario Building Code Division A 1.3.1.1.(1)(f) when the panel is mounted on a building and has a face area equal to or greater than 5 square metres. A permit is also required any time the solar panel is connected to a plumbing or mechanical system.

Cargo containers, also known as shipping or sea containers, also require a permit where they exceed 15 square metres (161 square feet).

These types of accessory structures are not permitted in residential zones. Where permitted, cargo containers can only be located in the rear yard and must comply with the rear yard setbacks for accessory buildings.

Cargo containers that are under 15 square metres and do not require a permit must also comply with the zoning provisions. Please confirm with the Building Division if you are permitted to have a storage container on your property. These permits are applied for under Accessory Structures.  

 

Applies to:

  • A single tent or group of tents whose combined area exceeds 60 square metres (646 square feet)
  • A tent attached to a building
  • A tent 225 square metres or larger must be designed and stamped by a Professional Engineer licensed in Ontario

Learn more about the tent permitting process (PDF)

A demountable stage requires a building permit when:

  • The aggregate area of platforms of the stage is greater than 60 square metres
  • Where any part of the stage is greater than 3 metres in height from adjacent ground level
  • The aggregate area of all platforms of the stage is greater than 225 square metres
  • When any parts of the platforms or any roof, wall, or structure attached to or located on any platforms of the stage is 5 metres or greater in height above the adjacent ground level

A demountable structure requires a building permit when:

  • It is more than 3 metres in height above adjacent ground level
  • It is designed to carry a superimposed specific load greater than 115 kg
  • It would create a hazard to the public.

A building permit is required when the addition, repair, or alteration of a water and/or sanitary service is connected to a municipal service from the property line to the building that is being serviced.

Projects that don’t require a permit

Although a project may not require a permit, you must still comply with the appropriate Zoning By-law requirements (setback distances, height limitations, etc.).

  • A deck less than 10 square metres in area and less than 12" in height provided it is not attached to an existing building
  • Demolition of farm buildings located on a farm
  • Sheds used for storage with an area of 15 square metres (161 square feet) or less that does not contain plumbing and is not more than one storey.
  • Eavestroughs and downspouts
  • Fences (unless for a pool enclosure)
  • Kitchen cupboards (removal and replacement)
  • Landscaping
  • Non-loadbearing structural repairs (no impact on the structure)
  • Painting and decorating
  • Replacing a plumbing fixture with a new fixture in the same location
  • Shingles installed on an existing roof
  • Window or door replacements (same size, same location)
  • Siding
  • A building under 10m2 (108 square metres) that does not contain plumbing

Although a permit may not be required for these projects, before any construction, we encourage you to contact a Building Inspector for more information on zoning requirements. 

Building permit fees

Building permit fees depend on the floor area, scope of work and the type of building being constructed or altered. A Building Inspector will calculate your applicable fee(s) after an initial review of your application.

View all permit fees.

Depending on your project, there may also be additional fees such as development charges or deposits you need to pay before your permit is issued.

Additional fees may apply should construction begin without a permit.

There are three ways you can pay your permit fees:

1. Online

If you submitted your application through the online portal, you can also pay your fees through your portal account.

Credit card and VISA debit payments are accepted. 

Note: Development Charges can also be paid online, subject to a 2.5% fee. Online payments are limited to a maximum charge of $100,000 per single transaction.

2. In person

You can pay in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 53 Thorburn Street South. 

Debit, credit card and cheque payments are accepted. 

3. By mail or drop-off

For all mail or drop-off payments, please ensure the building permit pending application number is included. 

You can mail a cheque payable to Haldimand County to:

53 Thorburn Street South
Cayuga, ON
N0A 1E0

Or drop a cheque off at the drop box on the side of the building off Chippewa Street. 

Forms, drawings and plans

As part of your permit application, you'll be required to include any applicable forms, drawings and documents required for your project. 

Required forms will be shown as submittal items in your portal account. Any additional forms or drawings needed for clarity will be requested by the building inspector upon review. 

Application forms

Drawings, plans and documents

  • All required plans and documents shall be submitted as unlocked documents
  • All required construction plans shall be submitted together as one document with adequate space for inspector notes/comments and stamps
  • Completed and detailed construction drawings in electronic format
    • Complete drawings in Foundation Planview, Framing Planview, Section Planview, Elevation (all sides) Planview
  • Foundation Plan Drawing:
    • type of foundation being used (slab, foundation wall, pier)
    • size of footing
    • depth of foundation
    • compressive strength of concrete
    • location of underground plumbing rough-in
    • location of rough-in for sub-floor depressurization system (please note a hatched line showing pipe to center of slab)
  • Framing Plan should include:
    • Floor layouts
    • Room locations, names, and sizes
    • Location and size of openings
    • Size of lintels over openings
    • Size and spacing of structural members (studs, floor joists, beams, columns)
    • Roof framing plan showing the size, spacing, and connection details of rafters (if trusses are being used provide engineered truss package)
  • Section Plan should include:
    • Height of building
    • Foundation and framing details
    • Connection details between building systems
    • Wall assembly details (exterior cladding, framing members, insulation, interior finish)
    • Basement wall assembly details
    • Roof assembly details.
  • Elevation Plan should include:
    • Height and width of the building from all four sides
    • A detailed view of what the exterior of the building will look like
    • Location and size of any openings
    • Roof slope.
  • Site Plan: A to-scale site plan including north arrow and information on any existing buildings on the property.
    • Includes a copy of a survey or plot plan clearly showing measurements of the lot, yards, location of the proposed building, setbacks and any overhead or buried site and utility services.
    • For rural properties, please also include distances for septic systems, and location of wells/cisterns on primary and neighbouring properties.

For additional direction and help with forms and documents, contact a Building Inspector. 

Application timelines

The timeline for processing a building permit will vary based on:

  • The quality and completeness of the application
  • The level of compliance with applicable regulations
  • The size and complexity of the project

In general, once an application is determined to be complete, the following processing timeframes apply according to the nature of the project.

  • Houses
    • Single-family dwellings/semi-detached houses, townhouses and row houses where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit
    • Additions, and renovations to houses described above
    • Attached garages, carports, decks, etc. 
  • Detached structures not exceeding 55 m2  serving a building described above (sheds, garages, carports, pool houses, gazebos, decks, etc.)
  • Septic systems serving part 9 buildings
  • Tents

  • Stacked townhouses and houses with a dwelling unit above another dwelling unit
  • Detached structures exceeding 55 m2 and serving a house
  • Buildings other than those described above where part 9 of the Ontario Building Code is applicable
    • 3 or fewer storeys in height
    • Building area less than 600 m2
    • Major occupancies are classified as:
      • Residential (C)
      • Business and Personal Services (D) (example offices)
      • Mercantile (E) (example retail)
      • Medium and/or low-hazard industrial (F2/F3)
  • Farm buildings not exceeding 600 m2 in building area

  • Buildings where part 3 of the Ontario Building Code is applicable
    • More than 3 storeys and/or
    • Greater than 600 m2 
  • Building areas less than 600 m2 used for major occupancies are classified as:
    • Assembly (including restaurants over 30 seats) (A)
    • Care and Treatment or Detention (B)
    • High Hazard Industrial (F1)
  • Farm buildings exceeding 600 m2 in building area
  • Designated structures

  • Post-disaster buildings
  • High buildings to which Ontario Building Code 3.2.6. applies
  • Buildings with interconnected floor areas to which Ontario Building Code 3.2.8.3. through 3.2.8.11 applies

Application review times are subject to change depending on request volumes, complexity, staff availability and resubmissions.

Building inspections

Inspections must be arranged for all projects requiring a permit. Many projects require multiple inspections throughout construction. Learn more about building inspections.

Additional approvals and contacts

Depending on the type of project you’re working on and where your property is located, you may need other approvals before your building permit can be issued.

You may also need to be in contact with multiple departments, authorities, agencies, organizations and associations throughout your project.

Find common additional approvals and frequently required contacts below.

If you require approval from any additional agencies, you must obtain approval before submitting your application.

Common additional approvals include:

Conservation authorities

Government agencies

Organizations and associations

Other County departments

Utilities

Contact Us

Building
53 Thorburn Street South
Cayuga, Ontario
Canada, N0A 1E0

Email the Building Division
Email Building Inspections
Phone: 905-318-5932, ext. 8300

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