Building Services
BUILDING & SIGN PERMITS
Information to help you build or renovate your home, property or business.
Residential Building Permits
- Accessory Apartment Unit
- Accessory Buildings (Detached Garages, Sheds)
- Addition or Renovation
- Decks & Porches
- Demolition of a Building
- Finishing a Basement
- New Houses
- Plumbing
- Private On-Site Sewage Systems
- Sign Permits
- Swimming Pool Enclosures
Non-Residential Building Permits
- Accessory Apartment Unit Building Permit & Approvals Guide
- Accessory Apartment Unit: House at Least 5 years Old
- AGCO Agency Letter of Approval
- Applicable Law Checklist Form
- Application for Approval of an Alternative Solution Form
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish Form
- Application to Occupy an Unfinished Building (Non-Residential and Multi-Unit Residential Buildings)
B
C
D
E
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Performance Method
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Prescriptive Method
N
- NFPA Contractor's Material & Test Certificate for Above Grade Piping Form
- NPFA Contractor's Material & Test Certificate for Underground Form
O
R
- Reduced Pressure (RP) Backflow Drain Waiver Form
- Residential Deck Construction Guide
- Residential Mechanical Ventilation Data Sheet
- Residential Rainwater Harvesting Guide
S
- SB-10 ASHRAE 189.1-2014
- SB-10 Part 9 Non-Residential
- SB-12 EEDS (Performance)
- SB-12 EEDS (Prescriptive)
- Schedule 1: Designer Information
- Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information
- Septic Smart - Advanced Treatment Systems
- Septic Smart - Understanding Your Home's Septic System
- Swimming Pool Fence Requirements
Roles & Responsibilities
Each stakeholder has a defined role in the building permit process; there are responsibilities attached to each role. Knowing your role in the construction and demolition permit process is beneficial because:
- It sets expectations for yourself and others;
- Helps mitigate risk as things are less likely to be missed or overlooked;
- Increases production and less energy is wasted;
- Creates a collaborative working environment with fewer discrepancies; and,
- Ultimately: it’s the law.
You can contribute to the success of your project by understanding the various roles in the building permit process.
Roles of Various Persons Involved in Building Construction & Demolition
Every person who causes a building to be constructed or demolished must ensure that:
- The construction or demolition proceeds in accordance with the Building Code, the Building Code Act, and the Issued Permit Package issued by the Chief Building Official i.e. Reviewed Drawings, Permit Placard, etc.);
- That no construction commences without an issued building permit; and
- Where required, ensure that construction or demolition is carried out by a qualified professional with the appropriate insurance as per the Building Code Act.
Applicant
- The Role of the Applicant is to ensure that a complete application is submitted to the Building Services Division.
- In accordance with the Building Code Act, Building Code, and Building By-Laws:
- Drawings are required to be drawn to scale.
- Drawings require enough detail to perform both plan review and inspections, once issued.
- The Applicant is the principle contact for the project and is responsible for all communication between the Building Services Department, Designers, Contractors, Owners, Prime Consultants, and any other person(s) with a vested interest in the project.
- If the Applicant is not the Owner of the property on which a building will be constructed or demolished, a Property Owner Consent Letter must be provided with the building permit application.
- The Applicant must ensure that all fees associated with the proposed construction are paid upon receipt of the invoice.
- Regarding revisions to building permits, the Applicant shall only schedule an inspection once the revision has been approved by the Building Services Department.
- If there are any changes in major project stakeholders (i.e. Consultants, Builders/Contractors, Designers, or Owner), the Applicant must notify the City of Barrie’s Chief Building Official.
Owner
The role of the Owner is to ensure that the building is maintained, repaired, and evaluated in accordance with the Building Code Act and the Building Code. The Owner is also responsible for ensuring that documents, records, and other information about the building are kept safe and can be provided in accordance with the Act.
Builder/Contractor
- The role of the Builder/Contractor is to proceed with construction when a building permit required under the Act has been issued by the Chief Building Official.
- The Builder/Contractor will:
- in accordance with the reviewed permit drawings
- Use appropriate building techniques to achieve compliance
- To notify the Designer and Building Inspector of any changes are required to be made from the reviewed permit drawings.
Building Services
The role of the Building Services Division is to ensure that proposed construction meets the requirements of the Building Code Act, Building Code, Town Building By-law, and all other Applicable Law as defined under Article 1.4.1.3. of Div A, Part 1 of the Ontario Building Code.
Building Inspector
The role of a Building Inspector is to determine compliance with the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, Town Building By-Law, and Applicable Law prior to issuance of a building permit.
Before the Building Permit is Issued
- During the permit application stage the Building Inspector will:
- Perform a review of the permit application package
- Provide review comments to the Applicant in a timely manner
- Issue permits once compliance is shown
After the Building Permit is Issued
- Perform an inspection to confirm construction is in accordance with the reviewed permit drawings approved plans and the Building Code. Upon inspection, the Building Inspector will:
- Provide inspection reports with deficiencies found during inspection
- Place an Order in accordance with the Building Code Act, when required.
- Approve minor on-site revisions due to construction difficulties
Chief Building Official
The Role of the Chief Building Official is to coordinate and oversee the enforcement of the Building Code Act, Building Code, and the Town Building By-law by establishing operation policies for the enforcement of the Act.
Before planning your project, find out what Zoning By-laws and other Applicable Laws apply to your project.
Most renovation, construction or demolition projects require a building permit. Below is a list of common projects that do and do not require a permit.
You will need to meet zoning regulations even if your project doesn’t require a building permit.
Examples of Projects that require a Building Permit
Please contact Building Services for your specific situation.
New Construction Projects:
- Any new building greater than 10m2 (108 ft2) in size (the area of the building's footprint)
- Any new building that contains plumbing, irrespective of size
- Any addition to an existing building, irrespective of size
- Concrete porches
- Raised decks more than (24") above existing grade at any point
- Detached or attached garages and carports
- Solariums
- Addition of a dormer
- Sunrooms
- Installing or changing a swimming pool fence enclosure
- Tents 60 m2 (645 ft2)more ground area)
Demolition and Alterations
- Demolishing any building greater than 10m2 (108 ft2) in size
- Adding, removing or altering a structural wall or column
- Adding, removing or altering a non-loadbearing partition
- Changing the use of a building
- Installing a basement entrance
- Relocating a Building
- Changing a fireplace from gas to wood or solid fuel burning
- Roughing in a bathroom or washroom
- Installing a fireplace or wood stove
- Renovating a dwelling to provide a full basement
- Construction separate rooms in a basement
- Installing an accessory apartment
- Installing any new plumbing piping
- Repairing or installing an on-site sewage system
- Connecting to municipal sanitary and storm sewers
- Installing a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
- Installing an exterior sign
- An underground sprinkler system connected to building plumbing
- Installing a solar hot water system
- Recycling grey water to reduce water use
- Commercial roof-mounted solar projects
- Replacing an exterior wall or cladding
A building permit is required for construction whether the work is on the interior or the exterior of the building or dwelling. There is no exemption for a building permit when performing construction solely within or inside a dwelling.
Examples of Projects that do not require a Building Permit
If you are within the Downtown Collingwood Heritage Conservation District or your building is designated under the Heritage Act you may require a Minor Heritage Permit.
Although a building permit may not be required, compliance with the Town Zoning By-law is still required where applicable.
- Constructing detached accessory buildings less than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) in area*
- Residential decks not adjacent to a building entrance that are less than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) in area
- Residential decks less than 600mm (24 inches) above existing grade at all locations
- Damp-proofing basements
- Replacing plumbing fixtures or water heaters
- Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
- Electrical projects (contact the Electrical Safety Authority)
- Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
- Painting and decorating
- Maintenance and repairs
- Replacing windows or doors
- Replacing roofing or shingles
- Fences other than a pool enclosure fence
- Retaining walls less than 1 metre in height
- Sidewalks, planters and landscaping
- Garden pergolas and gazebos that do not have a solid roof
- Ground or roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels
- Before you start a new project, check the zoning of your property to find out if there are any restrictions on what you can build.
- Learn more about the Collingwood Zoning By-law requirements for your property.
Effective January 1, 2022 a Zoning Certificate is required before you apply for a building permit.
Click here to learn more about the Zoning Certificate process.
Depending on the type of project you are working on and where your property is located, you may need other approvals before your building permit can be issued. Refer to the Applicable Law Checklist.
Conservation Authority
- If your property is located on land that is regulated by a conservation authority you will need to get written approval from the applicable conservation authority before you receive your building permit.
- Each conservation authority has a screening map that shows which properties need approval:
Heritage properties
- If you own a listed or designated heritage property, the Ontario Heritage Act may limit the types of construction or changes you can make.
- Learn more about heritage properties and approvals.
Properties near provincial highways
- If your property is close to a provincial highway, you may need approval from the Ministry of Transportation.
- Learn more about permits and approvals issued by the MTO.
Site plan approval
- Building or development in certain parts of the Town is subject to “site plan control” which means that your application may need to be approved by the Town’s Planning Services Division before you receive your building permit.
- If your property is in the site plan control area identified in the Site Plan Control By-law, you may need to apply for a development application.
- For more information contact the Planning Services Division.
Committee of Adjustment approval
- If you’re planning to build or make changes to your property that will not meet current zoning by-law requirements, you may need to apply for approval from the Committee of Adjustment.
- Learn more about applying to the Committee of Adjustment.
- Different forms, drawings and other documents are required depending on the type of your project. You’ll need to submit these when you apply for your permit.
- Refer to the applicable permit checklist for your project:
Residential Projects
Non-Residential Projects
We strongly recommended that you work with a design professional such as an architect, professional engineer or a Building Code qualified designer to create complete and accurate drawings that comply with the Building Code and Collingwood Zoning By-law. These drawings will need to be submitted along with your permit application.
All drawings for non-residential and multi-residential properties such as apartments and condos must be signed, sealed and dated by an architect, professional engineer and/or qualified designer.
Drawings that are prepared by a qualified designer (as defined in the Ontario Building Code) must include:
- The qualified designer’s name
- The qualified designer’s registration number
- The qualification identification number of the qualified designer (Building Code Identification Number: BCIN)
- The qualified designer's signature
- The stamp or statement that the qualified designer has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities
Canada Greener Homes Grant provides funds for home evaluations and for retrofits, to a total of $5,600. Homeowners are eligible for up to $600 total for the cost of pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations and for up to $5,000 total for the implementation of eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows doors, and air sealing. It is important that you read all eligibility criteria and grant requirements to be sure that you will qualify for reimbursement at the end of the process.
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Program provides help for income-qualified homes to rebates for energy-efficient upgrades such as:
- Air Sealing
- Furnace
- Home assistance
- Home energy audit
- Increasing attic insulation
- Windows and doors
- Water heater
- Smart thermostat
Ontario Renovates Program ncludes funding for urgent repairs, renovations, and accessibility modifications for low to moderate income homeowners. Funding of up to $15,000 per unit is available. Accessibility modifications are particularly beneficial for seniors to allow them to 'age in place' and persons with disabilities who require unit modifications.
Save on Energy's Energy Affordability Program provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them to lower their monthly electricity costs and to increase their home comfort.
Different forms, drawings and other documents are required depending on the type of your project. You’ll need to submit these when you apply for your permit. Refer to the applicable permit checklist for your project:
Residential Projects
Non-Residential Projects
Sign Permits
Your building permit application must include:
- Completed application forms
- A Zoning Certificate (residential projects only)
- Drawings and supporting documentation
- The applicable permit fee
All applications for building permits, demolition permits, plumbing permits, certified models, shop drawings, sign permits, and pool enclosure permits must be submitted using the Public Portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
Submit
- You must register prior to using the Public Portal
- Follow the steps when completing your application.
- Credit card payment will be required to pay your fees
Review
- When your application is successfully submitted through the Public Portal, Staff will complete a pre-screen of your application to review for completeness, compliance with the Building Code and Applicable Law. A status update will be sent via email within mandated timelines.
- You may also view the status under "My Items" on the Public Portal
- Application review comments are provided during review to identify any outstanding requirements and to summarize permit fees.
- Resubmit revised plans and documents for further review (until approval)
- Permit issued when review is complete and all fees are paid.
Approval
- You will receive an email notification when plans review is completed.
- When the permit is issued, login to download the approved plans and documents.
- Applicants are responsible for printing the permit card, permit placard and one (1) set of approved plans for use on site.
Learn more about our Public Portal help page and frequently asked questions
When and how to request inspections.
All new construction in Collingwood shall have an inspection done by Town Building Inspectors. Buildings must meet the minimum health and safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code, the Building Code Act, the Building By-law and other Applicable Law and standards. Our Inspectors also do special investigations of illegal construction and unsafe buildings.
A Building Inspector will be required to review your project in several stages during construction. These stages are typically listed as required inspections on the reviewed permit drawings issued with your building permit. When conducting the mandatory inspections, the Building inspector must be able to see that part of work under inspection. Any building elements covered before the related mandatory inspection has been made must be uncovered for inspection and passed before the completion of the project.
Typical Inspection Stages
Excavation: Prior to pouring concrete. All formwork and re-bar (as applicable) to be in place.
Foundation/Slab Reinforcement: Prior to pouring concrete.
- Re-bar placement for ICF
- Required reinforcement for foundation walls
- Re-bar in suspended "cold room" slabs
Foundation/Backfill: Prior to backfilling.
- Foundation to be completed
- Dampproofing/waterproofing complete;
- Drainage layer complete; and
- Weeping tile with proper stone coverage complete.
Water & Sanitary Sewer Drainage Pipe: Prior to backfilling.
- Water service pipes complete and under test at minimum 50 psi
- Sanitary sewer pipe complete and under test with five psi air or filled with water
- A ball test may be requested by the Building Inspector
On-Site Sewage (Septic System): Prior to backfilling.
- Substantial completion of distribution pipes and septic tank.
- A copy of the soil analysis or imported material analysis must be provided to the Building Inspector at this time.
- A final inspection (when grading is complted).
In-Floor Plumbing: Prior to pouring concrete. Plumbing roughed-in, capped and under test:
- Air test at five psi; or
- Water test with a minimum 10'-0" of pressure head
Masonry/Factory Built Wood Burning Fireplace: Prior to covering.
- Fireplace, fire stops and chimney flue installed.
- Manufacturer specifications shall be on site.
- NOTE: WETT certification shall be provided for all wood burning appliances.
Above Ground Plumbing: All drains, wastes and vents complete and under test
- Air test at five psi; or
- Water test with a minimum 10'-0' of pressure head
Water Distribution System (within Building):
Water pipes complete and under a minimum 102 psi air test.
Framing: Framing to be complete.
- Request inspection after installation of roof/shingles, windows, plumbing, HVAC and electrical.
Air Barrier System: An approved air barrier system shall be continuous and completely sealed throughout the entire building envelope. Generally completed during the framing and/or insulation inspection.
HVAC: General overview - following completion of framing.
Fire Separations: If applicable, completion of all required fire stopping of penetrations and party walls complete.
Insulation and Vapour Barrier: Prior to installation of finishes and drywall. All framing deficiencies noted must be completed.
Occupancy: All minimum Building Code items for occupancy completed.
No occupancy permitted until Occupancy Permit issued.
Final: All exterior grading completed and certification received; all building code items at time of occupancy completed.
2 Business Day Notice Requirement:
- The Chief Building Official requires a minimum of two business days' notice to perform a required building inspection as mandated by the Ontario Building Code.
- The time frame from which notice is given begins on the following business day that an inspection notice is received and does not include, Saturdays, Sundays or holidays and/or days the Building Services’ office is closed.
The following information shall be provided when requesting an inspection:
- The building permit number
- Project site location such as lot number or address
- Type of inspection
- The date of the inspection(s)
- Desired timeframe (morning or afternoon)
- Names and telephone numbers of the builder and site superintendent
Options to schedule an inspection:
- As a Registered user, you can schedule an inspection(s) through the Public Portal
2. Email your request to inspections@collingwood.ca
The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace in order to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Act establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards, and it provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily.
Please ensure a safe site is maintained in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act for our Building Inspectors at all times.
- Building Inspectors shall refuse inspection services to any unsafe site. Please refer to Building Bulletin BD.BB.18.03, "Refusal of Inspection Services"
- Projects which are refused inspection service(s) due to unsafe site conditions may be automatically charged a re-inspection fee. Note that construction shall not proceed until authorized by the required inspection.
Where an Inspector determines that work for the stage of construction that has been requested to be inspected is not substantially complete, is not ready for an inspection or where previous infractions have not been corrected, a minimum fee of $117.73 shall be payable prior to any further inspections related to that stage of construction being scheduled.
Construction noise is regulated under Town By-law No. 2018-032
Homeowner construction equipment noise permitted:
Monday to Friday 7AM to 7PM,
Saturday and Sunday 8AM to 6PM
Holidays 8AM to 6PM
Contractor construction equipment noise permitted:
Monday to Friday 7AM to 7PM,
Saturdays 8AM to 4PM
Sundays and Holidays Prohibited
Construction equipment noise from “site alteration” activities on “active development” sites permitted:
Monday to Friday 7AM to 7PM
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Prohibited
Department Information
Permit Applications 24/7 via the Public Portal