Building Services
Notice of Interim Control By-law
The Chief Building Official may not be able to issue a building permit for your proposed project until the Interim Control By-law has been lifted or an exemption approved by Council. Please visit the Development Pause (ICBL) section of our website for more information.
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Building Services is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code regulations to ensure minimum standards are achieved for all building construction including septic systems, change of use and demolitions. Building Services also administers other Town by-laws regulating civic addressing, fences, signs and swimming pool enclosures.
We accomplish this this by reviewing permit applications and drawings for proposed construction; issuing building permits; conducting routine building inspections; enforcing minimum standards for non-compliance and securing unsafe buildings.
We assist homeowners, business owners, contractors, builders and design professionals during the construction and development of buildings in their efforts to achieve healthy and safe living environments by promoting excellence in design and to minimum building construction standards.
In all of our activities, our focus is public safety and providing excellent customer service.
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- 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)
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- Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Performance Method
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Prescriptive Method
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- NFPA Contractor's Material & Test Certificate for Above Grade Piping Form
- NPFA Contractor's Material & Test Certificate for Underground Form
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- Reduced Pressure (RP) Backflow Drain Waiver Form
- Residential Deck Construction Guide
- Residential Mechanical Ventilation Data Sheet
- Residential Rainwater Harvesting Guide
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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
Our updated Public Portal service allows you to submit and pay for your building permit application electronically.
Save time and multiple trips to our office and start your project sooner by applying and managing your permit application online! Paper submissions for building permits are time-consuming and wasteful as businesses and owners are required to deliver or courier the documents and all other forms associated with the application to the Town offices physically. This causes lost time and resources to complete this paperwork as well as costs for printing and delivering the documents.
Click here to go to the Public Portal
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.
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.
- Constructing detached accessory buildings less than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) in area*
- Decks not adjacent to a building entrance that are less than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) in area
- 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
* Although a building permit may not be required, compliance with the Town Zoning By-law is still required where applicable.
Department Information
Permit Applications 24/7 via the Public Portal