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.

Before you apply

Check your zoning

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.

Gather forms, drawings, and documents

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

Find out if you need additional approvals

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.
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.
Refer to the Applicable Law Checklist

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.

Permit Checklists and Guides

Residential Building Permits

Non-Residential Building Permits

Building Documents & Forms

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Commitment to General Review Form

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Sample Drawings

Public Portal: Submit your Application Online

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

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*
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

Sample Drawings

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