Accessory Buildings: Garages, Sheds, Pool Houses
The information below has been provided to assist in summarizing the typical requirements to obtain a building permit for an Accessory Building such as a detached garage, shed, or pool house within the Town of Collingwood. Additional information may be required depending on the application type and individual circumstances.
Please note the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently made amendments to Ontario's Building Code relating to building permit requirements for sheds (detached accessory buildings). As of April 29, 2022, a shed is exempt from the requirements to obtain a permit under the Building Code Act, provided that the shed is:
- No more than 15 square meters in gross area;
- No more than one storey in building height;
- Not attached to a building or any other structure;
- Is used solely for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot; and
- Does not have any plumbing.
If you have any questions regarding the requirement for a building permit, please contact Building Services by email building@collingwood.ca
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
Effective January 1, 2022, a Zoning Certificate is required before you apply for a building permit.
Forms
Drawings
- Detailed layout, elevations, cross sections and details
- A Site Plan showing the location of the addition and existing building(s) and setback to property lines
- Engineered Roof Truss Design & Layout (as applicable)
- Engineered Beams such as over a garage door opening (as applicable)
- Foundation plans: where the proposed slab foundation is over 55m2 (592 ft2) a design by a competent person is required OR
- The Building Services Typical Floating Slab Detail may be used provided the proposed accessory building satisfies the conditions as noted and construction proceeds in accordance with same.
Building Permit Fee: $147.16 flat fee
The Ontario Building Code turnaround timeframes for the first review of a complete application:
Complete Applications: 10 Business Days
Incomplete Applications: >15 Business Days
Factors Delaying Permit Processing Time
- Zoning review is completed by the Planning Services Division which is a required Applicable Law. This generally adds an additional 3-5 business days to permit processing time.
- Additional review may be necessary if revisions are requested by your Building Inspector due to incomplete, non-compliant, or unclear drawings.
- Incomplete drawings typically cause the majority of all delays in receiving your building permit. When planning your project, you should consider allocating additional time that may be required for yourself or your designer to revise drawings, and the Building Inspector to review your revised drawings for compliance. This could add several weeks or more depending on availability and complexity.
Sentence 1.3.1.3.(1) of Division C of the Ontario Building Code (the Code) requires that where an application for a permit meets the requirements of a complete application as set out in Sentence 1.3.1.3.(5) of Division C, a decision to issue or refuse (with written reasons) such permit shall be made within times prescribed by the Code. The Code further provides that where the Chief Building Official determines that an application is not complete, the Chief Building Official is not required to make a decision within the times prescribed by the Code.
- Submit the complete permit application and all supporting documents using the Public Portal.
- 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
- 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.
- Permit issued when review is complete and all fees are paid.
Please DO NOT include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner’s name or phone number). Building Plans submitted for Permit are subject to disclosure in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).