Private On-Site Sewage Systems
The information below has been provided to assist in summarizing the typical requirements to obtain a building permit for a private on site sewage sysetm ("septic system") within the Town of Collingwood. Additional information may be required depending on the application type and individual circumstances.
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
Forms
Building Permit Application Form
Please include Schedule 2 with your sewage system application.
Drawings
The following list of drawings, specifications and documents are required to be submitted with a complete permit application for a septic system:
1. Site Plan
- The legal description, lot size, property dimensions, existing rights-of-way;
- Easements, municipal utility corridors, water service location, water wells;
- The location of items listed in Column 1 of Tables 8.2.1.6.A., 8.2.1.6.B. and 8.2.1.6.C. of the Building Code;
- The location of the proposed sewage system;
- The location of any unsuitable, disturbed, compacted areas, or slopes greater than 4:1; and
- Proposed access routes for system maintenance.
2. A Site Evaluation Report
The Site Evaluation Report shall include:
- The name, address, telephone number and signature of the person who prepared the evaluation;
- The date the evaluation was completed;
- Soil information and analysis shall include:
- Depth to bedrock;
- Depth to zones of soil saturation;
- Soil properties, including soil permeability;
- Grade conditions; and
- The potential for flooding.
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New or Replacement Sewage System | $588.62 |
| Part 11 Performance Level Review for Building Addition | $412.04 |
| Septic Repair | $294.31 |
| Septic Tank Decommissioning | $58.86 |
| Septic Tank Replacement | $176.58 |
| Class 5 Sewage System and Agreement | $588.62 |
- Complete Applications: 10 Business days
- Incomplete Applications: > 20 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 5-10 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.
- You are not required to pay the required permit fees & charges at the time when you submit your dwelling permit application. Payment by cheque or Electronic Transfers may be accepted.
- 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).