Accessory Apartment Unit
The information below has been provided to assist in summarizing the typical requirements to obtain a building permit for an Accessory Apartment Unit within the Town of Collingwood. Additional information may be required depending on the application type and individual circumstances.
Also refer to our the Accessory Apartment Unit Guide and Summary of Ontario Building Code Requirements for technical information:
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
Note: Property owners may prepare and submit drawings that follow the requirements outlined in the “drawing and specifications” section below.
This is the standard building permit application form for all building permits.
This form is to be used only where the Owner is not the Applicant.
This checklist summarizes the most common approvals required
- Refer to the Summary of Ontario Building Code Requirements (House > 5 Years Old)
- A site plan showing:
- the existing dwelling, lot width and property lines
- the existing driveway, parking spaces, amenity area and front landscaped areas
- Detailed floor plans of the existing dwelling
- Detailed floor plans, elevations and details of the proposed Accessory Unit
- Detailed elevations showing the Accessory Unit entrance/exit and emergency egress window
- Existing floor separation and fire separation details
- Heat Loss and Heat Gain Summary (as applicable)
- Properties served by a Septic System may have to have the existing system evaluated to ensure the new unit does not reduce the performance level of the Septic System.
In many instances before a building permit application can be processed and a permit issued, there are approvals from other agencies that may be required. These approvals are not administered by Building Services. Please ensure all required approvals are complete prior to submitting your application using the Applicable Law Checklist:
Building Permit Fee: $528.38 flat fee (2021 Rate)
- 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.
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.
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).