Building & Renovating

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

• New Buildings & Additions
• Backflow Prevention Devices
• Change of Use
• Demolition of a Building
• Temporary Tents
• Sign Permits

A

• 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)

B

• Best Practice Guide: Full Height Basement Insulation
• Backflow Prevention Device Installation Summary

C

• Commitment to General Review Form

D

• Demolition Permit Clearance Form
• Detached Accessory Building Standard Floating Slab Detail

E

• Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Performance Method
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Prescriptive Method

N

• NFPA Contractor's Material & Test Certificate for Above Grade Piping Form
• NPFA Contractor's Material & Test Certificate for Underground Form

O

• OBC Data Matrix Form
• Owner Authorization Form

R

• Reduced Pressure (RP) Backflow Drain Waiver Form
• Residential Deck Construction Guide
• Residential Mechanical Ventilation Data Sheet
• Residential Rainwater Harvesting Guide

S

• Sample Drawings
• SB-10 ASHRAE 189.1-2014
• SB-10 Part 9 Non-Residential
• SB-12 EEDS (Performance)
• SB-12 EEDS (Prescriptive)
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information
• Septic Smart - Advanced Treatment Systems
• Septic Smart - Understanding Your Home's Septic System
• Swimming Pool Fence Requirements

Roles & Responsibilities

Each stakeholder has a defined role in the building permit process; there are responsibilities attached to each role. Knowing your role in the construction and demolition permit process is beneficial because:

• It sets expectations for yourself and others;
• Helps mitigate risk as things are less likely to be missed or overlooked;
• Increases production and less energy is wasted;
• Creates a collaborative working environment with fewer discrepancies; and,
• Ultimately: it’s the law.

You can contribute to the success of your project by understanding the various roles in the building permit process.

Roles of Various Persons Involved in Building Construction & Demolition

Every person who causes a building to be constructed or demolished must ensure that:

1. The construction or demolition proceeds in accordance with the Building Code, the Building Code Act, and the Issued Permit Package issued by the Chief Building Official i.e. Reviewed Drawings, Permit Placard, etc.);
2. That no construction commences without an issued building permit; and
3. Where required, ensure that construction or demolition is carried out by a qualified professional with the appropriate insurance as per the Building Code Act.

Applicant

1. The Role of the Applicant is to ensure that a complete application is submitted to the Building Services Division.
   1. In accordance with the Building Code Act, Building Code, and Building By-Laws:
   2. Drawings are required to be drawn to scale.
   3. Drawings require enough detail to perform both plan review and inspections, once issued.
2. The Applicant is the principle contact for the project and is responsible for all communication between the Building Services Department, Designers, Contractors, Owners, Prime Consultants, and any other person(s) with a vested interest in the project.
3. If the Applicant is not the Owner of the property on which a building will be constructed or demolished, a Property Owner Consent Letter must be provided with the building permit application.
4. The Applicant must ensure that all fees associated with the proposed construction are paid upon receipt of the invoice.
5. Regarding revisions to building permits, the Applicant shall only schedule an inspection once the revision has been approved by the Building Services Department.
6. If there are any changes in major project stakeholders (i.e. Consultants, Builders/Contractors, Designers, or Owner), the Applicant must notify the City of Barrie’s Chief Building Official.

Owner

The role of the Owner is to ensure that the building is maintained, repaired, and evaluated in accordance with the Building Code Act and the Building Code. The Owner is also responsible for ensuring that documents, records, and other information about the building are kept safe and can be provided in accordance with the Act.

Builder/Contractor

1. The role of the Builder/Contractor is to proceed with construction when a building permit required under the Act has been issued by the Chief Building Official.
2. The Builder/Contractor will:
   1. in accordance with the reviewed permit drawings
   2. Use appropriate building techniques to achieve compliance
   3. To notify the Designer and Building Inspector of any changes are required to be made from the reviewed permit drawings.

Building Services

The role of the Building Services Division is to ensure that proposed construction meets the requirements of the Building Code Act, Building Code, Town Building  By-law, and all other Applicable Law as defined under Article 1.4.1.3. of Div A, Part 1 of the Ontario Building Code.

Building Inspector

The role of a Building Inspector is to determine compliance with the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, Town Building By-Law, and Applicable Law prior to issuance of a building permit.

Before the Building Permit is Issued

1. During  the permit application stage the Building Inspector will:
2. Perform a review of the permit application package
3. Provide review comments to the Applicant in a timely manner
4. Issue permits once compliance is shown

After the Building Permit is Issued

2. Perform an inspection to confirm construction is in accordance with the reviewed permit drawings approved plans and the Building Code. Upon inspection, the Building Inspector will:
   1. Provide inspection reports with deficiencies found during inspection
   2. Place an Order in accordance with the Building Code Act, when required.
   3. Approve minor on-site revisions due to construction difficulties

Chief Building Official

The Role of the Chief Building Official is to coordinate and oversee the enforcement of the Building Code Act, Building Code, and the Town Building By-law by establishing operation policies for the enforcement of the Act.

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
• Residential decks not attached to a building or adjacent to a building entrance, that are less than 10m2 (or 108 sq.ft.) in area
• Residential 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 mounted solar collectors
• Solar collectors mounted on a building, with a surface area less than 5 m²

• 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.

• Effective January 1, 2022, a Zoning Certificate is required before you apply for a building permit.

  Zoning Certificate Process

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. Refer to the Applicable Law Checklist.

Conservation Authority

• 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:
  • Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
  • Grey Sauble Conservation Authority

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.

• 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

It is 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

Canada Greener Homes Grant provides funds for home evaluations and retrofits, to a total of $5,600. Homeowners are eligible for up to $600 total for the cost of pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations and for up to $5,000 total for the implementation of eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows doors, and air sealing. It is important that you read all eligibility criteria and grant requirements to be sure that you will qualify for reimbursement at the end of the process.

Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Program provides help for income-qualified homes to rebates for energy-efficient upgrades such as:

• Air Sealing
• Furnace
• Home assistance
• Home energy audit
• Increasing attic insulation
• Windows and doors
• Water heater
• Smart thermostat

Ontario Renovates Program includes funding for urgent repairs, renovations, and accessibility modifications for low to moderate-income homeowners. Funding of up to $15,000 per unit is available. Accessibility modifications are particularly beneficial for seniors to allow them to 'age in place' and persons with disabilities who require unit modifications.

Save on Energy's Energy Affordability Program provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them lower their monthly electricity costs and increase their home comfort.

All applications for building permits, demolition permits, plumbing permits, certified models, shop drawings, sign permits, and pool enclosure permits must be submitted using the Public Portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Submit

1. You must register prior to using the Public Portal
2. Follow the steps when completing your application.
3. Credit card payment will be required to pay your fees

Review

1. When your application is successfully submitted through the Public Portal, Staff will complete a pre-screen of your application to review for completeness and compliance with the Building Code and Applicable Law. A status update will be sent via email within mandated timelines. 
2. You may also view the status under "My Items" on the Public Portal
3. Application review comments are provided during the review to identify any outstanding requirements and to summarize permit fees.
4. Resubmit revised plans and documents for further review (until approval).
5. Permit issued when review is complete and all fees are paid.

Approval

1. You will receive an email notification when your plans review is completed.
2. When the permit is issued, login to download the approved plans and documents.
3. Applicants are responsible for printing the permit card, permit placard, and one (1) set of approved plans for use on site.

Learn more about our Public Portal help page and frequently asked questions

Mandatory inspections are listed on your permit title page issued with your reviewed permit drawings and documentation.  When conducting the mandatory inspections, the Building Inspector must be able to see the work under inspection. Any building elements covered before the related mandatory inspection has been made must be uncovered for inspection and passed before the completion of the project.

2 Business Day Notice Requirement:

• The Chief Building Official requires a minimum of two business days' notice to perform a required building inspection as mandated by the Ontario Building Code.
• The timeframe from which notice is given begins on the following business day that an inspection notice is received and does not include, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays and/or days the Building Services’ office is closed.

The following information shall be provided when requesting an inspection:

• The building permit number
• Project site location such as lot number or address
• Type of inspection
• The date of the inspection(s)
• Desired timeframe (morning or afternoon)
• Names and telephone numbers of the builder and site superintendent

Options to schedule an inspection:

1. As a registered user, you can schedule an inspection(s) through the Public Portal
2. Email your request to inspections@collingwood.ca

The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace in order to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Act establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards, and it provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily.

Please ensure a safe site is maintained in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act for our Building Inspectors at all times.

1. Building Inspectors shall refuse inspection services to any unsafe site. 
2. Projects which are refused inspection service(s) due to unsafe site conditions may be automatically charged a re-inspection fee. Note that construction shall not proceed until authorized by the required inspection.

Where an Inspector determines that work for the stage of construction that has been requested to be inspected is not substantially complete, is not ready for an inspection or where previous infractions have not been corrected, a minimum fee of $117.73 shall be payable prior to any further inspections related to that stage of construction being scheduled.

Construction noise is regulated under Town By-law No. 2018-032.

Homeowner construction equipment noise is permitted:

Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Holidays 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Contractor construction equipment noise is permitted:

Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays and Holidays are prohibited.

Construction equipment noise from "site alteration" activities on "active development" sites permitted:

Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays are prohibited.

Building permits are necessary to ensure zoning requirements (contained in municipal by-laws), and building safety standards (contained in the Ontario Building Code) are satisfied in order to maintain or improve the health, fire and structural standards for the general safety of the public. The Ontario Building Code is a provincial regulation administered by the Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Under the Building Code Act, local governments are given authority for the enforcement of the Ontario Building Code within their jurisdiction.

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for:

1. The construction of any structure exceeding an area of 10 m² (108 ft²)
2. New construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, demolitions, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit.
3. Listed below are some typical projects and whether or not they require a permit
4. Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning permits (HVAC), and/or plumbing permits may also be required as a separate permit but are usually reviewed as part of the overall building permit.

It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain a building permit. The approved drawings should be kept on the building site and be readily accessible at all times.

It is unlawful to commence construction without a building permit!

If the work does not comply with the Ontario Building Code requirements, costly repairs may be required to gain compliance and legal action may be initiated by Building Services to gain compliance.

Failure to obtain a Building Permit prior to commencing construction may place both the property owner and the contractor in contravention of the Building Code Act, which means both parties are breaking the law.

1. Once discovered, you will still need to apply for a permit, and your building permit fees may be doubled in accordance with the Building By-Law.
2. It may be necessary to uncover components of your project so that these items can be inspected (e.g. remove drywall so that insulation and framing can be inspected etc.). You may need to hire an engineer (at your expense) to review the completed work.
3. You may be required to pay for any costs incurred by the Town that is associated with the unapproved construction, including investigation and enforcement.
4. The Building Code Act also provides the following penalties:

• 36(3) Penalties. A person who is convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000 for a first offence and to a fine of not more than $100,000 for a subsequent offence.”
• “36(4) Corporations. If a corporation is convicted of an offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed upon the corporation is $500,000 for a first offence and $1,500,000 for a subsequent offence and not as provided in subsection (3).”
• “3(6) Continuing Offence. Every person who fails to comply with an order made by a Chief Building Official under subsection 14(1) or clause 15.9(6)(a) or 15.10.3.(8)(a) is guilty of an offence and on conviction, in addition to the penalties mentioned in  subsections (3) and (4), is liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 per day for every day the offence continues and after the time given for complying with the order has expired.”

Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse.  There are legal implications for you and your contractor if construction is started without a permit!

Designer requirements are prescribed by the Ontario Building Code. In most cases a qualified designer is required, however, a homeowner may do the drawings for a house or ancillary building that serves the house.

If you feel that your project is too complicated to handle yourself, we recommend that you retain the services of a qualified designer to prepare your drawings and specifications.

Some elements or structures may need to be designed by an Architect or Professional Engineer.

All work indicated on your drawings must conform to the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable law.

Submit your permit application using the Public Portal. 

It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure required approvals from other agencies (where applicable) prior to the issuance of a building permit. Staff will advise the applicant of the required approvals from other government agencies upon permit application during the pre-screen process.

The time required for processing a building permit application is between 10 to 30 business days depending on its class & size determination as follows:

• 10 business days* - Single Residential Dwelling.
• 15 business days* - Part 9 Buildings, Multi Family Residential, Commercial & Industrial less than 600 m2 & not over 3 storeys.
• 20 business days* - Part 3 Buildings, Residential, Commercial & Industrial over 600 m2 & more than 3 storeys.
• 30 business days* - Post Disaster Buildings.

*The above timelines are for applications that are deemed complete.  A complete application is one that meets zoning requirements, applicable law & the submitted drawings provide all the required information.

Yes, you must post your building permit for the duration of construction, in a visible location on-site for the public and Town staff to be able to view.

If you suspect that construction is proceeding without a building permit and you wish to take further action, please contact Building Services. Your information remains confidential.

Report Construction Without A Permit

Schedule A

Classes of Permits and Fees

Table 1: Service Index Fees by Major Occupancy

Schedule A

Classes of Permits and Fees

Table 2: Fees for Miscellaneous Permit Types

Schedule A

Classes of Permits and Fees

Table 3: Administration Fees in Addition to Permit Fees