New 2024 Ontario Building Code
Information to help you build or renovate your home, property or business.
The Municipal Offices
(courier shipments not mailing)
55 Ste. Marie St., Unit 301
Collingwood, Ontario
L9Y 0W6
Phone: 705-445-1030
Email: building@collingwood.ca
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:
You can contribute to the success of your project by understanding the various roles in the building permit process.
Every person who causes a building to be constructed or demolished must ensure that:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking to stay up-to-date with Ontario Building Code requirements, accessibility standards, and best practices in construction? buildABILITY offers high-quality, practical training programs for builders, renovators, designers, and construction professionals across Ontario.
Courses are available in topics such as:
• Ontario Building Code (including Part 9 and Part 3)
• Energy efficiency and Net Zero construction
• Accessibility and barrier-free design
• Building inspections and permit processes
• Code updates and compliance
Training is available online and in-person, with options for both new and experienced
professionals. For more information or to register, visit buildABILITY.
You can also check out resources available through The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA).
Before planning your project, find out what Zoning By-laws and other Applicable Laws apply to your project.
Please contact Building Services for your specific situation.
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.
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.
Effective January 1, 2022, a Zoning Certificate is required before you apply for a building permit.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
Your building permit application must include:
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.
Learn more about our Public Portal help page and frequently asked questions
Each stage of construction specified in the Ontario Building Code requires an inspection by Collingwood Building Services. Buildings must meet the minimum health and safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code, the Building Code Act, the Building By-law, and other applicable law as defined by the building code.
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.
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.
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 $170.00 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:
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.
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:
*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.