| Building Department Code of Conduct |
| View our Code of Conduct. |
| What Is A Building Permit? |
| A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a project. It means that the Township of Southgate has approved plans for any new structure, renovation, or addition. Approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations. |
| What Projects Need A Building Permit? |
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The Building Code Act requires a building permit for the construction of any structure, which results in a building area of over 10 m² (107 ft²) including additions, alterations, and renovations, and includes plumbing not located in a structure and other designated structures. The above is not applicable to a garden shed 15 m² (161 ft²)or smaller. The following is a partial list of typical projects requiring a building permit:
| - Decks 24 in+ above grade or attached to a structure |
- Dormers or finishing of attic spaces |
| - Interior structural alterations |
- Carports |
| - New fireplaces or woodstoves |
- Finishing basements |
| - Retaining walls > 1m |
- Plumbing and/or drains |
| - Excavate basements or construct foundations |
- Sunrooms |
| - New or alterations (increasing opening size) to windows or doors |
- Porches/balconies |
| - Repair existing or installing new septic systems, tanks and/or beds |
- Adding or removing walls |
| - Attached or detached garages or sheds |
- Change of a building |
| - Demolition of all or a portion of a building |
- Conversion from septic to sewer |
| - Installation or repair of storm, sanitary or water service |
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| Who Is Responsible? |
| Often the contractor will, as part of their contract, apply and obtain a building permit. Ultimately the property owner is responsible for works commenced/completed on the property. Any person found constructing or demolishing a building or causing the construction or demolition without a permit could be fined. |
| How Do I Apply For A Building Permit? |
| For the steps required to apply for a permit, please go visit the Building Application and Forms Page. |
| What Projects Do Not Require A Building Permit? |
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A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure that measures 10m² (107ft²) in area or less, or a garden shed 15 m² (161 ft²) or smaller. Although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law and Building Code requirements.
The following is a partial list of typical projects not requiring a building permit:
| - Fences other than for swimming pools |
- Replace existing forced air furnaces |
| - Decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a building and less than 24in above grade and free standing |
- Replace siding or windows subject to property use |
| - Air-conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air system |
- Painting and decorating |
| - Eaves troughs provided drainage is contained on a property |
- Roof shingles - provided no structural repairs |
| - Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without changes to plumbing |
- Landscaping – with proper grading |
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Where Can I Find Information About the Building Process?
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| Building Information and Documents |
| Here are some additional resources when building:
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| Septic System Resources |
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The Province provides homeowners and tenants with useful information regarding the usage and maintenance of an on-site sewage system:
To learn more, please visit the following link, here.
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Land-use Planning Information (Zoning and Official Plan)
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For information relating to land-use planning, including parcel zoning, please visit our Planning Department.
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Conservation Authorities
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The Township is located within the boundaries of two Conservation Authorities, each having jurisdiction over different parts of the Township. Please visit the following links to learn more about our Conservation Authorities:
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