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.
When am I Required to Obtain a Building Permit?
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 |
When Do I Not Need a Building Permit?
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 |
Who is Responsible for Obtaining a Building Permit?
While oftentimes, the contractor will, as part of their contract, apply and obtain a building permit, it is ultimately the property owner's responsibility to ensure the proper permits are obtained 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.
