The Building Department provides formal permission for construction, alteration or demolition, ensuring that minimum building standards established by the Ontario Building Code and Municipal By-laws are followed. This process protects the interests of the property and building owners and helps to make sure that construction is safe, legal and sound.

The municipal Building By-law incorporates additional rules and regulations. The Township’s Fees and Charges By-law establishes the fees that are associated with the department.

Under the direction of the Chief Building Official, the Building Department authorizes the issuance of Building Permits in compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

The Building Department’s Code of Conduct for the Chief Building Official and Inspectors has been established by Council pursuant to section 7.1 of the Building Code Act.  The Code of Conduct promotes appropriate standards of behaviour, prevents practices which may constitute an abuse of power, promotes appropriate standards of honesty and integrity in exercising the powers and duties of the Chief Building Official and Inspectors, amongst several other purposes.

Under a recent amendment to the Building Code, Council has been given the opportunity to establish its own Inspector Internship Program within the Township.  By establishing its own program, Council is permitted to retain and appoint one or more Intern Inspectors, who exercise the same powers and perform the same duties as an Inspector, but who are mentored and more closely supervised by the Chief Building Official and/or Deputy Chief Building Official.  For further information, please consult the Township’s Inspector Internship Program Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to obtain a building permit?

Building permits are typically required for, but not limited to, the following projects:

  • New buildings over 10m² (107 ft²), except for (effective April 29, 2022) accessory buildings 15m2 (161ft2) or less
  • New buildings 10m2 (107ft2) or less that contain plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto
  • Additions
  • Renovations (including finishing a basement)
  • Demolitions
  • Installation of prefabricated structures
  • Installation of mobile homes and park model trailers
  • Plumbing systems
  • HVAC systems (heating, ventilation air conditioning)
  • Structures designated under Sentence 1.3.1.1.(1) of Division A of the Building Code:
    • retaining walls in specific circumstances;
    • pedestrian bridges;
    • a crane runway;
    • solar collectors larger than 5m²;
    • signs;
    • exterior storage tanks;
    • mounted dish antenna with output greater than 3kW;
    • an outdoor pool;
    • wind turbine generators;
    • outdoor public spa;
    • permanent nutrient storage facility
    • miscellaneous residential structures (i.e. fireplaces, chimneys, hot tubs, pools including inflatable pools, decks, carports, etc.)
  • Temporary buildings including tents over 60m² (645.6ft²)

It is illegal to start work without a permit. Anyone who starts work without a building permit is in contravention of the Building By-law and the Building Code Act and is therefore subject to financial and legal consequences.

What could happen if I don't obtain a building permit?

Failure to obtain a Building Permit prior to commencing construction may place both the homeowner 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.  A fee will apply for commencing work without a permit and will be charged once the permit is issued.
  2. It is the owner or contractor’s responsibility to notify the Chief Building Inspector (CBO) that the construction is ready to be inspected.  It is an offence if the CBO has not been notified of the readiness for required inspections.
  3. It may be necessary to uncover components of the building 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 own expense, to review the completed work that has not had the required inspections.
  4. The Building Code Act also provides the following penalties:
    1. “36. (3) Penalties. A person who is convicted of an offence is liable to fine of not more than $50, 000 for a first office and to a fine of not more than $100, 000 for a subsequent offence.”
    2. “36.-(4) Corporations. Is a corporation is convicted of an offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed upon the corporation is $100,000 for a first offence and $200, 000 for a subsequent offence and not as provided is subsection (3).”
    3. “36.-(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) 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 order has expired.”
How do I apply for a Building Permit?

The Township now uses the online building permit software, Cloudpermit, to allow residents to easily apply for and track building permits. 

The Cloudpermit building permit system allows you to apply for and to see the status of your application anywhere, at any time. You can start an application and finish it later, and receive email updates on the status of your permit application. You can even request building inspections!

To get started, click the button below.

Apply for a Building Permit 

You can also pick up a building permit application at Town Hall (2 Milles Roches Road, Long Sault) or download a Building Permit Application. It is a good idea to review your proposed construction with staff from Building and Development before you apply. They can tell you what information, drawings and plans are needed to be submitted with your application.

What do I need to apply for a Building Permit?

When applying for a building permit you will need to provide forms and supporting documents to complete your application.

The building permit application form is the standard form that is issued throughout Ontario. This form can be completed by the owner or contractor.

Drawings Required With A Building Permit Application

Please provide 2 sets of plans drawn to scale with the following information: 

Residential/Commercial /Industrial/Institutional

  • Copy of land title (deed)
  • Site plan showing all setbacks, septic and well location (if applicable)
  • Foundation plan
  • All elevations
  • Floor plan
  • Cross sections(s)
  • HRV design
  • Required building details

Additions/Renovations

  • Site plan showing all setbacks, septic and well location (if applicable)
  • Foundation plan
  • All elevations
  • Floor plan
  • Cross sections(s)
  • HRV design
  • Required building details

Accessory Buildings (Over 15m² (161ft²)) i.e. detached garages, sheds, etc.

  • Site plan showing all setbacks, septic and well location (if applicable)
  • Foundation plan
  • All elevations
  • Floor plan showing all doors and windows
  • Cross section(s)
  • Required building details

Decks

  • Site plan showing all setbacks, septic and well location (if applicable)
  • Floor plan including dimensions and material to be used
  • All elevations
  • Required building details

Barns

  • All setbacks, buildings and nearest neighbours residence(s)
  • Foundation plan
  • Cross section(s)
  • All elevations
  • Required building details

Notes:

  • If pre-engineered roof and/or floor system(s) are proposed, their preliminary design documents must be provided at time of permit application and their final design documents provided prior to requesting an inspection of the system(s).
  • If a floating concrete slab greater than 55m² (592ft²) is proposed, its design must be sealed by an Ontario Professional Engineer.
  • A soils test may also be required if it is deemed necessary.
When should I apply for my Building Permit?

It is recommended to apply for your building permit 6 to 8 weeks before your anticipated start date. Although it does not take that long for the Building Department to process your application, it does allow for the unexpected. 

What is a building permit plot plan? 
A building permit plot plan is a detailed drawing of your property showing the location and dimensions of all existing and/or proposed structures (e.g. new house, pool, shed etc.). The site plan must include but is not limited to:
  • Location of all existing and proposed structures
  • Dimensions of all existing and proposed structures
  • Separation distances between structures, septic and well
  • Proposed/existing location of septic and well (if applicable)
  • North arrow and street name
  • All water courses, ditches, municipal drains (if applicable)
  • Location of non-municipal services (hydro wires, gas lines, etc.)

Work Order Requests

Work Order Requests can be made online. Please complete the form below.

Work Order Requests

Useful Contacts

Ontario One Call - Call before you dig (Includes Bell Canada, Enbridgr, Hydro) - 800-400-2255
Electrical Safety Authority - 877-372-7233
Enbridge - 877-420-8800
Land Registry Office - 613-932-422
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) - 613-933-7249
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) - 800-667-1940
Ministry of Transportation (MTO) - 888-362-1770
South Nation Conservation Authority - 877-984-2948
Raisin Region Conservation Authority - 613-938-3611
TARION (Ontario New Home Warranty) - 877-982-7466
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) - 877-682-8772