Building and Construction

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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. 

• 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.)