Building Permits

The Ontario Building Code Act requires that, as a property owner, you obtain a building permit prior to commencing construction. It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you get a permit from the municipality.

Building permits facilitate the protection of property owners, contractors and individual members of the community.

By reviewing and approving plans before any work is done, the municipality can ensure that buildings comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws and other applicable health and safety regulations.

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction or installation of a new structure, or for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of over 15m2.

Beside the Building Code, your project or proposed construction must always meet Building Compliance with other applicable law as defined in the Ontario Building Code.  The following is a list of common Applicable Laws: (other approvals may be required).  For more information, please refer to the Ontario Building Code 1.1.3.3 Applicable Law (as amended).

• A building permit is required for the construction or installation of a new structure, or for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of over 10m² (108sqft).  Note that the Building Code Act provides that storage sheds under 15m² (161sqft) do not require a building permit provided they are: detached; no more than one storey in height ; not connected to plumbing; and used for storage purposes only (no human habitation)
• Any addition to a structure, regardless of the size of the addition
• Interior alterations for non-residential units
• Interior alterations for residential units if; a bedroom is created, a garage is converted to living space, a seasonal room is converted to a year round use, a new dwelling unit is being created
• Building a new fireplace or installing a wood stove
• Any structural changes or repairs
• A new entrance or a new window opening
• A deck
• Adding new dormers
• Enclosing a porch
• Any change of use to one of greater hazard (reference table 2.4.1.A of the O.B.C)
• Signs installed on an exterior building face or roof
• Free standing signs (A-frame signs please contact By-law Department)
• Any installation or alteration of a plumbing system (water supply, drain, waste or vent). Including an irrigation system
• Converting from a septic system to Town sewer or water
• Pools/Hot tub/Spas

• Completed – Permit Application Form  

• Plans, drawings and specifications

• Fees and Charges

Application Form

Building Permit applications must be submitted on the new provincial Application Form.  Applications Forms are also available at the Building Department.

30 Lewis Street
Second Floor
Wasaga Beach, ON
L9Z 1A1

We recommend that you take the time required to read and carefully completed – Permit Application and schedules. 

It is important that you ensure that your applications are complete, accurate and signed.  You may have someone complete an application on your behalf (i.e. contractor, family member) however it must be accompanied by a letter of authorization from you the owner, to have this person act on your behalf.

Plans, Drawings and Specifications

Your application form must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Two sets of building plans (floor plans, elevations and cross-sections and details)

• Two copies of your property survey or site plan
  
  

Note:  One set of the drawings MUST have an original signature of the designer, architect, engineer, etc.

• Zoning Plan Examination:  staff will check for compliance with the regulations and provisions of the Zoning By-law such as proposed use, minimum setback requirements, lot coverage, building height, etc.
• Building Code Examination: staff will review the proposed construction for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, and applicable laws.

• Grading Approval:  staff from the Public Works Department will review the grading plan for compliance with town specifications and good engineering practice.

If during the review, additional clarification is required or deficiencies are identified, you or your agent will be notified.

It is very advantageous to ensure the necessary information is submitted promptly.  Depending on the type of information missing or incorrect, the issuance of the permit will be delayed until all the requested/required information is received and found to be in compliance. 

The Plans Examiner reviews numerous other applications at the same time your application is in the queue.  This may cause a delay between the time you re-submit the information and the first opportunity the Plans Examiner has to re-open your file.

Processing times vary depending on available resources, volume of applications and the completeness of your application.  Staff at the counter will advise you of the projected time for providing you with a first response to your application.

When the review of your application is complete and all requirements have been met, you or your agent will be notified that the permit is ready for pick-up.

Permit Issuance

The permit is issued upon the payment of all outstanding fees and charges.

Only upon the issuance of the permit, are you legally entitled to commence construction, including any demolition.

You must ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site and the approved drawings are made available at the construction site for the Building Inspector to undertake the necessary inspections.

In addition to a building permit, your project may also require additional approvals to substantiate compliance with other requirements. 

Please contact the Building Department to advise if the following approvals are necessary for your specific area and project:  Septic System, Committee of Adjustment, Demolition Control, Conservation Authority, Lot Drainage and Grading.  These are the most common of the additional approvals:

Lot Grading Approval

A Grading Plan identifies the slope of the land with respect to the proposed building.  Depending upon the particulars of your proposed project, a grading plan may be required.  When required, three copies of the proposed grading plan must be submitted along with your Building Permit application submission documents. 

The Grading Plan must illustrate both the existing drainage pattern and the proposed drainage pattern.  For additions and accessory structures you may have to stake out project in order to determine if lot grading plan is required.

A Grading Plan is required for new home construction on all infill lots.  Additions and Accessory structures may require a grading plan as well.  Please refer to the Town of Wasaga Beach
Lot Grading and Drainage Policy