Building Standards

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) 

If you live close to a stream, river, valley, or watercourse of any kind, a wetland or on the waterfront, you may need approval from the NVCA before proceeding with any work.  

If the proposed work is located within a regulated area, the owner must apply for a permit and obtain clearance from the NVCA prior to a permit being issued by the municipality.

It is strongly recommended that you discuss your project with the NVCA at 705.424.1479 to determine any restrictions or that may be applicable. 

Not sure if your lands are regulated? You can use the regulation area search tool to find your property.

Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

Under the authority of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, the Ministry of Transportation regulates the permit controlled area for buildings, structures, roads, entrances and the placement of signs.

Not sure if your lands are in the controlled area? You can use the controlled area search tool to determine if you are in the controlled area.

Designer

The Ontario Building Code requires that designers preparing plans are qualified and registered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. You can confirm your designer’s qualifications by accessing the QuARTS Public Search Registry.

The Ontario Building Code requires designers to provide information about their qualifications on the prescribed Schedule 1: Designer Information form as required under the Ontario Building Code Act. Additionally, their Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) shall be provided on all applicable documents submitted for a building permit.

Architect

Under the Ontario Building Code, a professional engineer is a person who holds a licence or a temporary licence under the Professional Engineers Act.

Engineer

Under the Ontario Building Code, an architect means the holder of a licence, a certificate of practice or a temporary licence under the Architects Act. 

By-law No. 2005-85

Ontario One Call helps homeowners, contractors, and anyone planning excavation work in Ontario to safely locate underground utilities before digging. For more information, please visit Ontario One Call or call 1.800.400.2255. 

If your project involves installing new electrical wiring or devices, or repairing or replacing old ones, ensure you follow the law and do it safely. For more information, please visit the Electrical Safety Authority.

The Town of Wasaga Beach requires that all new lots created by severance, infill lots, or lots in which a Building Permit application is made to construct a new dwelling, shall be accompanied by a Lot Grading and Drainage Plan. Where Building Permit applications propose to add to an existing dwelling, raise a dwelling, add an accessory building (i.e. detached garage), and/or replace a structure that had to be demolished due to fire, a Partial Lot Grading and Drainage Plan may be required. Please refer to our Infill and Lot Grading and Drainage Policy.

• Access the 2024 Building Code. 
• Explore the key changes in the 2024 Building Code here.

Prior to starting a demolition, renovation, and/ or construction project you will require a Road Occupation Permit. 

• Road Occupation Permit Application

• Interactive Zoning Map 
• Zoning By-law 
• Planning Department 
• The Committee of Adjustment
  • Your project may not comply with local zoning by-laws, but you have options. 
  • You can make adjustments to your plan to comply with the by-laws, or you can apply for relief from the zoning requirements from the Committee of Adjustment. This relief is known as a minor variance. 
  • The Committee of Adjustment is an administrative tribunal responsible for making decisions on minor variances from the Zoning Bylaw independent from Town Council. The Minor Variance process involves a public hearing. 
  • The process for applying for a minor variance and the meeting schedules can be found online.