Building Services
The Building Department is responsible for ensuring that construction and renovation projects in the Township are safe and adhere to the zoning by-laws, the Ontario Building Code and any applicable health and safety regulations.
Ontario has released a new Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry, increase the safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to build housing.
The 2024 Building Code streamlines processes for the sector and increases harmonization with the National Construction Codes by eliminating at least 1,730 technical variations between the provincial and national requirements.
This latest edition of the Building Code was developed in consultation with our partners in the sector — including building officials, fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders and the construction industry — to ensure that Ontario’s buildings continue to be among the safest in North America.
Please take careful note of the following transition period dates:
Until December 31, 2024
- Permit applications must be submitted using the 2012 Building Code
January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025
- Permit applications may be submitted using the new 2024 Building Code
- Permit applications may be submitted using the 2012 Building Code if the applicant demonstrates that their working drawings were substantially complete by December 31, 2024
April 1, 2025
- Permit applications must be submitted using the 2024 Building Code
Get the 2024 Building Code Compendium
Please follow these two steps to get the PDF of the 2024 Building Code Compendium for non-commercial use:
- Request a digital copy by submitting a short questionnaire
- After submitting the questionnaire, the confirmation page will include an email link to send us a request
Once you’ve sent your email request, we will reply shortly with the PDF of the Building Code Compendium.
Building Permit Fees
To view the 2024 Building Permit Fees, please refer to By-law 2024-08, Fees and Charges – Building.
The Building Code Act requires a building permit for the construction and demolition of any structure, which results in a building area of over 10m^2 (107 ft^2) including additions, alterations, and renovations along with plumbing not located in a structure and other designated structures.
A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Building Code Act and is exempt from compliance with this Code, provided that the shed;
(a) is not more than 15 m2 in gross area,
(b) is not more than one storey in building height,
(c) is not attached to a building or any other structure,
(d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and
(e) does not have plumbing.
Apply for your Permit Online!
The Township is pleased to offer residents, builders, and the business community an online application system to apply for and track your building permits.
The online 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 start, click the following link: Apply for a Building Permit
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Guide to Cloudpermit – the Application process
A building permit is a formal written approval from the Township to construct, add on to, or renovate an existing building on your property. A septic permit is required to repair or install a septic system.
There are many instances that require an individual to obtain a building permit. It is necessary to apply for a building permit when you plan to:
- Construct a new building
- Renovate an existing building
- Construct or excavate a foundation
- Install or replace a septic system
- Demolish a building
- Build a deck
Once you have submitted a building permit application to the Township, it will be reviewed to determine compliance with the Building Code Act. Your application will also be reviewed to ensure that it complies with the Zoning By-Law and any other applicable requirements.
Once a permit has been issued, it is your responsibility to contact the Building Department to request the building inspections as noted on your permit. Failure to do so may result in additional fees and/or the need to uncover work already completed so that an inspection may be completed.
Additional Building Permit Forms & Information
Building Permit Fees
The following Building Permit Fees for the 2018 year were calculated in accordance with the Fees and Charges by-law. Building Services has delegated fees for building, demolishing, and renovating in residential, institutional, commercial, agricultural, and industrial settings.
Development Charges
Development Charges for the County of Grey can be found here. Please note, County Development Charges are collected by the Township at the time of issuing the building permit for new or redeveloped residential properties.
Sea Cans and Shipping Containers
We are noticing an increase in the use of sea cans or shipping containers being used for storage across the Township. When a shipping container is no longer used for its original purpose (i.e., shipping or storage of freight) and is permanently placed on private property for use as storage, it is then considered to be a building as defined in the Ontario Building Code Act. When a shipping container becomes a building and it occupies an area greater than 15 square meters, a Building Permit is required.
These containers are only permitted in specific zones and the number of units permitted on any one property is limited. Please contact the Clerk’s or Planning Department before placing a unit on your property.