Common Projects

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must have an approved building permit for the construction of a new building or addition, change of use, or if you are altering any building or structure with a building area of over 10m2.

The Ontario Building Code Act requires a building permit when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished. A building is defined as:

(a) a structure occupying an area greater than 10 m2 (107.6 ft2 ) consisting of a wall, roof, and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures, and service systems appurtenant thereto,

(b) a structure occupying an area of 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto,

(c) plumbing not located in a structure

(d) a sewage system; or

(e) structures designated in the building code

A building permit provides the means to review the project designs, to inspect the actual construction and to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the building are maintained. By reviewing and approving plans before any work is done ensures that construction within the Township of Malahide complies with the Ontario Building Code (which sets minimum standards for design and materials), the Township Zoning By-law (which controls building location, height, parking, etc. and uses that are suitable to the area) and other applicable laws. 

A building permit is a formal approval to construct, add to, or renovate a building on your property. Building permits allow the township to protect the interests of both individuals and the community as a whole.

Constructing or altering a structure without a permit can result in numerous problems including:

• not conforming with the Ontario Building Code
• putting yourself and your family at potential risk
• putting yourself at liability should an injury occur to someone while visiting your property as a result of a structure not conforming to the Ontario Building Code
• extra cost in having to reconstruct, replace, or remove the structure according to the Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code
• increased permit fees and possible fines
• insurance protection nullification
• difficulty selling the property
• complaints from neighbours

Inspections can be booked using the Cloudpermit software (see “How to request an inspection”) , by emailing ssutherland@malahide.ca or by calling the Building Department at 519-773-5344 ext. 233. Please give a minimum of 24 hours notice to book an inspection.

How do I find out the zoning of my property?

You need a permit for decks that are:

• Adjacent to or attached to the house, and its walking surface is more than 600 millimetres (24 inches) above the adjacent grade;
• Elevated and providing principal access to a building;
• Independent from the house and has a walking surface greater than 10 m2 (108 square feet) in area and its walking surface is more than 600 millimetres (24 inches) above the adjacent grade.

What are some common projects that need a permit include?

(NOTE: This is a general list and is not intended to represent the complete list of possible projects.)

• Any structure over 10 m2 (107.6 ft2)
• Any addition to an existing structure, regardless of the size of the addition
• Demolition or removal of all or a portion of a building
• Interior alterations for residential units including, but not limited to, finishing a basement, creation of bedroom(s), converting a garage to living space, converting a seasonal room to year round use, or creating a new dwelling unit
• Interior or exterior alterations/renovations including, but not limited to, finishing a basement, replacement of insulation, removing interior walls, creation of bedroom(s), converting a garage to living space, creating a new dwelling unit, any structural changes or repairs
• Any installation or alteration of a plumbing, heating or ventilation system
• Installation of solid fuel appliances (i.e. woodstoves and fireplaces)
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Any change of use (i.e. office use to retail use)
• Signs installed on an exterior building face or roof
• Free standing signs
• Installing solar panels onto a building

• Adding a new, private on-site sewage system, including grey water systems and holding tanks
• Repairing or replacing a sewage system or leaching bed

• Livestock and equipment storage buildings
• Silos and grain bins
• Manure storage structures (excluding earthen structures)
• Fabric-type structures

(NOTE: This is a general list and is not intended to represent the complete list of possible projects.)

• A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure such as a gazebo or tool shed that measures an area of 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) or less. However, the location and height of all new structures must comply with The Township of Malahide Zoning By-law
• Installing replacement asphalt shingles on a roof
• Minor roof sheathing repairs
• Repointing of brick veneer
• Replacing siding or eavestrough
• Replacing doors or windows (provided they are in the same size or smaller opening)
• Kitchen or bathroom cabinets (not including plumbing)
• New flooring
• Installation of air conditioning units or heat pumps
• Boundary/Privacy Fences
• Pool heaters
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping
• Installing a free-standing solar panel

What size of detached accessory building can I build?

A demolition permit is required for all buildings that would normally require a building permit. The Ontario Building Code exempts farm buildings located on agriculture property.

Do I need a permit for a boundary/privacy fence?