When is a building permit required? |
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 |
Why do I need a building permit? |
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. |
What happens if I DO NOT get a building permit? |
Constructing or altering a structure without a permit can result in numerous problems including:
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What type of information is required to apply for a building permit? |
General permit requirements can be reviewed that will pertain to most permit applications. |
How do I pay for my building permit? |
Payments can be made by e-transfer, online/telephone banking, cheque, debit or cash. |
What inspections are required for my building permit? |
A list of required inspections can be found on the bottom of your permit card. |
How do I book a required inspection? |
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? |
Zoning information can be obtained from Elgin Mapping and/or our Zoning By-law. |
Do I need a permit for building a deck? |
You need a permit for decks that are:
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Do I need a permit for a pool? |
Yes. Both above and below ground pools require a permit. Every swimming pool shall be enclosed by a fence of at least 1.2m (4’-0”) in height and equipped with a gate capable of being locked. See Zoning Bylaw section 4.36 – Swimming Pools and Tennis Courts for additional requirements |
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.)
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What are some common projects that do not require a permit? |
(NOTE: This is a general list and is not intended to represent the complete list of possible projects.)
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What size of detached accessory building can I build? |
The zoning of your property determines the regulations of an accessory building. Once your zoning is determined you can verify the details of your accessory building plans. |
Do I need a demolition permit? |
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? |
No. A permit is not required boundary/privacy fence unless it is enclosing a pool. |
How tall can a privacy fence be? |
The maximum height is 2.4m (7'-10"). |
Do I need a permit for a special occasion tent? |
Yes. The Ontario Building Code requires a permit when any tent or group of tents is over 60m2 in aggregate area, any size tent is attached to a building or any size tent is constructed closer than 3m from other structures. |
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