Guide to Building

"Why bother with a building permit? It's an extra expense and hassle. I can do the job fine myself - or - my contractor knows what he's doing. My neighbour got away without a permit..."

Think again ... The building permit, the inspection process, the final inspection "pass" and the occupancy certificate are all part of Ontario's Building Code, developed by our democratic system to protect the safety of citizens both individually and generally:

• Public Health - All of Tay Valley's water and sewage disposal is privately owned. But if your system is undersized or overworked, it is a hazard to you and your neighbours - to the water we drink and the lakes and rivers we use for recreation.
• Land Use Zoning - The municipal planner checks the zoning requirements for your property - to prevent over-building and make sure your project is set back enough from property lines - for example, an illegal garage that's too close to the cottage road could block access for emergency vehicles.
• Local Business - Builders and subcontractors who do not obtain building permits undercut legitimate builders who are part of the local construction industry, a significant employer.

• (a)  A detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse, or row house where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit.
• (b) A detached structure that serves a building described in Clause (a) and does not exceed 55 m2 in building area.

With a COMPLETE application for (c), the Chief Building Official (CBO) must issue or refuse a permit within fifteen (15) business days: 

• (c) Div C, 1.3.1.3. For farm buildings under 600m2 or "part 9" buildings 

With a COMPLETE application for other types of construction, additional time is required for  as noted in Ontario Building Code.

Permit fees are calculated based on size and type of construction. The Chief Building Official will advise you of the fees after review of your complete application. There is an additional deposit with each permit that is refundable after the final successful inspection - it varies from $250 to $1,500 depending on the type of project and location. All fees are payable when the building permit is issued. Refer to By-Law 2024-055 for a schedule of Building Permit Fees for 2025.  

Obtain a valid Township Building Permit BEFORE starting any construction or demolition.

Permits issued after a project starts are subject to a 100% surcharge (minimum $500).