| Building Department Code of Conduct |
| View our Code of Conduct. |
| What Is A Building Permit? |
| A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a project. It means that the Township of Southgate has approved plans for any new structure, renovation, or addition. Approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations. |
| What Projects Need A Building Permit? |
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The Building Code Act requires a building permit for the construction of any structure, which results in a building area of over 10 m² (107 ft²) including additions, alterations, and renovations, and includes plumbing not located in a structure and other designated structures. The following is a partial list of typical projects requiring a building permit:
| - Decks 24 in+ above grade |
- Dormers or finishing of attic spaces |
| - Interior structural alterations |
- Carports |
| - New fireplaces or woodstoves |
- Finishing basements |
| - Retaining walls > 1m |
- Plumbing and/or drains |
| - Excavate basements or construct foundations |
- Sunrooms |
| - New or alterations (increasing opening size) to windows or doors |
- Porches/balconies |
| - Repair existing or installing new septic systems, tanks and/or beds |
- Adding or removing walls |
| - Attached or detached garages or sheds |
- Change of a building |
| - Demolition of all or a portion of a building |
- Conversion from septic to sewer |
| - Installation or repair of storm, sanitary or water service |
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| Who Is Responsible? |
| Often the contractor will, as part of their contract, apply and obtain a building permit. Ultimately the property owner is responsible for works commenced/completed on the property. Any person found constructing or demolishing a building or causing the construction or demolition without a permit could be fined. |
| How Do I Apply For A Building Permit? |
| For the steps required to apply for a permit, please go to our Building Permit Application form. |
| What Projects Do Not Require A Building Permit? |
A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure that measures 10m² (107ft²) in area or less. Although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law and Building Code requirements. The following is a partial list of typical projects not requiring a building permit:
| - Fences other than for swimming pools |
- Replace existing forced air furnaces |
| - Decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a building and less than 24in above grade |
- Replace siding or windows subject to property use |
| - Air-conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air system |
- Painting and decorating |
| - Eaves troughs provided drainage is contained on a property |
- Roof shingles - provided no structural repairs |
| - Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without changes to plumbing |
- Landscaping – with proper grading |
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