Building and Renovating

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install or change the use of a building. The following is a list of typical projects or situations that require the issuance of a building permit prior to construction:

• New buildings or structures greater than 10 square metres (108 ft²) in area, measured by the outside dimensions. This includes sheds, sleeping cabins or other accessory buildings or structures, including sheds and shed packages purchased from a store.
• Sleeping cabins of any size, including those 10 square metres (108 ft²) or less in area. 
• Additions to existing buildings or structures.
• Renovations that involve structural framing.
• New or replacement decks or stairs.
• Wood burning appliances, including new or replacement of existing components.
• Replacement of windows or doors if the rough opening size is enlarged.
• Relocation or addition of plumbing fixtures.
• Replacement of interior water supply or drain pipes.
• Crib docks.  If the crib area is 15 square metres (161 ft²) or more, approval is also required from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
• Installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on buildings.  Note:  an electrical permit may also be required – check with an electrician or the Electrical Safety Authority.
• Wind turbines that generate more than 3 kW of electricity. 
• Greenhouses, if it is to be a permanent structure.
• Quonset huts and pre-engineered metal buildings.
• Replacement of piers under buildings.
• Construction of a temporary enclosed tent to be used for human occupancy.

It isn’t necessary to obtain building permits to perform the following work.  However, you must still comply with the requirements of the Township of Algonquin Highlands Zoning By-law and, if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.

• Accessory buildings with a total floor area of 10 square metres (108 ft²) or less.  Note: Zoning By-law requirements must be followed.  Sleeping cabins of any size, including those 10 square metres (108 ft²) or less in area, ALWAYS require a building permit.
• Fences
• Swimming pools and hot tubs, unless the hot tub is being placed on a deck.
• Replacement of plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, bathtub, shower, hot water tank) in their original locations.
• Replacement of windows or doors provided the rough opening size does not change.
• Replacement of shingles or other roofing material.  However, if you're replacing or adding new roof trusses or rafters, a building permit is required.
• Installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on a pole.  However, an electrical permit may be required – check with an electrician or the Electrical Safety Authority.
• Floating or pole docks.
• Wind turbines that generate 3 kW or less of electricity.
• Temporary portable shelters, constructed of metal tubing and fabric, used for the storage of vehicles, boats, etc.

If the above lists do not include specifics related to your project, or if you're not sure whether a permit will be required, please contact the Building Department.

Submit a completed building permit application form, along with the appropriate fees plus the building plans and all other required information.  Note: Information that you type on this form cannot be saved, so it is important to PRINT the form once you have entered all the information. The form can then be submitted, along with all other required information, by mail or in person.

As a property owner it's your responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained, even if you're hiring a builder or contractor.  If you're unsure whether you need a permit, contact the Building Department to find out.  The Building By-law and the Ontario Building Code Act have penalties of up to $50,000 upon conviction for illegal construction.  If construction is started without a permit building permit fees are doubled.

A demolition permit is required to demolish any building that is larger than 10 square metres (108 sq. ft.) or any part of a building that is attached to an existing structure.  In addition to an application and the permit fee, the Building Department requires the following:

• A site plan showing the location and setbacks of the building being demolished in relation to the lot lines and other buildings and structures on the lot; and
• Information on where and how the demolition material will be disposed.

A permit is not required for the demolition of a farm building provided it is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming and does not contain a residential occupancy.

If you have an open building permit, you are required by law* to notify the Building Department for an inspection.  It is also in your best interest to do so, as having an open building permit may affect the following:

• Future real estate transactions
• Mortgage financing.

Please contact the Algonquin Highlands Building Department to arrange an inspection of your property.

*Ontario Building Code Division "C" section 1.3.5.1.(2)

A demolition permit is required to demolish any building that is larger than 10 square metres (108 sq. ft.) or any part of a building that is attached to an existing structure.  In addition to an application and the permit fee, the Building Department requires the following:

• A site plan showing the location and setbacks of the building being demolished in relation to the lot lines and other buildings and structures on the lot; and
• Information on where and how the demolition material will be disposed.

A permit is not required for the demolition of a farm building provided it is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming and does not contain a residential occupancy.