Building Permits & Inspections

• Additional Residential Units
• Lot Grading Standard Practice
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 
• Citizens' Guide to Building Permits
• 2021 Updated Building Permit Submission Requirements 
• Application to Construct or Demolish 
• Do I need a deck Permit? 
• Occupancy Requirements 
• Property Information Report 
• Request for Access to Building Permit Records 
• Shipping Containers Fact Sheet 
• Site Alteration Fill Permit Application 

• Tarion
• County of Grey
• Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Ontario Building Ministry of Housing
• Grey Bruce Public Health
• Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
• Niagara Escarpment Commission
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
• Ministry of Transportation
• Adding a Second Unit in Your House
• Electrical Safety Authority

Compliance Letter Requests are available upon request through the Building Services Division. Information is generally requested by lawyers and real estate agents seeking to ensure that a property is in compliance with Town of The Blue Mountains By-laws. Information is available to any interested party.

Please note, the Town does not provide verbal zoning confirmation over the phone or in-person. Requests must be formally submitted using the Compliance Letter Request Form. Please return the completed form to the Zoning Coordinator.

Payment may be made by credit card by phone 519-599-3131 ext 239, or by Cheque payable to "The Town of The Blue Mountains".

Please allow a minimum of 5 business days to receive a written response via e-mail.

Building permits provide legal permission to construct, renovate, demolish or change the usage of a building.

The body responsible for enforcing Ontario’s Building Code in the Town issues permits for the construction, renovation, demolition, and changes to the usage of buildings. Building Code enforcement is generally carried out by municipal building departments.

As the building owner, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.

The following is a list of common projects that require a building permit. The list is not exhaustive. If you have any questions please contact the Town of the Blue Mountains Building Services Division.

1. Construct a new building
2. Construct an addition to an existing building, such as
   • first, second or third story additions
   • attached garages, carports
   • sunrooms, solariums
   • porches, decks
3. Make structural or material alterations, such as
   • adding or removing loadbearing walls
   • adding new windows or doors where there were none before
   • enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors
   • enclosing an existing deck, porch or patio of any size
4. Construct a shed with an area of 15 square meters (161 square feet) or more.
   • Note: Sheds under 15 square metres in area, do not need a building permit.  See “When is a Building Permit not required?” for exceptions to this rule
5. Construct an accessory structure larger than 10 square meters (107 square feet) in area, such as a
   • Detached Garage
   • Workshop
   • Carport
   • Pool house or cabana
     • *Note: If you are constructing an accessory structure and it is attached to an existing building and/or has plumbing, regardless of its size, a building permit is required.
6. Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following,
   • structural or material alterations (i.e. adding bedrooms, walls, washrooms)
   • installing or modifying heating and or plumbing systems
   • excavating and/or constructing foundations
   • basement underpinning
   • constructing a basement entrance
   • adding an additional residential unit
7. Energy and environmental building improvements, such as
   • rooftop storm water retention systems
   • green roofs
   • structures used in the support of a wind turbine generator with a rated output of more than 3kW
   • roof mounted solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems
8. Construct a deck more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground
9. Construct a retaining wall more than one metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height provided the retaining wall is on or adjacent to public property (including streets), building entrances, and on private property accessible to the public
10. Demolish or remove all, or a portion of a building
11. Install or reconstruct a chimney or fireplace
12. Install a wood burning stove or fireplace
13. Install or modify heating and or plumbing systems
14. Install a backwater valve
15. Install a backflow prevention device
16. Change a building’s use (i.e. from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required.

The following are examples of work that do not require a building permit and are not subject to the provisions of the building code. However, please note that this list is not exhaustive, and judgment should be used depending on the situation and circumstances associated with the project. We encourage you to contact the Town of the Blue Mountains Building Services Department if you are unsure if a building permit is required. Please note that even if a building permit is not required, compliance with the Zoning Bylaw is required.

1. An uncovered platform (e.g. deck) provided:
   • its finished deck level is not more than 60 cm (24 inches) above the adjacent finished grade; and/or
   • it does not form part of an exit required under the building code; and
   • complies with the Zoning Bylaw.
2. A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Building Code Act and is exempt from compliance with this Code, provided that the shed:
   • is not more than 15 m2 (161 sq ft) in gross area,
   • is not more than one storey in building height,
   • is not attached to a building or any other structure,
   • is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and
   • does not have plumbing.
3. Re-cladding of a house or small building
4. Adding or replacing insulation
5. Finishing a basement of a house, if:
   • the work does not include structural or material alterations (i.e. does not include adding bedrooms, walls, washrooms etc.)
   • no additional residential unit(s) is (are) created (i.e. a second unit); and
   • the work does not include the installation of new plumbing;
6. The replacement of windows or doors provided:
   • there is no change in the location or size of the window and/or door;
   • the structural support for the opening (i.e. lintel) is not affected; and
   • a new exit is not created;
7. Installing a skylight in an existing building provided:
   • the building is a house or small building (3 storeys or less) and
   • the installation does not require the removal of more than one rafter, joist, or other similar structural member (with the exception of a truss);
8. Replacing a furnace or boiler in a house;
9. The installation of additional cooling systems, gas fireplaces, air cleaners, in-line humidifiers, or hot water tanks in a house;
10. Repairing and replacing plumbing fixtures;
11. Replacing existing roofing material provided no structural work is required;
12. Undertaking waterproofing repairs to a basement;
13. Installation of cabinetry and millwork.
14. Plastic Sheet Covered Accessory Structures less than 15 sq m in floor area (i.e. snow canopies, driveway tents, automotive canopy)
15. Constructing a retaining wall that is on private property, not accessible to the public and/or where the height is less than 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height at any location.
16. Installing a sump pump.
17. A tent or group of tents is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Act and is exempt from compliance with the Code provided that the tent or group of tents are,
    • not more than 60m2 in aggregate ground area, not attached to a building, and
    • constructed more than 3 m from other structure.

Building permits allow the municipality to protect the interests of individuals and the community. By reviewing and approving building plans before work is done, the municipality can ensure that buildings comply with:

• Ontario Building Code, which sets standards for the design and construction of buildings to meet objectives such as health, safety, fire protection, accessibility and resource conservation;
• local zoning by-law and other planning controls on buildings; and
• other applicable legislation, including conservation authority approvals, Ministry of Transporation, Niagara Escarpment Commission and certain requirements under the Environmental Protection Act.

It is recommended that you speak with Building Services Staff before you apply for a building permit. Staff will answer any questions and confirm whether you require any other permits.

Please refer to the Electronic Submission Requirement Document.

All applications (i.e., forms, drawings and related documents) shall be submitted electronically in PDF format by email or by using the Town's secure sharefile.

A Building Code Identification Number (BCIN), is the unique identifying number assigned to individuals who file their qualifications with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and firms that register with the Ministry. A BCIN is required for several purposes: to provide on building permit applications in correspondence with the Ministry, and in other building-related work that requires a qualified person or registered firm.

Ontario Building Code Qualification and Registration

Building Services Staff will review the building permit application to confirm that the proposed work complies with the Building Code and other applicable laws set out in the Ontario Building Code, such as:

• Zoning By-laws;
• Conservation Authority Regulated Area (GSCA or NVCA);
• Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO); and
• Site Plan Approval.

Building permit applications for a simple alteration or addition can be processed quickly. Complex proposals may take longer.

The Ontario Building Code requires that a complete review of the building permit application occurs within a certain timeframe where the application meets the criteria set out in the Code. For example, the timeframe on a complete building permit application for a house is 10 business days. For a more complex building, such as a hospital, the timeframe is 30 business days. Within this timeframe, Building Services must either issue the permit or refuse it with full reasons for denial if the building permit application is deemed complete. To be issued a permit, the proposed construction must comply with the Ontario Building Code and with the applicable laws set out in the Ontario Building Code.

If a zoning change or minor variance from the zoning by-law (municipal zoning is considered applicable law) is required, or if the proposed construction does not comply with the Ontario Building Code, a permit will not be issued until the zoning change or minor variance has been obtained, or the proposed construction complies with the Ontario Building Code.

Site Plan Control: If the property is covered by a site plan control by-law, a building permit will not be issued until the plans and drawings have been approved by the Town. Please see the Planning Departments' requirements for clarification on minor variances and site plan control.

The Building Code dictates the stages of construction at which different types of buildings/sewage systems require inspections. The permit holder must contact the municipality for an inspection when the project reaches the stages of construction set out in the Building Code. The municipal building official is required to carry out the inspection within two working days of being notified.

Permit-holders are required to:

• display the permit in a window or other place where it can be easily seen;
• keep copies of the plans on the site; and
• inform the municipality of any changes to the proposed construction, which will also require approval from the municipality.

The inspector must always be able to see the work. If it differs from the work that was approved and, unless you get permission for a revision to your plans, you will need to correct it. If corrections aren't made, the municipality can take enforcement action, such as issuing orders authorized under the Building Code Act, 1992.

Property owners assume ownership of the lot grading when they purchase the property. Altering the grades on the property shall not be permitted unless approval has been obtained from the Town.

Occasionally grading issues arise between neighbours around existing property drainage. Many of these issues can be resolved with open communication by all that have been or may be impacted. Grading issues are civil matters and not the responsibility of the Town.

The Building Services Lot Grading Standard Practice contains the following information:

• Upon completion of the grading, the developer, contractor, owner, or an agent of the owner shall advise the purchaser and/or tenants that the lot has been graded to the accepted plan and a grading certificate has been provided to the town. A copy of the Final Grading Certificate shall be provided to the purchaser and/or tenant.
• The purchaser and/or tenant shall have a 30-day period in which to contest any grading issues. Should the purchaser not contest the Final Lot Grading Certificate, the purchaser will then assume full responsibility for the lot grading beyond that point. Purchasers are not permitted to modify or alter the grading of their lot without prior written approval from the Town of The Blue Mountains.
• Where no grading certificate has been provided to the Town within 30 days from the issuance of an Occupancy Permit, the owner and/or tenant assume responsibility of the lot grading.

Town representatives are not mandated to act as mediators to solve disputes, however, they will investigate lot grading issues and enforcement under the Town’s Fill By-law and Building By-law.

Information for landowners, contractors and excavators who are managing soil (earth) from small residential projects (the “excess soil regulation”).

Excess Soil Requirements

• Tarion 
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Ontario Building Code OBC E-Laws 

Common Agencies & Authorities:

• County of Grey
• Ministry Environment-Conservation and Parks
• Ministry Natural Resources-and-Forestry
• Ontario Building Code
• Grey Bruce Health Services
• Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
• Niagara Escarpment Commission
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
• Ministry of Transportation
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Payments of $5,000 or less can be made by Visa or Mastercard over the phone by calling 519-599-3131 ext. 239. Alternatively, payments can be made in-person by Visa, Mastercard, cheque, cash, or debit at Town Hall, at the Building Services counter (2^nd Floor), located at:

32 Mill Street PO Box 310
Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0

The MMAH Guide to adding a second unit in your house is available online. 

The MMAH Guide to Building or Buying a Tiny Home is available here.

The MMAH Guide to Building a Modular House is available here.