Building Permits & Inspections

The Building Services Division provides a review of building plans and zoning related to building permits, the issuance of permits and all related inspections.

Building Services also provides information related to applying for a building permit, required standards and inspections, statistics, and common guidelines within the Town. Staff enforce the Ontario Building Code’s minimum standards and assist contractors and residents in their efforts to achieve sustainable, healthy, and safe living environments to ensure the well-being of the community.

Important Notice for 2024 Ontario Building Code Changes

Quick Links

Building Inspections Residential Building Permits Non-Residential Building Permits Building Statistics & Reports Grading & Drainage By-law No. 2002 – 78 Property Information Request Form

Want to learn more about the Building Permit Process in the Town of The Blue Mountains?

This explainer video contains all the information you need when applying for a Building Permit in the Town.

Additional Resources

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit must be obtained before:
- construction on a building greater than 10 sq m (108 sq ft);
- construction of a new residential shed greater than 15 sq m (160 sq ft);
- placing a structure, such as a mobile home, on your property; and
- making renovations or repairs that add to a building.
A building permit does not need to be obtained in order to:
- replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines;
- install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines;
- build a utility shed under 15 square meters (approximately 161 square feet);
- reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work (asphalt roof shingling only);
- install eavestroughs, if drainage is contained on your property;
- replace or increase insulation, dry-wall, or plaster;
- damp-proof basements;
- paint or decorate;
- install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing;
- erect a fence (except for swimming pools in which case a pool enclosure permit is required); and
- replace existing forced air furnace (no ductwork or venting alterations).
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.

Frequently Requested Information

Common Agencies & Authorities:

Quick Links

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Requested Information

Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Guides