Building Permits

Ontario Building Code Stair Changes

Changes to stair requirements under the Ontario Building Code will be effective to all permit applications deemed complete after December 31, 2021.

The list of Ontario Building Code Stair Changes can be found here.

COVID-19 Update

In response to COVID-19 and to limit the spread, Building Services has made some operational changes to ensure the safety of our staff. Please note the following updated information for Building Division Services:

Building inspections will be conducted in accordance with the following strict protocols:

Inspections will only be conducted provided nobody living on the property or anyone working at the property has travelled outside the province, has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or has had any of the following COVID-19 Symptoms in the previous 14 days:
- Fever, Dry Cough, Tiredness / Fatigue, Sore Throat, Difficulty Breathing / Shortness of Breath, Runny / Stuffy / Congested Nose, Headache, Lost Sense of Smell or Taste, Difficulty Swallowing, Digestive Issues, Etc.
Physical distancing of at least 2m must be maintained at all times during the Inspection. If possible, it would be appreciated if persons could vacate the building while the inspection is taking place. If it is not possible to vacate the building, persons must vacate the area that the inspection is being conducted in. All persons must wear required PPE at all times including a facemask fully covering the mouth and nose.
Pets / Animals (cats and dogs) must be kept away from the area that the inspection is being requested for at the time of inspection. If Animals are living on the property, homeowners shall keep them in their home and not let them out while we are conducting an exterior inspection.
Any gates accessing the property should be propped open for Building Official access to rear yard if that is where the inspection is taking place.
Upon completion of Inspection, report will be sent electronically to applicant listed on Building Permit.
Building Officials will not inspect any construction site that is unsafe or found to be not adhering to the above protocols.
Re-Inspections are a low priority. Builders and contractors are to ensure the building is ready for inspection to the best of their ability. Repeat Re-inspections result in unnecessary contact and time.
To book an inspection appointment, call 519- 846-9691 ext. 907 or email building@centrewellington.ca.

Building permits can be applied for by emailing your application and documents, including drawings, to: building@centrewellington.ca (attachment limit is 10MB total). Submissions larger than 10MB can be uploaded through 2big4email, or contact us for assistance.

Tarion has addressed delays in construction and closing dates, please view the Tarion COVID19 Advisory for more information.

What is a Building Permit?

A Building Permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction, renovation or the demolition of a building project. Building Permits ensure that the proposed construction meets with standards set out in the Ontario Building Code. No matter what the specific project may be, the enforcement of codes, by-laws and standards is carried out to protect public health and safety.

Do I need a permit?

A permit is required when you:

Construct a new residential dwelling
Construct an addition to an existing building, irrespective of size
Attach a garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size
Construct an accessory building (sheds, detached garages, etc.) over 10 m2 (107 ft2)
Renovate
Finish the basement of a house
Create an accessory apartment in an existing dwelling
Demolish any building greater than 10 m2 (107 ft2)
Add, remove or alter a structural wall or column
Change the use of a building
Relocate a building
Replace an exterior wall or cladding
Install new plumbing or backflow prevention devices
Add or relocate plumbing fixtures
Install an underground sprinkler system connected to building plumbing
Add any new building that contains plumbing, irrespective of size
Construct decks of any shape, size or height
Build a concrete porch
Add or renovate a solarium and/or sunroom
Add a dormer
Install or change a swimming pool and its required fencing
Install any wood-burning appliance (fireplaces or woodstoves)
Convert a fireplace from gas to wood or solid fuel burning
Install solar panels or a solar hot water system
Recycle grey water to reduce water use
Re-insulate walls, ceilings or floors
Install a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
Remove a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam
Install a new window or door if you are increasing the width of the existing opening
Construct a retaining wall that is greater than three feet and three inches in height
Install a new private septic system, replacement tank or repairs to an existing system
Include site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
Erect a tent or group of tents that are more than 60 m2 (646 ft2) in an aggregate ground area, or attached to a building, or constructed within 3 m (9' 10") of any structure
Alterations or changes of use to industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential construction
Install an exterior sign

Please contact our office if your project is not listed here and we will be happy to walk you through the process.

A permit is not required when you:

Structures less than 108 ft2 measured from the outside face of walls (that do not contain plumbing)
Gas fireplace
Fences not enclosing a swimming pool (but must still comply with zoning regulations)
Water softener installations
Damp-proofing basements
Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed)
Installing new shingles on existing roof
Replacing a plumbing fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location
Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
Retaining walls less than 1 m in height
Sidewalks, planters and landscaping
Garden pergolas and gazebos that do not have a solid roof

Please contact our office if your project is not listed here and we will be happy to walk you through the process.

Apply for a permit

Payment will be required to be made in person at the Township Civic Centre, 1 MacDonald Square, lower level. Alternatively, a cheque can be sent by mail payable to the Township of Centre Wellington. The permit application will not be considered complete until payment has been made.

Please refer the the permit forms and guides and permit requirements tabs below for information on:

application requirements
drawing requirements
designer requirements

Permit forms and guides

Permit Application Forms:

Building Permit Application (mandatory for every building application)
Schedule 1: Designer Information
Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information
Energy Efficiency Design Summary & Guide
Lot Grading Acknowledgement Form (required for decks, accessory buildings and pools in newer subdivisions)
Sign Permit Application
Demolition Control Permit Application
Demolition Approval Form
Site Alteration Permit Application

Permit Guides & Information:

Permit requirements

Application Requirements

The following electronic documents are required for permit submission. All electronic documents and drawings must be in PDF format.

application form
one set of drawings (see permit guides and below for drawing requirements)
site plan for entire property
schedule 1 - design information form
energy efficiency design summary (EEDS) form
sewage system design (if applicable)
schedule 2 - sewage system installer information form(if applicable)
any other forms that pertain to your project

Drawing Requirements

The following drawings and information may be required to accompany application for permits:

site plan/lot grading plan
foundation plan
floor plans/framing plans
roof plans
building elevations
sections and details
truss layout drawings (if applicable)
pre-engineered floor joist layout drawings (if applicable)

All drawings must be fully dimensioned and drawn to scale. They must include all sizes and types of construction materials to be used and their respective locations, finishes to all walls, ceilings an floors, and all existing and proposed fire separations.

Please refer to our permit guides for more information.

Designer Requirements

All submitted documents must be prepared by either the owner, or prepared and reviewed by a qualified designer, architect, professional engineer or a combination. Some drawings must be designed by a professional engineer when the design falls outside of the prescriptive requirements of the Building Code.

The Building Code requires qualified, registered designers, who review and take responsibility for design activities, to include the following information on documents submitted for permit:

The name and building code identification number (BCIN) of the registered firm.
A statement that the qualified person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.
The name and BCIN of the qualified person.
The signature of the qualified person.

Fees

All permit fees are calculated based on Schedule "A" By-Law No. 2016-12.

Notice:

Please be advised that, in accordance with requirements of the Township of Centre Wellington Building By-Law #2005 – 044, permit fees will be due and payable upon submission of application.

Fees calculated on initial application may require adjustment prior to the issuance of the Building Permit. You will be advised of any adjustment or additional fees owing on notification that the Building Permit is ready for issuance.

Development charges

Development charges are one-time fees charged by the Township on new properties to help offset the cost of specified services as outlined in the Development Charges Act.

The following development charges are effective January 1, 2022. More information can be found here.

Residential

	Single-Detached Dwelling & Semi-Detached Dwelling	Apartments with 2 or more bedrooms	Apartments – Bachelor and 1 bedroom	Other multiples	Special Care/Special Dwelling
Township Wide Fees	$17,289	$9,360	$7,959	$13,475	$6,148
Urban Area Service Fees	$10,996	$5,952	$5,060	$8,569	$3,909
TOTAL	$28,285	$15,312	$13,019	$22,044	$10,057

Non-Residential

Township-wide Charges: $5.26

Urban-area Services Charges: $3.94

Total Charges: $9.20 Per square foot of gross floor area

Development charges are controlled through the Township's Development Charges By-Law and are based on our Development Charges background study and update.

Wellington County Development Charges

Construction may be subject to Wellington County development charges.

Inspections

Every permit issued by the Township of Centre Wellington has a list of required inspections. It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure inspection requests are booked a minimum of 24 hours before the required inspection time.

Please contact building staff to book an inspection by emailing buildinginspection@centrewellington.ca, or calling 519-846-9691 ext 907. You will need to make reference to the permit number and property address when requesting your inspection.

Please note the Township does not review or inspect electrical work. Contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-421-2228 for electrical permits.

Call before you dig

If you are planning to dig, build or excavate, it is important you locate all of your utility lines first. In fact, under Ontario regulations, it is the law.

To have municipal infrastructure located please contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to register your locate request.

Call at least one week before you plan to dig to be sure you get the locate information by the time you need it.

Monthly permit information

Permit Activity Report for last month's building permit information.

Termites

Click here to visit our Rodent & Pest Prevention & Control web page.

Need More Information?
For more information, please drop in to see us at the Civic Centre at 1 MacDonald Square in Elora (Lower Level), Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, or give us a call at 519.846.9691.ext 907.