Building Information

All you need for your next project

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER TO OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT
IT IS ILLEGAL TO START WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT

Building Permits entitle you to...

  • A proficient review of building plans for compliance with all Provincial and Municipal laws and codes
  • On-site inspections by a trained inspector throughout the course of the construction.
  • Assurance the the health and welfare of you, your family, and your neighbours are taken into consideration.

You need a Building Permit to...

  • Add a carport, garage, or rooms to an existing building,
  • Add dormers,
  • Add structural features such as decks, canopies, etc.,
  • Any structural work including interior partitions,
  • Construct a new home or cottage,
  • Construct accessory building such as detached garages or sheds,
  • Construct fireplace or chimney,
  • Demolitions (no charge for permit),
  • Enclose a porch or construct a roof over a sundeck,
  • Excavate the basement to provide a full basement,
  • Install new rooms or finish existing rooms in the basement or attic,
  • Raise a building to provide a new or altered foundation.

You don't need a Building Permit to...

  • Install siding, soffit, or facia,
  • Replace shingles or windows, providing structural changes are not involved,
  • Construct a separate structure without plumbing smaller than 10 square meters (approx. 100 square feet).

Other Approvals you may need...

Respective Township Council : Zoning by-law enforcement
St. Joseph Island Planning Board : Land severance
Algoma Public Health : Septic systems and well permits
Ontario Hydro : electrical permits
Bell Canada : Telephone connections
Ministry of Transportation : Entrance and building permits in highway frontage locations

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need to provide in order to obtain a building permit?
Scaled drawings and application forms are required for all building permits. Application forms can be obtained at the Municipal Office and are also available here. Forms may be printed off and faxed to either the Municipal Office (705-246-0132) or directly to the Building Inspector (705- 842-2658).

How much does a building permit cost?
Costs for building permits are detailed in the municipality’s Fees and Charges by-law.
The costs are minimal in comparison to the value received to ensure a proficient review of your building plans for compliance with all Provincial and Municipal laws and codes and on-site inspections throughout the course of construction by a trained inspector.

A sample fee structure for a new 1,000 square foot dwelling (based on current Fees and Charges bylaw):
Calculation: 1000 x $160 sq/ft (value of construction) = $160,000
$160 base fee for first $1,000 value of construction = $160
$8 for each additional $1,000 value (or part thereof) = $8 x 159 = $1,272
Therefore, total permit fee for $160,000 dwelling = $1,432

A sample fee structure for a new 1,000 square foot unfinished garage (based on current Fees and Charges bylaw):
Calculation: 1000 x $52.50 sq/ft (value of construction) = $52,500
$160 base fee for first $1,000 value of construction = $160
$8 for each additional $1,000 value (or part thereof) = $8 x 52 = $260
Therefore, total permit fee for $52,500 unfinished garage = $420