For detailed information on the building permit process, please refer to the following resource.
Building
Building permits are in place for your safety - and the safety of those around you, ensuring your construction project is protected from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock and other health risks. Permits also provide a permanent record of the work performed and all inspections conducted to ensure the project is sound and safe.
Before starting a new construction project, either indoors or outdoors, you must determine whether you need a building permit.
Building Services at the Municipality of South Huron is here to help you through the Building Permit process.
Our Building staff work with builders and property owners to ensure that building codes are met, and that every structure built in the municipality is built safely.
*NEW* Permit Application Process
Cloudpermit online application system
Starting January 2022, the Municipality began accepting permit applications through our online system Cloudpermit. We have implemented a new permit software called Cloudpermit to allow you to submit a number of permit applications online. We do understand that not everyone will be able to submit digital files and we will be still accepting hard copy submissions to our office.
Features of the new system include:
- Apply for and see the status of your permit application anywhere, at any time
- You can start an application and finish it later
- Receive email updates on the status of your permit application
- A record of permit documents will be retained under your online profile for future reference
- Request inspections online with inspection results sent straight to your email
Building Inspections
Once you have obtained a Building Permit it is your legal responsibility to notify the Building Department when your project is ready for one of its inspections. In general, inspections are required before you cover anything that we will not be able to see later.
2022 permits and those that have been recently issued will be registered through our new permit platform Cloudpermit and applicants can request inspections through their permit workspace. For those applicants with pre-existing permits outside of the Cloudpermit platform please call 519-235-0310 extension 6 at least two business days in advance to book an inspection, and have the Building Permit number available.
Building Permit Resources
Please note that not all of our building resources are currently available online as we work toward making our website accessible. Copies of necessary resources can be obtained by contacting the Building Department.
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish including Plumbing Permit Application Ministry of Housing form
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary Form - Part 9 Residential - 2017 Authorized form of OHBA, OBOA, LMCBO.
- General Review/Commitment Certificate - Ontario Association of Architects form
All new or the relocation of driveways/laneways require approval from the Transportation Department. This can be completed congruently with the building permit application. Please fill out the below form and include as an attachment with your building permit package within Cloudpermit. If you are not applying for a building permit but still area required to complete an entrance application because you would like to add or move a laneway/driveway or for more information please contact Transportation Services Department.
Applications for Water and Sewer Services can be completed congruently with the building permit. Please fill out the below form and include as an attachment with your building permit package within Cloudpermit. If you are not applying for a building permit yet you are still require to complete an application for water and sewer service please contact the Water and Wastewater Department by contacting Infrastructure and Development Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a building permit and when is it required?
A municipal building permit grants permission for an applicant to start construction of a their project. The permitting process ensure that the project complies with construction and safety standards of the Building Code Act and Ontario Building Code, zoning regulations and other applicable standards and laws.
Building permits are required for all structures occupying an area greater than ten square metres, sewage systems and all structures containing plumbing.
Prior to starting construction, a building permit application must be submitted for the following projects:
- New buildings such as homes, detached garages, sheds and workshops
- Additions to an existing house such as a room, garage or carport, porch, add a second floor level, finish a basement or an attic
- Decks greater than 2 feet above grade, decks with a roof
- Renovations that involve structural alterations, new bathrooms, bedrooms or removal of interior walls
- Replacement of windows/doors if opening made larger
- Installation of a wood burning stove or fireplace
- Pre-fabricated structures and buildings greater than 10m2 (108ft2) and mobile homes
- New Plumbing systems including alteration and relocation of existing plumbing systems, septic systems, water, sanitary and storm sewers
- Demolition of a residence or accessory structure as prescribed in the Ontario Building Code
- Tents larger than 645.84 sq ft (60 M²)
What projects do not require a building permit?
- Driveways and sidewalks
- A Building Permit is not required for the construction or alteration of a deck that:
-
- is not more than 508mm (20”) above the original finished grade,
- is not supporting a roof structure of any size, and
- is not connected to any other structure in any way shape of form.
- Replace roof shingles, siding, soffit and fascia, and eave troughs
- Replace existing windows/doors without increasing the opening size
- Installation of new kitchen cupboards
- Replacing plumbing fixtures
- Construct buildings smaller than 108 sq ft (10 M²)
- A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Act and is exempt from compliance with this Code, provided that the shed:
-
- is not more than 15 m2 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.
What is required on the drawings submitted with the building permit application?
Depending on the project, there are a number of items that may be required on the drawings submitted with the building permit application.
Site Plan
- Drawn to scale indicating street address, lot number, lot size, property line boundaries, rights-of-way and easements
- Location and size of all existing and proposed buildings
- Actual and proposed setback distances from all property lines
- Actual distance to neighbouring structures for determination of approved construction detail of the proposed exposed building face
- Location of existing septic system, water well, etc. (if applicable)
- Location of hydro lines and underground utilities
- Location, height and description of existing or proposed fences (pool permits)
- Driveways and entrance location
Lot Grading Plan
- A site plan with existing and finished grade elevations, foundation elevation, including a drainage scheme compatible with existing drainage patterns or an approved subdivision grading plan
- Signed and stamped by an Ontario Land Surveyor, Professional Engineer or competent designer who is qualified to prepare Lot Grading Plans
Foundation Plan
- Drawn to scale showing basement wall type and sizes
- Strip footing size
- Column and pier footing size and spacing dimensions
- Beams and floor joist sizes and spacing
- Room dimensions with door and window location
- Location of plumbing fixtures, floor drain, furnace, etc.
Floor Plans
- Drawn to scale showing all floors with room names or uses
- Dimensions of rooms, halls, and stairs
- Location of plumbing fixtures, ventilation equipment, smoke and CO detectors, handrails and guards
- Beam, lintel and joist sizes
- Door and window location and sizes
Cross Sections
- Drawn to scale showing room height, roof pitch, construction details and materials used for the construction of walls, floors, ceiling, and roof
- Depth of footings, type and thickness of foundation
- Finished floor level and finished grade
Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning - HVAC
- Duct design drawings are required with heat loss calculations, furnace and air conditioner (if applicable) sizing, from Registered Designer
- Compliance package to be submitted with application
Elevations
- Drawn to scale showing front, rear and sides
- Details of exterior construction details and materials
- Include balconies, bay windows, porches and stairs, and any other exterior encroachment
- Finished floor levels and finished grade
- Overall height of the building
Truss and Engineered Floor Drawings
If trusses or I joists are used for roof or floor, the drawings must be stamped by a professional engineer
Other Engineered Drawings and Information
If foundations are insulated concrete form - ICF construction, foundations are underpinned, or special structural design is required, drawings must be stamped by a professional engineer
How long does it take to get a building permit?
A review period will be assigned to your permit application, depending on the type of project and building classification. These timelines are based upon a complete application being submitted, zoning regulations, including setbacks, lot coverage, etc are met and as per the Ontario Building Code.
10 Days
- Houses and semi-detached houses including:
- Additions, renovations
- Decks
- Attached garages, carports
- Detached structures serving a building described under item 1.
- Sheds, Garages, Carports
- Pool houses
- Tents
15 Days
- Town houses or row houses.
- Buildings, other than those described above, where the Ontario Building Code, Part 9 is applicable
- 3 or fewer storeys in height
- Building area less than 600 m2
- Major Occupancies classified as
- Residential
- Business and Personal Services
- Mercantile
- Medium or low hazard industrial
- Farm Buildings not exceeding 600 m2 building area.
20 Days
- Buildings where the Ontario Building Code, Part 3 is applicable
- More than 3 storeys in height
- Greater than 600 m2 building area
- Major Occupancies Classified as
- Assembly
- Care or Detention
- Residential
- Business and Personal Services
- Mercantile
- High, medium, or low hazard industrial
- Farm buildings exceeding 600 m2 building area
30 Days
- Post-disaster buildings
- High buildings to which OBC 3.2.6. applies
- Buildings with interconnected floor areas to which OBC 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11. applies
- Permits may be issued sooner depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of drawings and submitted information
- There are also exceptions depending on the referral to another department or agency if required, or if special approval(s) such as minor variance, septic, etc., is also required.
What is the cost and how can I pay?
The fees are determined by the building department and are based on the fee schedule of the current fees and charges by-law, the current development charges by-law, or a Subdivision Agreement.
Fees are required and may be paid by cash, cheque, debit, or online using your Visa/MasterCard.
Fees are required and may be paid by cash, cheque, debit, or online using your Visa/MasterCard.
Online Payments
You can pay your building permit online using Visa, MasterCard, or Visa Debit.
You will need the following information:
- Your building permit number (obtained from the Building Department)
- The amount you wish to pay
- Your credit card
Please note that there is a convenience fee that is collected and paid to USTI Canada for using the online payment system. You will also need to register for an account if it is your first time using the system.
RADON Mitigation – Compliance with SB-9 and the Ontario Building Code
Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally as a result of the decay of radium. It is found to varying degrees as a component of soil gas in all regions of Canada and is known to enter dwelling units by infiltration into basements and crawl spaces. The presence of the decay products of Radon in sufficient quantity can lead to increased risk of lung cancer. Thus the importance of providing soil gas barriers below floor slabs in basements and crawl spaces as well as foundation walls that are in contact with the soil.
Health Canada recommends that radon gas testing consist of a long-term test (minimum of 91 days) carried out by a Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) certified professional during the winter season. Where a test results has been conducted that exceeds 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3) you will require a subfloor depressurization system to be installed to reduce the concentration levels below 200 Bq/m3. The owner/ builder will be responsible for the remediation work.
In compliance with the radon mitigation measures, all new dwellings will be required to provide one (1) of the Soil Gas Control Systems listed below:
Option 1 – Soil Gas Barrier
- Provide a minimum 0.15mm (6mil) polyethylene sheet below the basement floor slab with joints lapped 300mm or joints sealed,
- Provide a bead of flexible sealant at the junction of the perimeter basement slab and wall,
- Seal around any floor penetrations such as drains, wastes or vents, and
- Provide dampproofing/ drainage membrane to the exterior foundation walls in contact with the soils
Option 2 – Depressurization System
- Provide dampproofing/ drainage membrane to the exterior foundation walls in contact with the soils and,
- Install an active subfloor depressurization system
Option 3 – Mandatory Radon Gas Testing
- Install a 4”(100mm) diameter pipe vertically through the basement/ crawl space floor slab such that the bottom opens up into the granular fill below the slab that is 6” (150mm) deep x 24” (600mm) in diameter and the upper end terminates above the slab which will permit the connection of depressurization equipment and is provided with a removable seal, and
- Mandatory Radon gas testing is required - Where mandatory radon gas testing results come back over 200 Bq/m3, the owner/ builder will be responsible for remediation work and follow-up testing.
Under the permit, what are the required inspections during construction?
During various stages of the project, an inspection may be required (as set out in the Building Code) to inspect the work.
Inspections do not happen automatically. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to notify the building department of the following inspections required by the building code:
- Storm, sanitary sewer connection, and water connection if applicable
- Footings, prior to pouring concrete
- Foundation, prior to backfilling
- Underground plumbing
- Soil Gas Membrane (Poly below the slab)
- Framing after electrical and plumbing have been installed
- Rough-in plumbing
- Insulation and vapour barrier
- Completion of construction to permit occupancy. Requires final plumbing & electrical certificates, potable water testing and septic approval, if applicable. Also may require certified lot grading if it is a requirement of a subdivision agreement at this stage
Final inspection is completed when the project is completed (which may, if applicable, include certified lot grading).
Plumbing Inspections
As of January 1, 2020, the South Huron Building Department is responsible for processing plumbing applications. Please contact Building Services to obtain an application.
For assistance with plumbing applications started with the County of Huron prior to January 1, 2019, please contact the County Clerk:
Susan Cronin,
Huron County Clerk
519-524-8394 (extension 3257)
Email: scronin@huroncounty.ca
What other permits and approvals may be required?
Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, inspections and approvals.
Electrical Safety Association Certificate of Acceptance
Keep yourself and your family safe by making sure electrical work meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
No matter how small the job, when you hire someone to do electrical work in your home, by law in Ontario they must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. A Licensed Electrical Contractor will ensure the work is done properly, safely and legally with the necessary notifications to ESA. General handymen and other service providers cannot do electrical work unless they hold an ECRA/ESA licence number.
Once your electrical work has been reviewed and passed, ESA will issue a Certificate of Acceptance (or Certificate of Inspection for notifications created before July 6, 2020) to the person who filed the notification. It’s an important document for insurance purposes, resale and peace of mind.
If your contractor filed the notification, ask for a copy of the certificate for your records.
T: 1-877-372-7233 (1-877-ESA-SAFE)
Land Use Permit
Land use planning means managing the use of land and resources. It helps decide where homes and factories should be built in our communities, where parks and recreation centres should be located, and where roads, sewers and other essential services should be provided.
Ministry of Transportation
A building and land use permit must be obtained from the Ministry to carry out any work within the controlled area and when an addition or alteration that changes the footprint size to existing buildings, structures, fences is proposed. The owner shall submit an application for a building and land use permit to the Ministry for approval. The application must indicate the extent of the proposed changes. Work must not start until after the Ministry has issued a permit.
T: 1-800-265-6072
County of Huron
Huron County Planning Services develops and implements land-use policies, regulations and approvals. Before planning any project, check the list of services and applications on this page. If you have any questions, Planning Services staff would be happy to assist.
Telephone: 519-524-8394, ext 3
Toll-Free: 1-888-524-8394, ext 3
Fax: 519-524-5677
Email: planning@huroncounty.ca
Regulation of Development
Conservation Authorities are watershed-based resource management agencies, whose mandate includes a variety of roles and responsibilities in the land use planning and development process. Conservation Authorities responsibilities include ensuring development is not at risk from natural hazards such as flooding or erosion and they aim to protect and restore the ecological health and integrity of natural systems.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
Before undertaking any filling, construction or altering of watercourses, contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority staff to determine if you are in a 'regulated area'.
If applicable, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority staff will guide applicants through a permit process that involves gathering on-site information, survey work, and providing specific conditions to reduce risk to life and property, reduce potential social disruption and protect the environment from naturally occurring flooding and erosion.
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
71108 Morrison Line, RR3
Exeter, Ontario N0M 1S5
T: 519-235-2610
W: www.abca.ca
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Property owners must obtain permission from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority before beginning any of the following activities in a regulated area:
• constructing, reconstructing, erecting or placing a building or structure of any kind,
• any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure, or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure,
• site grading,
• temporarily or permanently placing, dumping or removing any material originating on the site or elsewhere,
• straightening, changing, diverting or interfering in any way with the existing channel of a river, creek, stream or watercourse (all watercourses in the watershed),
• changing or interfering with a wetland in any way.
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
1424 Clarke Road
London, Ontario N5V 5B9
T: 519-451-2800
F: 519-451-1188
Potable Water Testing
Huron Perth Public Health provides free bacterial water testing services to all Perth and Huron County residents on a private well. It is recommended that you test your well water a minimum of three times a year, preferably spring, summer and fall.
77722B London Road, RR5
Clinton, Ontario N0M 1L0
T: 519-482-3416
F: 519-482-7820
W: www.hpph.ca
Minor Variance and Rezoning
Planning applications for minor variance, zoning by-law amendments, temporary use zoning, deemings and holding zones are processed and approved by the Municipality of South Huron. For more information on these processes visit South Huron's Planning and Development page.
Municipality of South Huron - Planning Department
PO Box 759, 322 Main Street South
Exeter, Ontario N0M 1S6
T: 519-235-0310 ext.252
F: 519-235-3304
Email the Planning Department
Severance
A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form two new adjoining properties. This is commonly known as a land severance but more formally it’s called a consent.
County of Huron - Planning Department
57 Napier Street, 2nd Floor
Goderich, Ontario N7A 1W2
T: 1-888-524-8394
F: 519-524-5677
Contact Us
The Municipality of South Huron
322 Main Street South, P.O. Box 759
Exeter, ON N0M 1S6
Phone: 519-235-0310
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