What You Need For Building Projects.

A building permit is the expressed permission of a municipality to start construction of a building project in compliance with the building code and act. You must obtain a building permit before you do any of the following:

What Projects Require a Building Permit

In the Town of Laurentian Hills, you must obtain a building permit before starting most construction activities to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and municipal bylaws. Projects that typically require a permit include, but are not limited to:

• Constructing a new building larger than 10 m² (approximately 108 ft²) (exceptions apply for small garden sheds up to 15 m²)
• Installing a swimming pool
• Renovating, repairing, or adding to an existing building
• Demolishing or removing all or part of a structure
• Changing the use of a building
• Altering structural elements, such as load-bearing walls or openings for doors/windows
• Building garages, decks, balconies, pole shed or enclosing existing decks
• Excavating a basement or constructing a foundation
• Installing or modifying mechanical, plumbing, fire, or life-safety systems
• Constructing retaining walls or fences,
• On-site sewage systems or septic tanks
• Erecting temporary buildings (including tents over 30 m²)

If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, it’s always best to contact the Town’s Building & Planning Department before beginning work.

A building permit is a means to regulate developments in the community to meet health, fire, structural and general safety standards to protect individuals and the community as a whole. It is illegal to start work without a permit. Anyone who starts work without a building permit is in contravention of municipal by-law and the Ontario Building Code Act and is; therefore, subject to financial and legal consequences.

Helpful Links / Forms

Application for a permit to construct or demolish (paid by cash or cheque only)- Click HERE
Deck Checklist (paid by cash or cheque only)- HERE
Culvert Permit - HERE
Minor Variance Application - HERE
Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Performance & Other Acceptable Compliance Methods - Click HERE
Building Permit Fees By-Law