Building Permits

New Construction:

• Any new building greater than 15 m2 (160 ft2) in size (the area of the buildings footprint)
• Any new building that contains plumbing (regardless of size)
• Any addition to an existing building (regardless of size)
• Concrete porches
• Raised decks more than 24" above existing grade level, at any point. 
• Solariums
• Addition of a dormer
• Sunrooms
• Installing or changing a swimming pool fence enclosure
• Tents (645 sq. ft./60 m2 more ground area)

Demolitions and Alterations: 

• Demolishing any building greater than 15m2 (160 ft2) in size
• Adding, removing or altering a structural wall or column
• Adding, removing or altering a non-loadbearing partition
• Changing the use of a building
• Installing a basement entrance
• Relocating a building
• Changing a fireplace from gas to wood or solid fuel burning
• Roughing in a bathroom or washroom
• Installing a fireplace or wood stove
• Renovating a dwelling to provide a full basement
• Construction of separate rooms in a basement
• Installing an accessory apartment
• Installing any new plumbing piping
• Repairing or installing an on-site sewage system
• Connecting to municipal sanitary and storm sewers
• Installing a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
• Installing and exterior sign
• An underground sprinkler system connected to building plumbing
• Installing a solar hot water system
• Recycling grey water to reduce water use
• Commercial roof-mounted solar projects
• Replacing an exterior wall or cladding

You will need a permit whether the work is on the interior or the exterior of the building or dwelling.  You cannot get an exemption if you're only doing construction inside a dwelling. 

The following residential projects do not require a Building Permit. 

• Constructing a detached accessory buildings less than 15m² (160 ft2) in area
  • Not more than one storey in building height
  • Not attached  to another building or structure
  • Only used for storage purposes and ancillary to the principle building
  • Plumbing not permitted
• Decks not adjacent to a building entrance that are less than 10m² (108 ft2) in area
  • Shall  not be attached to any structure
  • Deck must be below 24 inches above grade
  • Must not have a roof or closed covering
• Interior damp-proofing basements
• Replacing plumbing fixtures or water heaters
• Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
• Electrical projects
• Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
• Painting and decorating
• Maintenance and repairs
• Replacing windows or doors
• Replacing roofing or shingles
• Fences, other than a pool enclosure fence
• Retaining walls less than 2 meter in height
• Sidewalks, planters, and landscaping
• Garden pergolas and gazebos that do not have a solid roof
• Ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels
• Roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels under 5m2

• Building Permit
• Sign Permit
• Septic System Application
• Heritage Designated Property Application

For a complete list of fees for the Building Department, please refer to Schedule B-2 of the Huron East Fees and Charges By-law. 

For information on swimming pool fences please refer to the Swimming Pool Fence By-law. 

To obtain a permit to construct a manure storage facility within Huron East, you are required to provide the following documentation and information with the submission of your application. 

1. a completed Building Permit Application.
2. the building permit fee.
3. a site plan showing the following:
   1. size of lot, including tillable acres
   2. lot and concession, 911 number, and road name.
   3. location and size of all buildings and structures located on the lot, and proposed for the lot. 
   4. location, size, and use of all neighbouring buildings and structures within 2500 feet. 
   5. location of wells and water courses within 1000 feet. 
   6. any existing or proposed driveways
   7. location of all field tiles within 50 feet of the proposed location. 
4. a soils report by a professional engineer is required for the proposed location and must show the elevation of the tank in conjuncture with the water table. 
5. Engineers sealed plans for the structure. 
6. a signed copy of the Letters of Approval for the Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS)/Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) for the appropriate authority. 

If you need any assistance with your application and required documentation please contact the Building Department. 

To obtain a building permit to construct a silo within Huron East you are required to submit the following documentation and information with your application. 

1. a completed Building Permit application 
2. the building permit fee
3. a site plan showing the following:
   1. location of the silo and all surrounding buildings
   2. all lot lines
   3. any primary hydro lines
   4. drains within 50 feet
   5. water courses within 200 feet
4. a soils report by a professional engineer for the proposed location.
5. detailed plans for the footing and silo, sealed by a professional engineer.
6. a signed copy of the "Letter of Undertaking" and "General Review Commitment" from the project engineer. 

If you need any assistance please contact the Building Department. 

Heritage Buildings

If you are planning work on a heritage designated property, you may be interested in reviewing the incentive program for heritage property owners. 

Radon

Please see the Guide for Radon Measurement in Residential Dwellings, produced by Health Canada. 

Below are the two forms related to Energy Efficiency Design Summary:

• Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Performance & Other Acceptable Compliance Methods
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Prescriptive Method

Ontario Building Code tent information