Building and Renovating

Working on your home and property in the Township of Springwater? Whether you're in need of a building permit, looking to book an inspection, or curious about development charges and boundary fences, we can help. Use our building guides to find out what's required to get a building permit and when to book the next required inspection for your project.

Backyard Project Day

Backyard Project Day will take place at the Township Administration Centre on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9 am - 3 pm.

Throughout ‘Backyard Project Day’, The Township will have staff on site to provide assistance with the building permit process, setting up an online portal account, document submission and Ontario Building Code Compliance.

In order to provide efficient service, the scope of projects applicable for Backyard Project Day has been limited to the following residential projects:

Decks
Gazebos
Porches
Pools (limited)
Hot tubs
Small Accessory Building

Staff will attempt to issue same-day permits. Any permits that are not issued that day will be prioritized the following week. Please note, should a property be located in an area regulated by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, or any other agency (i.e. Ministry of Transportation, etc.), the Township will not be able to issue your permit until approval is received from the applicable agency(ies).

To expedite the process, residents should bring the following documents:

Application form, filled out to the best of their ability;
Site plan showing setbacks to property lines and any other structures on the property;
Drawings;
Letter of authorization (if applicant is different than the property owner); and,
Any additional documents that may be required for your project (e.g.: engineering, septic use permit etc).

In addition to the Building Department, the following departments will have staff available during Backyard Project Day: Planning Services, Finance, By-law Enforcement, Springwater Fire and the Springwater Library. Representatives from BMR Pro and United Lumber will also be on site with product displays and demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Backyard Project Day?

The Township will have staff on site to assist you with your backyard project throughout the day. Staff will provide assistance with the building permit process, setting up your online portal account, document submission, and Ontario Building Code Compliance.

If all of your documents are in order, you may be able to receive your building permit that day. Otherwise, your permit will be given priority within the following week.

What qualifies as a 'backyard project'?

To provide realistic service, the scope of a ‘backyard project’ has been limited to the following residential projects:
Decks
Gazebos
Porches
Pools (limited)
Hot Tubs
Small Accessory Buildings

What should I bring?

Bring the following documents:
Application Form, filled out to the best of your ability.
Site Plan showing setbacks to property lines and any other structure on the property.
Drawings.
Letter of Authorization – if the applicant is different than the owner.
Any additional documents that may be required for your project (e.g., Engineering, Septic Use Permit, etc.).

Building guides are available on our Township website springwater.ca/BuildingGuides. Still have questions? Contact the Building Services Department at 705-728-4784 Ext. 2017

How long will I have to wait to obtain my permit?

Staff will attempt to issue your permit on Backyard Project Day. Any permits that are not issued the same day, will be prioritized the following week.

Please note, if you are in an NVCA regulated area, or an area regulated by any other agency, we will not be able to issue your permit until we receive their approval. Check to see if your property falls in an NVCA regulated area: www.nvca.on.ca/Pages/Maps

Can I get an in-ground pool permit?

In select plans of subdivision, approval from the lot grading engineer will be required to obtain a permit for an in-ground pool. Staff will not be able to issue a permit on Backyard Project Day if this document is required. Our Pool Guide explains if this applies to your property.

Which Township Departments will be available on Backyard Project Day?

Planning Services: General inquiries and zoning reviews for Backyard Project Day
Finance: Issuance of burn permits, dog tags, garbage tags and information on My Springwater and payment options
Fire: Information on fire extinguisher, smoke/co alarms, 911 and burn permits.
By-law: Information on off-road vehicles, backyard chickens and the sign by-law
Library: Information on library services and crafting

Building Safety Month

Building Safety Mascot Meet our mascot: Bill D. Wisely!

We rarely question our safety when we are in the buildings that we live, work, shop or play in. This is because of the high standard in which buildings in Ontario are constructed. Building Services enforces the Building Code by examining building plans and specifications, issuing permits, and performing inspections through the various stages of construction.

Every May, the Township promotes Building Safety Month to raise awareness about building safety and the vital role of building officials. See safety tips for ways to keep your family protected.