Building Permits

• Permit applications may be submitted using the 2024 Ontario Building Code
• Permit applications may be submitted using the 2012 Ontario Building Code, provided the applicant demonstrates that their working drawings were substantially complete by December 31, 2024 
• Designers may use the Designer Declaration Form to identify what Ontario Building Code is being used 

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

• Permit applications must be submitted using the 2024 Ontario Building Code

2024 Ontario Building Code Information Guide

• New construction, additions or structural renovations (including pools, hot tubs and tents)
• Change of use
• Demolition
• Septic and sewer systems

Building permits keep people safe. By getting a building permit and the required inspections, you can ensure that your project meets health and safety standards, the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law.

See our Building Guides

Please note that Planning and Zoning reviews cannot take place without an accurate site plan or lot grading plan (as applicable) and drawings showing all dimensions. 

Only complete applications can be reviewed and approved for permit issuance. Review our Building Guides to ensure you have all of the required information for your residential building project before selecting “Submit”. If your application is incomplete, select “Save as draft”. This will save your work and allow you to complete your application at a later date through the link provided to you.

What projects need a building permit?

Typically, you will need a permit for:

• New buildings over 10 square meters or 108 square feet (or under if they contain plumbing)
• Additions and renovations
• Demolition
• Pools and hot tubs
• Installation of mobile homes or park model trailers
• Plumbing or septic systems
• Solar collectors attached to a building that are larger than 5 square meters or 54 square feet 

What projects do not need a building permit?

Non-structural projects that do not need a building permit include:

• Replacing roof shingles, eavestroughs or siding
• Installing air conditioning units or heat pumps to existing forced-air systems
• Replacing kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Replacing the existing furnace
• Replacing windows of the same size
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping where it does not affect grading

Who can get a building permit?

Property owners are responsible for getting a building permit for their project. Property owners can authorize a contractor or other person to apply on their behalf by providing a written letter of authorization with their permit application.

What if I need to add or make changes to a building permit application that has already been submitted?

If your project changes after you have submitted your application, or you need to submit additional information, please email us with reference to your previous submission. Include the application number and address in the subject line of your email, and send it to building@springwater.ca, unless otherwise notified by Building Staff.

Buildings

• Building permit – to construct, alter or demolish a structure
• Building code data matrix – to summarize project information for commercial, industrial or institutional-type projects
• Commitment to general review – where engineers or architects must also review parts of the construction, in addition to municipal staff
• Entrance permit – to install a new or change an existing driveway on a municipal road
• Energy efficiency design summary – to show that your home meets energy efficiency standards under the Ontario Building Code
  • Option 1: Prescriptive method
  • Option 2: Performance and other acceptable compliance methods
• Lot grade template – to prepare lot grading plans for review
  • You can request a CAD version by contacting Building Services
• Request for alternative solution – to request approval for an “alternative” construction, with supporting documents

• Septic permit – to install, change or demolish a septic system (Excel version) 

Pools, Hot Tubs and Tents

• Pool Policy
• Pool enclosure or hot tub
• Intent to Use Temporary tent – use with the building permit application when applying to install a tent 

Change of Use 

• Change of building use – to change existing residential use to non-residential use
• Change of septic use – when your project affects the performance of your septic system, e.g. adding additional bedrooms or bathrooms (Excel version)

Other

• Letter of Authorization – authorize an agent to submit, amend and execute a building permit application on your behalf

•  Ontario One Call locates any buried infrastructure on the property and will identify it safely for you, call 1-800-400-2255
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority regulates work in and near river streams, floodplains, wetlands, slopes and shorelines
• Electrical Safety Authority handles electrical permits
• Technical Standards and Safety Authority permits elevating devices, fuel facilities, boilers and pressure valves
• County of Simcoe being the road authority that they have no concerns with proposed building setbacks, obtain road entrance permits and grants.