Applications, Forms, Licences and Permits

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Additions to Houses

Additions to house require a building permit. For additional information please visit our Building Services Page.

Accessing Land Application

A “Permission to Access Park & Trail Property” permit is required anytime a contractor or homeowner plans to enter onto Township owned parkland, greenspace, or trails with any type of equipment or vehicle for the purpose of accessing private property. The Permission to Access Park & Trail policy is aimed to control access, prevent any damage to Township owned lands, and ensure the safety of park and trail users. Common examples of when you may need a permit include making improvements to your property such as landscaping, building a deck or fence, or installing a pool or hot tub.

Applying for a Permit

Complete the access permit application to apply for your permit at least two weeks before you would like to access Township property.
Obtain a certificate of insurance, completed by your insurer, with at least $2 million in coverage identifying the Township of Woolwich as an additional insured.
A $2000.00 refundable damage deposit is required at time of application. Failure to return Township property to pre construction conditions will result in forfeiture of the damage deposit.
Bring your payment of $75/day of access plus damage deposit, certificate of insurance, and completed application to the Woolwich Memorial Centre at 24 Snyder Avenue South in Elmira.
There is no guarantee that your application will be approved.

Check with Building Services to see whether a Building Permit is also required.

For further information, please contact the Recreation and Community Services staff or call 519-669-1647 ext. 7024.

Birth Certificate

Birth Certificates are issued by the Province of Ontario for anyone born in Ontario. All requests for new or replacement certificates must be filed with Service Ontario.

Building Permit Forms

Any construction that occurs within the Township of Woolwich will require a building permit.

Alternative Solution Form
Building Permit Application (The application form will need to be downloaded from the Ministry’s website and saved on your computer prior to filling it out. Once downloaded you will be able to fill out the form and save your changes)
Commitment to General Review
Demolition - Utility Sign Off Form (must come with the Building Permit Application form)
- Waterloo North Hydro requires their Disconnect Authorization Form to be filled out and sent in along with the Township's Demolition - Utility Sign Off Form
Energy Efficiency (Part 9) - Performance and Other Acceptable Compliance Methods
Energy Efficiency (Part 9) - Prescriptive Method
Energy Efficiency Certification Form
Flow Control Roof Drainage Declaration
HVAC summary
Ontario Building Code Matrix
Ontario Building Code Matrix - Part 10/Part 11

For additional information please visit our Building Services page.

Burn Permits

Fire permits are available from the Township Administration Building between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, or by completing our open burn application form or campfire permit form. View our fees and charges by-law for permit costs.

Certificate of Occupancy

Are you planning to start a home-based business or establish or change a commercial or industrial business? Please contact Planning Services staff to discuss the necessary requirements and how to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.

Change of Tenancy

To notify our Revenue Clerk, Water Billing of a tenancy change please complete the Change of Tenancy form

Charitable Rebate

If you are a registered Charitable or Non-Profit Organization under the provisions of the Canada Income Tax Act subsection 248 (1) and own or lease space in a commercial and/or industrial building, you may be eligible for a rebate in property taxes for the current taxation year. Please complete the charitable rebate application form.

Clearing of Lands

The Region of Waterloo regulates tree cutting in private and public woodlots.

Consent (Severance)

A property owner who wishes to:

divide their land for the purposes of selling it
make a lot line adjustment between properties
create an easement or right of way, or
lease land for a period over 21 years

is required to meet with Township staff to discuss the consent (severance) process prior to submitting an application for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment.

Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad

Visit the Government of Canada's website for more information and a copy of the consent letter form.

Community Alert Network Information Update

The Community Alert Network system will no longer be active as of April 30, 2019.

Please visit www.AlertWR.ca to register for our new system, or visit our Emergency Preparedness page to find out more information about the new Community Alert Network.

As a part of implementing this new system we would like to request that you take the time to register your contact information in our new system. If you have not yet registered in the new system by April 30, 2019 you will no longer receive Community Alert Messages from the Township of Woolwich.

If you do not have access to the internet you can pick up a sign-up form at the Township Administration Office (24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON) or the Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Avenue South, Elmira, ON).

Death Registration

The Funeral Home provides the Township of Woolwich with the Death Registration documents when a death has occurred. The Township receives the information, issues a Burial Permit and then forwards the information to the Office of the Registrar General.

The Township does not provide any information regarding Death Certificates to residents, as Death Certificates are issued by the Province of Ontario. All requests for new or replacement certificates must be filed with Service Ontario.

Decks

Decks greater than 24 inches in height require a building permit. For additional information please visit our Building Services page.

Demolition

When demolishing any structure, a demolition permit is required; please note that agricultural buildings do not require a demolition permit.

Dog Tag Application

You are required to purchase a dog tag/licence for your dog upon moving to the Township or within 21 days of becoming a dog owner. Visit our Animal Services page for information on dog tag fees and purchasing locations.

You can also mail a copy of your dog tag application form with a cheque payable to the Township of Woolwich.

Entrance Permits

An entrance permit may be required of all persons, agencies, corporations (private or public), or institutions for a new entrance (driveway) or change to an existing entrance on any Township road.

Printable application form: Entrance Permit.

Completed forms can be sent to the Township office by mail, fax, or in-person.

Fax: 519-669-4669

Main or in-person:

24 Church Street West
Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6

The Region of Waterloo has permit requirements for access work on Regional roads. Their permit process and detailed information can be found on the Region's website.

Fences

The Township of Woolwich does not regulate fencing unless you have a pool or are a corner lot. For more information, please visit our By-laws page.

Fireworks

The Township requires that complete applications are submitted a minimum of three weeks before the event or anticipated start of sales. Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee. License fees can be found in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law.

Sale of Fireworks

All retailers looking to sell fireworks within the Township of Woolwich are required to obtain a fireworks sale licence. Fireworks sales may only be conducted on the six business days before Canada Day and Victoria Day. A location inspection by Township of Woolwich Fire Services is required before a licence can be issued.

Fireworks Display Permits

Not all fireworks shows require a permit. If your event is using high-hazard, professional fireworks, you will require a permit whether the event is private or open to the public. If you are setting off low hazard, consumer fireworks, you will only need a display permit for events that are open to the public.

Visit our Fire Safety and Prevention page for more information on fireworks rules and regulations.

Filming

A Filming Permit is required if filming is occurring within the road allowance or on Township property. Filming permit applications can be emailed to Infrastructure Services staff.

Freedom of Information

Anyone wishing to obtain information kept by the Township should contact the Deputy Clerk, who will advise if a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request if needed or not. The FOI Request Form will need to be completed and returned to the Council and Administrative Services division with a $5 fee. More information is available on our FOI Requests page.

Grant Application

For information on the Township's annual community grants, visit our Grants and Special Assistance page.

Inspections

Building inspections are required during the building process. For more information on inspections, visit our Building Services page.

Kennel Application

Anyone who would like to have more than three dogs on their property must apply for a kennel licence. Kennels are only permitted in Agricultural zones and must be located at least 60 metres (200 feet) from any neighbouring habitable building, including any buildings housing animals.

For more information on kennel applications, view our Animal Control By-law.

All kennel applications must initially be heard by Council and Council makes the decision on whether to license the kennel or not. The Animal Control Officer does an annual inspection on all kennels and does spot inspections throughout the year.

The Kennel Licence Application must be accompanied by a site map showing the entire property and the nearest neighbours' habitable buildings.

Kennel licence fees can be viewed in the Township's Licensing By-law.

Livestock Claim

For information on the program, or to submit a claim, contact the Township's Deputy Clerk.

Lottery Licences

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the Province of Ontario. Municipalities and the AGCO are responsible for issuing lottery licences to eligible charitable and religious organizations.

The Order-In-Council provides municipalities with licensing authority for:

bingo events, including table board bingo, with prize boards of up to $5,500;
media bingo events with prizes up to $5,500;
break open tickets for local organizations;
raffle lotteries for total prizes of $50,000 and under; and
bazaar lotteries which include: wheels of fortune with a maximum bet of $2.00, raffles not exceeding $500, and bingo events up to $500.

Application Process

The Township of Woolwich requires a minimum of 10 business days to process all applications for lottery events licensed by the municipality. If you are applying for a lottery licence for the first time in the Township of Woolwich, the Township requires a minimum of 15 business days to process the application. Lottery Licence fees are set by the AGCO.

For more information on Lottery Licensing please visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. All lottery licence applications and reports can be returned to the Township's Licensing Officer (519-669-1647 ext. 6004) at the Township Administration Office.

Marriage Ceremony Request Form

To schedule a marriage ceremony please complete the Online Marriage Ceremony Request Form or contact Corporate Services staff at 519-669-6009. In order to ensure that an officiant is available, a minimum of 24 hours notice is requested.

More information on marriage ceremonies is available on our Marriages page.

Marriage Licence

Marriage Licence Application Forms must be submitted in person by at least one of the individuals getting married. The application form must be signed by both parties and two pieces of government-issued identification for each applicant are required.

Marriage licences are issued at the Township Office, located at 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON. Please note that appointments are necessary to ensure that an issuer of marriage licences is in the office.

More information on applying for a marriage licence and relevant contact information is available on our Marriages page.

Minor Variance

A variance is a minor change to the Zoning By-law for a specific property. Property owners are advised to consult with Planning staff regarding the minor variance process prior to submitting an application for consideration by the Committee of Adjustment.

Official Plan Amendment

At times, an individual property may need an amendment to the Official Plan for new development or re-development proposals. Prior to submitting an application to amend the Official Plan, please consult with Planning Services staff. The public always has opportunity to review and provide input on a proposed amendment prior to the adoption by the Township.

Pools and Hot Tubs

Pools and hot tubs require a Building Permit. They also are regulated under our Pool Fence By-law.

Pre-Application Consultation Meeting Request

Development Services Applications

If you are planning to apply for an:

Official Plan Amendment;
Zone Change;
Plan of Subdivision;
Site Plan Approval;
Minor Variance; or
Consent (Severance)

for your property, you are required to discuss the proposal with Township and/or Regional staff through a pre-application consultation meeting, ahead of making a formal application. Please complete the necessary meeting request form and submit it to Planning staff for review. Once received Planning staff will contact you to advise the applicable pre-application meeting fee and steps to move forward.

Pre-application Consultation Meeting Request Form - Township

Environmental Site Screening Questionnaire - Region

Septic Systems

Major and minor changes or repairs to a septic system requires a Building Permit application to be filled out and a Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information Sheet filled out.

Sheds

Any shed over 108 square feet requires a Building Permit.

Sign Permit

Signs are regulated under the Township's Sign By-Law and may require a permit.

Site Plan Approval

Site Plan Approval is required for all commercial, institutional, industrial and some multi-residential developments within the Township and must be completed prior to the issuance of any building permits.

Site Plan approval is an interactive process involving the property owner, their consultant(s), Township staff, and other local government agencies. The Site Plan process is intended to match the property owner's requirements with the unique characteristics of each property while protecting the interests of all parties and ensuring development is designed to municipal standards.

For Site Plan application submission requirements, please view the applicable Guidelines for Site Plan/Development Approval Process and the Landscape and Design Guidelines.

Contact Planning Services staff to arrange a pre-application consultation meeting for your proposal.

Special Event Permits

Special events which occur within the road allowance or on Township property require a Special Event Permit. Special Event applications can be emailed to Infrastructure Services staff.

Subdivision Approvals

Subdivision approvals are handled between the Region, who is the approval authority, and the Township, who holds the public meeting. Generally, when you divide a piece of land into multiple lots (i.e. three or more), you are subdividing the property. Subdivisions can be created for residential, industrial, or multi-use developments.

If you are considering a subdivision development on a parcel of land, a pre-application consultation meeting with the applicable Regional, Township, and other agency staff will be required prior to submission of an application.

Temporary Tents

Temporary tents or a group of tents that is more than 646 square feet will require a Building Permit.

Vendor/Trades Licences

Vendor and Trades Licences

The Township's Licensing By-law now licences temporary non-food vendors by Salespersons, the sale of food by Refreshment Vehicles or Food Cats, and Drain Layers. More information about each licensing type can be found below, or within the Township's Licensing By-law. Individual application forms and additional application requirements can be found in the sections below.

All applications for events involving the preparation and sale of food must include approval from the Region of Waterloo's Public Health Department. Applicants are required to complete and submit the Region of Waterloo Special Event Form: Vendor Application Form to Public Health for their review and approval 30 days prior to the event. Additional requirements from Public Health can be found on the Region of Waterloo Food Safety webpage. Questions and concerns regarding safe food handling requirements should be directed to the Region of Waterloo.

Salespersons

Salespersons Licences are required by the Licensing By-law for the temporary sale of any non-food goods, wares or merchandise within the Township of Woolwich. Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee. Licence fees can be found in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law.

The Township requires that complete applications are submitted a minimum of three weeks before the event or anticipated start of sales. Please note that completion of this application form does not guarantee final approval of a license.

Refreshment Vehicles/Food Carts

Refreshment Vehicles are regulated by the Licensing By-law, and licences are required for the sale of food by any chip wagons, food carts, as well as mobile or stationary food trucks. Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee. Licence fees can be found in the Township's Fees and Charges By-law.

Refreshment Vehicle Categories

The Township of Woolwich licenses three categories of refreshment vehicle:

Class "A" - Mobile Food Truck - A motorized vehicle licenced to operate in any zone as set out in the Zoning By-law.
Class "B" - Stationary Food Truck/Chip Wagon - A stationary vehicle licenced to operate at one specific location.
Class "C" - Food Cart - A vehicle propelled by muscular power from which Food Stuffs are sold or offered for sale.

Drain Layers

All Drain Layers operating in the Township of Woolwich are required to obtain a Drain Layer Licence annually.Please complete and submit the licence application form as well as the appropriate fee.

A person shall be deemed to be qualified to obtain a licence as a Drain Layer if they were licensed as a Drain Layer in Woolwich in the year immediately prior. New applications and renewals are required to be submitted to the Council and Administrative Services division before January 31st of each calendar year. New applicants are required to submit proof that they are the holder of a valid Drain Layer's licence, and have successfully passed an examination at one or more of the following municipalities:

City of Kitchener
City of Brantford
City of Cambridge
City of Stratford
City of London

If the applicant has not been licensed at one of the above municipalities, they must successfully complete an examination to test their qualifications and provide the following documentation:

A description of their qualifications, which shall include at least two years experience as a Drain Layer; and
The operating name and mailing address of the drain contractor with whom he or she is currently employed.

Applicants must complete a minimum standing of 70% in each section of the examination to receive a passing grade overall. The Licensing By-law and Fees and Charges By-law provide additional information about license requirements and licensing fees.

For information about License Fees, please see the Township's Fees and Charges By-law.

Zoning

Every property in the Township is subject to policies in the Zoning By-law. A zoning by-law contains provisions that regulate the use, size, height, density, and location of buildings on properties. The by-law consists of the following basic components:

Maps are the most common feature of any zoning by-law as they indicate which zone a property is in.
The corresponding wording for the zone, which then lists the permitted uses and regulations applicable to that zone.

Property owners are advised to consult with Planning Services staff regarding the zone change process prior to submitting an application for consideration by Council.

Please contact the Township of Woolwich if you require any of these documents in an alternate format.