What should I do before I apply for a building permit?
Consider the following items regarding the property:
- Check the zoning requirements for the property by using by contacting planning staff at planning@woolwich.ca or 519-669-6033. Zoning regulations determine what is permitted on the property and planning staff will confirm if the proposal meets those regulations or requires a Minor Variance or Certificate of Occupancy.
- Locate any buried infrastructure on the property and identify it safely online through Ontario One Call or 1-800-400-2255
- Confirm if the property is located within the Grand River Conservation Authority’s regulation limit by referring to their map. If so, you may require a GRCA permit.
- Confirm if the property is within a Source Water Protection Area using the Region of Waterloo source water protection mapping tool.
- If the property is on a private sewage system, confirm if the proposed work will impact the existing septic system, or trigger a septic review by submitting our Septic Evaluation Form. If so, ensure to have septic information ready when applying for a building permit.
- If the property of construction has a heritage designation, or you are unsure, please contact planning staff at Planning@woolwich.ca or 519-669-6033 to confirm designations and types of work permitted.
Do I need to apply for a permit in person, or can I email my application?
You can apply for a permit in person or electronically. Our administrative office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. We are located at 24 Church Street West, Elmira. Alternatively, you may email your application and drawings to BuildingPermits@woolwich.ca
Once staff have received a complete application, the permit review will begin. You may be asked to provide additional information, details, or drawings before your permit is issued.
Can my contractor apply for a permit on my behalf?
Yes, a contractor or agent you authorize may apply for a permit on your behalf. Please note that if you authorize anyone as the applicant, they will receive all correspondence from staff regarding the permit application.
Can a homeowner complete their own drawings?
Yes, homeowners are permitted to design and submit for building permit for residential projects without qualifications, with respect to a house (plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and ancillary buildings such as garages, sheds, decks, and porches.
Review by an architect, engineer or other consultants may be required, determined by size or any proposed construction methods outside of the prescriptions of the Ontario Building Code.
How long will it take for my permit to be issued?
- The required building, planning, and engineering staff will review all residential applications within 10 business days, beginning the day after complete application submission. Non-residential applications may take up to 15 to 30 days for review.
- After staff review the application, the permit applicant will receive an invoice and notice that the permit is ready to be issued. If we require more information, staff will contact the applicant with questions and/or a list of issues that need to be addressed before we issue the permit.
- There is no legislated timeframe for further reviews once requests for further information is sent by Township staff. If there is missing or unclear information in your application, the review time will depend on the list of deficiencies that need to be addressed and any communication between the applicant and staff.
How much will my building permit cost and how can I pay?
Please refer to our Building Permit Fee Schedule for applicable fees. Payment is due once the permit is approved, and permit documents will be released once payment is received by the Township. Payment options are as follows:
- Cash, cheque, and debit card in-person at the Elmira administrative office
- Cheque by mail
- Credit or debit card via online portal. Please note that a 2.5% convenience fee applies to all online payments.
What should I do if there are proposed design changes after my permit is issued?
If changes are anticipated, revised drawings must be submitted to the building department for review as soon as possible to avoid delaying construction. Additional permit review fees may apply depending on the type and scope of changes.
Do building permits expire?
As per the Ontario Building Code, an issued permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. The Chief Building Official may revoke the permit after 6 months, at their discretion.
Can I cancel my building permit and get a refund?
A property owner can cancel their permit and receive a percentage of the fees returned as a permit refund. The amount of the refund depends on what stage your permit is in when cancelled.
When will I require a building inspection?
Your issued permit package will list all required inspections for the project which will depend on the type of construction. For typical residential new construction, the following inspections are required: Footing (prior to pouring concrete), Foundation (prior to backfill), underground drains, Framing, HVAC/Plumbing Rough-In, Insulation, Occupancy, Final.
How do I book a building inspection?
Inspection requests can be made through our online request form, via phone message, or by email. Please check the “Inspections” tab above for details.
What can I do if I believe construction is occurring without a permit?
If you see construction and are unsure if a permit is required or has been issued, please call Township building staff at 519-669-6042 and we will send an inspector to investigate if a permit is required or has been issued. Please ensure you can provide the address of the alleged construction.
I am moving to a new house and wish to complete work requiring a permit. Can I apply for a building permit before I take ownership?
You may apply for a permit prior to closing on your new property, however the permit cannot be issued until the ownership is transferred. Only the current registered owner or their authorized agent(s) may have a permit issued in their name on the property.
Does electrical and utility work require a building permit?
Electrical and utility work such as gas and hydro require permits through third parties such as the Electrical Safety authority (ESA), Enova Power or Enbridge Gas. Please inquire with individual utility companies prior to beginning any work. Work to Township services (water & sewer) typically require a plumbing permit through the building department.
Do I need a permit to build/install a fence?
No, permits are not required for fencing unless it is to surround a pool or non-lockable hot tub/swim spa with a depth of 36” or greater.
Fencing is a civil matter between neighboring property owners. It is best practice to obtain a survey of your property to confirm lot line locations, and if fencing is installed along lot lines, discuss the matter with neighboring property owners prior to construction. The Line Fences Act stopped applying to Woolwich Township in 2008 (By-law 15-2008).
Can I build an accessory dwelling unit (tiny home, mobile home, duplex, basement apartment) on my property?
The Township zoning by-law contains regulations for accessory dwelling units, depending on your property’s zoning. Please contact planning staff at planning@woolwich.ca or 519-669-6033 to discuss the potential for an accessory unit of any kind on your property.
