Applications are now available online at Cloudpermit.com

Sample Site Plan (PDF)

Building Permit Fees (PDF)

Building Permit By-law (PDF)

Commitment to General Review (for Architects and Engineers) (PDF)

Site Alteration By-law (PDF)

Swimming Pool, Hot Tub and Enclosure Information

Swimming Pool By-law (PDF)

Development Charges: January 2023 (PDF)

Water on Construction Fee (PDF)

A building permit is a document that grants legal permission to start construction of a 'building' as defined by the Building Code Act of Ontario.  A Building Permit is your formal permission to begin construction or demolition.  It signifies that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has reviewed your plans for a new structure, addition or renovation. These plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Building permits regulate the type of construction allowed in the community and help to ensure building standards, codes and applicable by-laws are adhered to. The building permit process protections each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community and helps to make certain that the health, safety and welfare of the building occupants is upheld.

A building permit is required for the following:

• a shed that is greater than 15 m² in gross area  [a permit is not needed if it is less than 15 m², not more than one storey in building height; not attached to a building or any other structure; is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot; and does not have plumbing]
• any other structure that is 108 square feet (10 square metres) or greater
• uncovered decks that are 2 feet or greater above finished grade
• inground and above ground pools
• interior renovations and repairs if structural and plumbing is involved
• finished basements
• damp proof basements
• additions to existing buildings
• demolition of an existing structure
• convert a use of the building
• replacing sewer or sanitary lines

You do not need a building permit to:

• replace existing, same size doors and windows
• install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
• a shed that is less than 15 m² in gross area 
• any other structure that is 108 square feet (10 square metres) or less
• re-shingle a roof, provided there is not structure work
• install eavestroughs, provided the drainage is contained on your property
• paint or decorate
• re-install/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing;
• erect a fence, subject to fence by-law (except for swimming pools and hot tubs which require a permit)
• re-tiling
• carpeting
• floors

Building Services are striving to become completely digital for all submissions and documentation required from applications.  

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has recently introduced Cloudpermit, a community development software that accepts and issues complete building permits online. Cloudpermit gives customers access to a simple and efficient online application process and provides self-service options to check the status of a building permit. 

Apply for a Building Permit Using Cloud Permit

It is unlawful to start construction without the necessary permits. If you began construction, you may be ordered to stop work, ordered to remove work already completed, building fees will be increased, or legal action may be initiated by the Building Department. Please contact Building Services if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project.

The property owner must apply for the permit. Alternatively, they can provide authorization in writing for a contractor, designer, or authorized agent to apply on behalf of them.

Depending on the type of construction, you will generally require the following to submit an application:

• drawing set including floors plans, elevations, sections, and details
• site plan
• engineered drawings

For a more detailed list specific to the type of construction you are applying for, please see the Building Services home page.

New properties will be formally assigned a municipal address when a building permit has been issued for the property.

Drawings must be legible and drawn to scale.  They must be completed by either the property owner or a qualified designer with a BCIN number.  Electronic drawings (drawn to scale) in PDF format are strongly recommended and preferred.  Incomplete drawings will not be accepted and may delay the issuance of a building permit.

Inspections are required during the construction of your project to ensure that all work is done in compliance with the approved plans. Inspection stages are outlined when a permit is issued. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that they or their contractor contacts the Town to request an inspection before the next stage of construction is required.

2023 Building Fees - Appendix F 

There may be other applicable fees on top of the building permit cost. These may include but not limited to: Regional and/or Municipal Development Charges, Heavy Loading Charges, Water Meter Fee (for new water meters), Lot Grading Deposit (for lots smaller than 1 acre), Damage Deposit, etc. There may also be other fees outlined in Subdivision Agreements.  Once your application has been reviewed and you have paid our initial permit fee, you will be notified of the balance of the funds and these must be paid prior to issuance of the permit.

The purpose of Development Charges is to recover the growth-related costs associated with the capital infrastructure needed to service new development. Services include water, sewer, roads, fire facilities, library facilities and materials, parkland and recreation.

Once the application is completed and all necessary documents, approvals and forms have been submitted, the application is then processed. The application is initially reviewed to ensure compliance with all applicable zoning by-laws. If they do not comply with zoning regulations, they will be directed to Planning Services. A plans examiner will evaluate the drawings to ensure they meet all the requirements and regulations of the Ontario Building Code as well as all other applicable regulations. The application is then reviewed by a Building Inspector who confirms compliance. The Chief Building Official reviews, signs and issues the permit.

A building inspector reviews projects during key stages of construction to ensure work complies with the Building Code and the plans originally submitted for review. The inspector may visit a site several times depending on the project.

Please call (905) 468-3266, to request a building inspection appointment. If leaving a message please be clear as to the location and include the permit file number, municipal address, the owner of the property, the day in which the inspection is required and the type of inspection. Our inspectors will do their best to fill your request, however, specific times are not assigned. Please note that a minimum notice of 48 hours is required to book an inspection.

Please call before you dig!!

There is a free service called "Ontario One Call" which will visit your property and mark all underground utility lines.  Visit their website at:  ontarioonecall.ca or they can be reached by calling 1-800-400-2255.

Although the permit is good for one year from the date it was issued, you have six months to commence work. The permit continues as long as the work is on-going. Work that has not progressed six months from the date the permit was issued may be eligible to be revoked by the Chief Building Official.

A permit is required for the installation of an inground and above ground pool as well as a hot -tub.  The process is the same as for a regular building application.

Both the the Pool and Fence By-law regulations are managed through the By-law Enforcement Division and information on these by-laws can be found on the following page:

https://www.notl.com/town-services/law-enforcement

For further questions, please contact By-law Enforcement at (905) 468-3266 (Ext. 278)

If your property is designated on our heritage registry, you may require a heritage permit prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please contact our Heritage Planner for confirmation and information on applying for a heritage permit.

All sign inquiries should be directed to By-law Enforcement at (905) 468-3266. The building department only issues sign permits for large engineered signs.

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake does not issue electrical permits. For information please contact Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro at (905) 468-4235 or visit their office at 8 Henegan Road, Virgil.

Other approvals that may be required prior to the issuance of a building permit include:

• heritage permit from the Municipal Heritage Committee
• septic permit from the Niagara Region Health Department
• development permit from the Niagara Escarpment Commission
• permit from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
• entrance permit from the Town's Operations Department