A drill, a house plan and a pencil

Building Permits

Permits and licences protect the outcome and investment value of a project. It confirms that the construction codes are being followed and met, and that your project is adhering to safety recommendations. 

Building permits are required for specific projects under the Building Code Act, to ensure the safety of the occupant with respect to fire, structural stability and energy efficiency to the minimum standards of the Ontario Building Code. Any work done without obtaining a building permit may result in a work order against the property or even the loss of a sale.

The building permit application form is available for download or can be acquired at the Town Hall.

When is a building permit necessary?
Always verify with the Building Department before starting a project.
  • Any new construction, including accessory dwellings (apartments), residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial or institutional buildings.
  • The addition of a carport, a detached or attached garage
  • Alterations to the existing building, such as a new terrace, balcony, awning or skylight.
  • Replacement of windows or doors where structural modifications are required.
  • Structural modifications and renovations (removal of a load-bearing wall, etc.)
  • Installation of a wood stove
  • Finishing a basement
  • Change of use of the existing building (e.g.: residential to commercial)
  • Modification to the structure of a roof (which does not include replacement of shingles)
  • Construction of a retaining wall more than 1 metre high
  • Installation or modification to the plumbing system
  • Installation of solar panels on a building or on a stand
  • Excavation for modifications and repairs to the foundation or French drain.
  • Construction or installation of a detached structure larger than 160 square feet.
  • Construction or installation of any pool (inground/above ground)
  • Installation of interlocking stones for stairs to an entrance.
  • Construction of a new dwelling or addition.
  • Transformation of a garage into a dwelling or living quarters.
  • Creation of a new dwelling unit within the same building.
  • Installation of an above ground or in ground pool, spa, hot tubs.
  • Installation of a solid fuel burning appliance/and chimney, outdoor boilers.
  • Renovation to the building including basement, or alteration of room size.
  • Construction of a farm building, coverall shelter, silo and lagoon.
  • Construction of a greenhouse.
  • Demolition of all or part of a building (not farm buildings).
  • Construction of a new foundation for an existing building.
  • Installation of water/sewer connections.
  • Installation of a septic system (See also the South Nation Conservation Authority).
  • Installation of wood stoves and fireplaces.

Building permits are not required for the following projects

Projects that do not require a building permit:

  • Detached structure of less than 160 square feet.
  • Installation of an air conditioning unit.
  • Demolition of a farm building.
  • Replacement of asphalt shingles.
  • Replacement of windows of the same size.
  • Installation of a temporary 'Tempo' garage

Fees

The Permit fee is based on the size of the project. Additional fees may include development charges, service connection charges, performance deposits or others.

The permit process, step-by-step
  1. Visit or call your Building Department.
  2. Submit application. Other documents may also be required for your project.
  3. Wait. The review process may take a few days or weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
  4. Receive results of review. If the project is in compliance with building and zoning regulations, a permit will be issued. If denied, you can always make the proper revisions to the application and resubmit.
  5. Receive permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
  6. Call for inspections. Each building project has to be inspected at different stages. These are indicated on your building permit.

Samples and Information
When is a building Permit Required

Documents Required in Order to Obtain a Building Permit

Sample Plans for Accessory Building

Sample Deck Plans

Renovation, demolition or construction

Anyone wishing to renovate, demolish or build a building on their property must first obtain a building or demolition permit.

Entrance Permit or Road Cut Permit

Entrance Permits are to be used to obtain permission from the Public Works Department to construct an entrance to a property from a municipal road. A Road Cut Permit is required prior to digging on a Township road. This permit is issued by the Superintendent of Public Works. The forms are bilingual by default. Unilingual forms can be given on request.

Pool Enclosure Permit

Form
The permit application form is available on our website or in person at Town Hall.

Cost and Required Documentation
 The cost of a pool permit is $252. The permit application form and a location plan must be submitted.

Information Pamphlets

Temporary Garages

The installation of a temporary garage or Tempo garage in the Township of Alfred and Plantagenet shall not be permitted before October 15 of the current year and it shall be removed by April 30 of the following year. The removal of the temporary garage shall include the entire structure.

Should you wish to install one permanently, you will need to fill out a building permit and contact the construction department for further details.

Stating By-Law number 2014-42.