Building Permits

Update on COVID-19 measures in relation to construction activities

As of February 10, 2021, all residential construction projects and related construction activities and services including residential renovations across Ontario are allowed to commence and continue.

This also applies to residential construction in public health unit regions in a Shutdown Zone and in public health unit regions that are subject to COVID-19 Response Framework.

Restrictions on non-residential activities are still in effect in public health unit regions in a Shutdown Zone.

Once a public health unit region has been moved to the COVID-19 Response Framework, there will be no restrictions on construction activities.

Amendments have been made to O.Reg 82/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 1 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act and can be viewed on the Ontario Government's website.

Building permit information

You must obtain a building permit in order for us to ensure the Ontario Building Code and Municipal By-laws are met. View our Guide on How to Obtain a Building Permit for more information.

Please be advised that complete building permit applications are to be dropped off at the front desk. It is not necessary to schedule an appointment with the CBO to submit a permit application. If questions arise with respect to the building permit application, the Building Department will contact you and further, you will also be advised that the permit is ready for pickup and payment.

Applications and guidelines

Complete an Application for a Building Permit with SB-12 prescriptive method if you are planning to complete a new-build or an addition. For information on the prescriptive method, see page 6 of the application.
Complete an Application for Building Permit with SB-12 performance method if you are planning to complete a new-build or an addition. For more information on the performance method, see page 7 of the application.
Complete an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish when planning to build a deck, garage, shed, or complete a renovation or demolition.
Reference the Sample Site Plan. A site plan and two (2) sets of construction drawings are required to be submitted with building applications.
See the SB-12 Standards when looking to complete an Energy Efficiency Design Form for an application for a new-build.
Complete an Owner Authorization Form if you are not the owner of the property and you are completing the permit application. You may complete and submit the Owner Authorization Form online or you may print and submit the Owner Authorization Form.
Complete a Septic System Application when installing a new septic system or replacement.
Reference Sewage System Guidelines when looking for information on installing a new septic system.
If you're building a deck, see Northern Bruce Peninsula deck details. A layout drawing and a material list need to be submitted with the deck application form.
If you're assembling posts on decks, see the SB-7 post connection types.
For information on tent permits, see our Tent Permit Requirements.
You may reference our Mandatory Building Inspection Stages for more information on inspection stages.
The temporary occupancy of a trailer during the construction of a dwelling is permitted subject to the property owner entering into an agreement and posting securities with the Municipality.

Fees

For building related fees, please reference the Fees and Charges By-law. Cash, cheque or debit are the accepted means of payment for building permits.

Inspections

To book an inspection, contact Emily McDougall at (519) 793-3522 extension 226 or email admin@northernbruce.ca.
When booking an inspection, 48 hours' notice is required.
Regular inspections are required for all building and construction.
When looking for information on inspection stages, reference the Mandatory Building Inspection Stages.
It is a violation to proceed to the next stage without an inspection and may result in work having to be uncovered.

Zoning By-Law

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law manages land use within the Municipality. It states how land can be used, standards for use, and location and use of buildings and structures.

You are encouraged to view the Zoning Map Schedules to Zoning By-law 2002-54.

Bruce County Mapping allows members of the public to search properties by roll number, address, etc. You can apply various layers to the map, such as zoning and aerial views.

Official Plan

View our Official Plan which provides guidance in making decisions concerning future development and investment within the area. The Official Plan contains policies and goals for Tobermory, Lion's Head and Ferndale.