When applying for a building permit, there are some things you'll need or may have to consider:

• A site plan and grading plan by a land surveyor or engineer is required for new homes in residential areas.
• A property site plan is needed for accessory structures. Our example site plan gives you an idea of what we're looking for.
• Some projects may require the approval of other agencies like the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Transportation, and more.
• Multi-unit residential, commercial, industrial, etc. are subject to site plan control.

Once a complete application with all requirements is received by our staff, they follow the Ontario Building Code Act timelines for reviewing and communicating with the applicant:

• 10 business days for residential application
• 15 business days for a small commercial application
• 30 business days for a large commercial application 

Once the application has been reviewed and is ready to be issued, applicants are notified of fees owing by Cloudpermit.

Cheques, cash, or debit cards can be processed at the Municipal Administration Centre at 1475 Concession 5, Kincardine. 

Once the payment is received, the permit is issued on Cloudpermit.

Before you start construction of any time, contact us by e-mail or phone at 519-396-3468 ext. 2 so that we can help you understand if you need a building permit.

Some projects that require a permit (but not limited to) are:

• Building a new building or structure greater than 108 ft². Our accessory building guide is a great resource!
• Building any addition or making structural changes. Learn more about adding a second unit to your home.
• Renovations or repairs to existing buildings
• Building a deck. Use our deck guide to help make your plans.
• Finishing an unfinished basement
• Adding or changing the size of doors or windows
• Creating a new entrance
• Installing a wood burning stove or fireplace
• Plumbing including adding a washroom or altering existing plumbing
• Septic systems
• New insulation
• Connection to municipal water
• Change the use of a building
• Installing a swimming pool. Use our pool guide to help you learn more.
• Demolish a house or building greater than 108 ft2. Don't forget that BEFORE you demolish anything it's your responsibility to contact the water department and your hydro provider (HydroOne or Westario). Following a demolition, make sure you also submit Form 357 to our treasury department.

There are some projects that don't require a permit like:

• Replacing existing doors and windows that are the same size.
• Installing siding on small residential buildings
• Building a roofless deck that has an area of less than 108 ft² and the maximum height off the ground is under 2 ft (0.61 m).
• An accessory building that is less than 108 ft 2 (like a garden shed.) It must be in a side or rear yard with a minimum setback of 1 m from property lines.
• Re-shingle roof
• Drywall or plaster
• Painting or decorating
• Installing kitchen or bathroom cupboards
• Installing a fence on your own property - but please call us at 519-396-3468 ext. 2 if you're on a corner lot, first!

Check out our tent permit requirements.

A building permit is required for tents or groups of tents that are:

• greater than 646 ft² (60 m²).
• Assembled less than 9'-10” (3 m) from other buildings or structure (another tent).
• Tents greater than 2421 ft² (225 m²) also require engineered drawings and a Commitment for General Review signed and submitted with the permit application.