Building Department FAQ
When are building permits required?
A Building Permit is mandatory, in accordance with The Ontario Building Code Act, when any erection, installation, extension, repair, or material alteration of a building takes place. As well, prefabricated building units moved to Saugeen Shores, or buildings to be demolished require permits.
What construction types require permits?
Permits are required if you wish to:
- Construct a New Home
- Add a Carport, Garage, or Rooms to an existing home
- Install New Rooms in the Basement or Attic
- Any structural work including Interior Partitions
- Add Dormers
- Enclose a Porch - Roof over a Sun Deck
- Repairs or Renovations
- Raise the house to provide a Full Basement or First Storey
- Excavate the Basement to provide a Full Basement
- Add structural features such as Decks, Balconies, Canopies, Porches, etc.
- Accessory Buildings such as Garage, Utility Shed (separate from the house) (See our staff re: Allowable size)
- Fence (Only when surrounding a Pool)
- Install an above or in-ground Pool
- Install Signs
- Inquire regarding Change of Occupancy
What are my responsibilities regarding building permits?
It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain a building permit. Also to ensure that the building permit is posted and the approved plans are kept on the job site.
When are building permits NOT required?
When you do non-structural work such as:
- Painting
- Landscaping, Walkways, Driveways
- Kitchen Cupboards
- Siding
- Shingling
How do I obtain a building permit?
You will be required to complete and sign an Application Form which is available at the Saugeen Shores Municipal Office – Building Department. Site Plan and Drawings must accompany the application and should include sufficient detail to show compliance with The Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-laws and all other applicable Laws and Regulations. A fee, as described in The Town of Saugeen Shores Building By-law (36-2003), will be charged and must be paid before the Permit can be released. Development Charges may be applicable. (Refer to the Development Charge schedule).
Building Permit Application Form
Building Permit Fee Schedule
Development Charges - Pamphlet & Fee Schedule
What information must be provided to obtain a permit?
Some or all of the following is required to obtain a building permit:
- Identify and describe in detail the work and proposed occupancy, if any.
- Include a description of the land that will readily identify and locate the lands where the building is or is intended to be situated.
- If required by the Chief Official, be accompanied by two sets of plans and specifications.
- State the valuation of the proposed work and be accompanied by the required fee.
- State the names, addresses and telephone number of the owner, authorized agent, architect, engineer, or other designer and constructor.
- If required by the Chief Official, be accompanied by a Letter of Opinion, by a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, that the lands identified in the application are owned by the person named as owner in the application.
- If required by the Chief Official, be accompanied by Engineering Reports in respect to all or any part of the work contemplated.
- Be signed by the owner or his authorized agent who shall certify the truth of the information provided in the application.
What are my responsibilities once I obtain my permit?
- Post your Building Permit, to be seen from the street or road.
- A copy of your approved Building Plans should be kept on the Construction Site and available during inspection.
What must I do if changes in the Building plans are required?
If, during the course of construction, changes or modifications are made to the design submitted, the owner is responsible to make application to The Building Department. Drawings may be required.
