Before applying for any building permits, you must first know whether your construction plans meet legal zoning and property uses. One example of a zoning requirement is the minimum distance needed between an addition and your property line. Visit our Zoning Dashboard to see more.
Building and Renovation
The Building Services team is here to support residents, builders and developers with construction and renovation projects throughout Saugeen Shores. We provide guidance on permits, zoning, and application requirements, and ensure all projects meet applicable regulations.
We issue permits and help with:
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Sign permits and variances
All applications are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the Town’s Zoning By-law.
For detailed information on how to apply for a building permit, including required documentation and associated fees, please visit our Building Permits page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You must comply with all applicable laws when starting a build. This may include:
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Regulations from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. This process requires added time and money.
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Site plan control regulations (R1 and R2 exempt).
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Private septic system placement relative to construction, if applicable.
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Any regrading work, which does not negatively affect your neighbour's drainage. All new house construction requires a Lot Grading and Drainage Plan, prepared by a professional engineer (P.Eng), certified engineering technologist (CET) or Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) as applicable.
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Approval from a condominium board by way of a letter or email, if applicable.
How do I obtain a building permit?
The online building permit system, Cloudpermit allows you to apply and see the status of your application anywhere, at any time. It allows you to start an application and finish it later.
Cloud permit also works as a communication tool allowing you to receive email updates on the status of your permit application.
Need help getting started with Cloudpermit? A step-by-step guide is available to help you login and submit your first application.
If you are having difficulty using Cloudpermit, please contact the Building Department for assistance at building@saugeenshores.ca or 519-832-2008 ext. 118. You can also access support through Cloudpermit's online portal.
When is a building permit not required?
You do not need a building permit for non-structural work, such as:
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Painting
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Landscaping
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Kitchen cupboards
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Siding
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Shingling
How much does a building permit cost?
View a list of our classes of permits and permit fees. Contact our office at building@saugeenshores.ca if you need help determining your fee.
The following is a list for fees associated with building new buildings or structures:
Residential Construction
Finished spaces: $9.35 per m²
(Minimum fee: $165.18)
Unfinished spaces: $6.06 per m²
(Minimum fee: $165.18)
Commercial Buildings (Group D & E)
$11.17 per m²
(Minimum fee: $165.18)
Assembly / Institutional Buildings (Group A & B)
$12.27 per m²
(Minimum fee: $165.18)
Industrial Buildings (Group F1, F2, F3)
$8.44 per m²
(Minimum fee: $165.18)
Accessory Buildings (Small buildings under Part 9, non-farm)
$6.06 per m²
(Minimum fee: $165.18)
Other Fees
Demolition permit: $171.85
Letter of Compliance: $111.45
Letter of Compliance (rush, within 48 hours): $164.06
What information must be provided to obtain a permit?
Please see Section 3.2 of our Building By-law for more detailed information about complete application requirements for specific types of buildings.
Our permit review process depends on many factors, such as the class of building, completeness of the building application and volume of permit applications.
10-day time period
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A detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse or row house where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit
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A detached structure that serves a building described in Clause (a) and does not exceed 55 m² in building area
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A tent to which Section 3.14 of Division B applies
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A sign to which Section 3.15 of Division B applies
15-day time period
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Buildings described in Clauses 1.1.2.4 (1)(a), (b) or (c) of Division A, other than buildings described in the 10- or 30-day time periods
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Farm buildings that do not exceed 600 m² in building area
20-day time period
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Buildings described in Classes 1.1.2.2. (1)(a) or (b) of Division A, other than buildings described in the 10- or 30-day time periods
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Farm buildings exceeding 600 m² in building area
30-day time period
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Post-disaster buildings
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Buildings to which Subsection 3.2.6 of Division B or any provision in Articles 3.2.8.3 to 3.2.8.11 of Division B applies
If your application is approved, we will call you to advise that your building permit has been issued. If your application cannot be approved, we will send you an email or letter with further information on what is still needed.
How many inspections do I need?
The number of inspections depends on the complexity of the work and will normally be assigned with the building permit. You can find a list of required inspections for your permit on the "WORK" tab of Cloudpermit. The person who has been issued the permit is required to notify Building Services during various stages of the project's construction.
What are my responsibilities regarding building permits?
It is the owner's responsibility to obtain a building permit, ensure that the building permit is posted and that the approved plans are kept on the job site.
Once obtained post your building permit so it can be seen from the street or road.
Keep a copy of your approved building plans on the construction site and have them available during inspection.
Requests for permit inspections are to be made at least 48 hours in advance. For more information, visit Building Inspections.
What must I do if changes to the building plans are required?
During construction, if changes or modifications are made to the original design, the owner is responsible to submit a plan resubmission through their current Building Permit on Cloudpermit. Drawings are required.
How can I learn more about additional residential units?
An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a self-contained residence, with kitchen and bathroom facilities, on a property with a single-detached house, semi-detached house or townhouse. They can be inside or outside your home. Previously, ARUs were referred to as Secondary Dwelling Units, since only one could be added to a property. See our ARU building permit information.
Call Before You Dig
If you are planning a home improvement project that requires digging such as planting a tree or putting up a fence, you are responsible for getting locates on all utilities and services before digging. These services include:
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Natural gas pipes
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Telephone lines
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Hydro
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Cable lines
Contact Us
Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140