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Building Permits

The Building Department ensures that all construction in the Town meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code Act. This includes reviewing building plans, issuing permits, processing and administering building and development applications, and inspecting construction projects to confirm compliance and safety.

Why Permits Matter

Building permits are written authorizations issued by the Chief Building Official (CBO) under the Building Code Act and By-Law 12 of 2020.

They are required to ensure that construction work:

  • Complies with the Ontario Building Code and applicable laws
  • Is protected from structural failure
  • Reduces fire hazards, electrical shock risk, and other health and safety issues
  • Includes a permanent record of inspections and work completed

Construction can only begin once the appropriate permit has been approved. All permit applications listed below may be submitted electronically to the Chief Building Official.

Types of Permits & Applications

Building/Demolition & Construction:

Other Resources:

Plumbing:

Deck and Accessory Structures: 

  • Construction of a new building
  • Renovation, repair or addition to a building including:
    • finishing a basement
    • replacement of brick veneer
    • dormers or finishing of attic space
    • additions to existing buildings
    • insulating of exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
  • Demolishing a building
  • Change a building's use (commercial, industrial & institutional) and includes home occupations
  • Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
  • Adding or removing most walls (i.e. creating different room sizes and/or uses)
  • Installation of new or completion of structural alterations to windows or doors
  • Building a garage, balcony or deck (including attached or detached garages and sheds, carports, porches, sunrooms, and solariums)
  • Excavation of a basement or construction of a foundation
  • Installation or modification of fireplaces including:
    • new fireplaces
    • completion of roughed-in fireplaces
    • installation of wood-burning stoves
    • installation of cleanouts
    • reconstruction of a chimney
    • replacement of masonry chimney below roofline

  • Replace existing, same-size doors and windows,
  • Build a utility shed under 160 square feet subject to setbacks from property lines
  • Erect a fence (except for swimming pools - outside pools require permits)
  • Install eaves troughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
  • Damp-proof basements
  • Replace existing forced-air furnace, provided there are not structural changes
  • Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air systems, provided there are not structural changes (roof top units)
  • Electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority must inspect electrical installations)
  • Paint or decorate
  • Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
  • Pool heaters
  • Landscaping
  • Free-standing satellite dishes
  • Replace a plumbing fixture only

Contact Us

57 West Street, Goderich, 
ON N7A 2K5
Phone: 519-524-8344
Email: townhall@goderich.ca

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