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Building Permits

Building Permits

The Building Department reviews all building plans to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. They also process and administer building/development applications for the Town of Goderich and inspect all ongoing construction for compliance with the Building Code.

A building permit is written permission or written authorization from the Chief Building Official of the Town of Goderich to perform work regulated by By-Law 12 of 2020 of the Corporation of the Town of Goderich and the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, C.23, as amended, or to change the use of a building or part of a building or parts thereof. The Town of Goderich must approve all plans for new structures, additions or renovations within the municipality. This ensures that construction follows the Building Code and other applicable laws, and that any structural changes are safe. 

Plumbing Permits: Plumbing is the responsibility of our Building Department. For inquiries, contact 519-524-8344 ext. 222.

All building and plumbing permits may be submitted electronically to the Chief Building Official.

 You need a building permit for:
  • 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
 You do not need a building permit for:
  • Replace existing, same-size doors and windows,
  • Build a utility shed under 108 square feet (10 square metres) 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

Permits, Applications, By-laws, and Other Information

Building and Demolition

Building/Demolition Permit Application

General Review/Commitment Certificate

Letter of Commitment

Letter of Undertaking

Building By-Law

Building Fees

Decks and Accessory Structures

Deck Requirements

Accessory Structure Requirements 

Development Charges 

Development Charges By-Law

Development Charges Fees 

Development Charges Memo

Plumbing 

Application for Plumbing and Site Services

Signs

Sign By-Law

Sign Permit Application

Sandwich Board Sign Agreement

Heritage

Heritage Permit Kit Guide and Application Form

Heritage By-Law

Restoration and Façade Application By-Law

Heritage Tax Refund Program Application