It's a document that gives you permission to undertake a construction project. According to the Ontario Building Code Act, you must obtain a permit to construct a building, enlarge or alter a building or structure where the area of the structure exceeds 15 square meters (161 square feet). In Casselman, construction permits are issued by the Building Service.
Construction permits enable the Municipality to protect your interests and those of the community. By reviewing and approving your construction plans before work begins, we ensure that the buildings erected will comply with the requirements set forth by:
You must apply for and obtain a permit before undertaking any work. After obtaining the permit, a building inspector will visit your site.
Here is a list of common projects that require a construction permit. The list is not exhaustive. If your project is not listed or if you are unsure whether a permit is required, please contact the building inspector.
Here is a list of common projects for which you do not need to apply for a construction permit. The list is not exhaustive. If your project is not listed or if you are unsure, please contact the building inspector.
If you start your construction project before obtaining the required permit and approvals, the inspector may order the work to stop or even demolished. Additionally, you may be required to pay double permit fees and could potentially receive a fine. Development charges apply to new constructions, additions, and certain other construction works.
Fees are payable when the permit is issued
Annex A: Permit Class and Fees | ||
| Permit Class | Fees | |
| 1 | Group "C" - Single-family dwelling (house) | Minimum of $1,800 + $0.75 per square foot beyond 2,500 square feet of area |
| 2 | Group "C" - Multi-residential (2 units or more) (includes adding a unit in a single-family dwelling) | $1,600 per unit |
| 3 | Group "C" - Additions and major renovations (at the discretion of the BCA) | Minimum of $625 + $0.88 per square foot beyond 600 square feet of area |
| 4 | Group "C" - Garage, carport, minor renovations, accessory building (serving only one residential unit.) | Minimum of $170 + $0.40 per square foot beyond 300 square feet of area |
| 5 | Group "C" - Terraces and minor renovations | Minimum of $170 + $0.40 per square foot beyond 300 square feet of area |
| 6 | Group "A", "B", "D", "E", "F" - New construction | Minimum of $1,000 + $1.25 per square foot beyond 2,000 square feet of area |
| 7 | Group "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F" - Additions and major renovations (At the discretion of the BCA) | Minimum of $1,100 + $0.65 per square foot beyond 1,500 square feet of area |
| 8 | Group "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F" - Minor renovation (at the discretion of the BCA) | Minimum of $450 + $0.75 per square foot beyond 1,000 square feet of area |
| 9 | Group "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F" - Fabric-covered structure | Minimum of $275 + $0.15 per square foot beyond 1,000 square feet of area |
| 10 | Agricultural buildings | Minimum of $850 + $0.25 per square foot beyond 5,000 square feet of area |
| 11 | Agricultural buildings - silos, grain silos, manure storage, dryer | $175 |
| 12 | Other permits: Designated structures (other than those listed below) | $175 |
| 13 | Designated structures - Residential - "solar panels" | $225 |
| 14 | Designated structures - Non-residential - "solar panels" | $1,100 |
| 15 | Construction permit when construction has begun without a building permit being issued | Construction permit cost multiplied by 2 |
| 16 | Plan review | Fifty percent (50%) of the construction permit cost according to schedule "A", minimum of $150 |
| 17 | Plan review (change of house model) | $325 |
| 18 | Special event permit (e.g., tents) (at the discretion of the BCA) | $80 |
| 19 | Solid fuel combustion appliances (e.g., wood stoves, fireplaces, etc.) | $150 |
| 20 | Plumbing permit | $11.00 per plumbing fixture, minimum of $110 |
| 21 | Demolition permit - residential demolition Demolition permit - commercial demolition | $150 $300 |
| 22 | Grade leveling deposit | Deposit of $1,000 if the value of the work is less than $100,000 - Deposit of $2,000 if the value of the work is more than $100,000 |
| 23 | Agency approval letter - building compliance report | $160 |
| 24 | Peer review (engineering fees, studies, reports, plans, etc.) | At the expense of the applicants + 15% administrative fees |
| 25 | Conditional permit | $175.00 + Cost of the full permit according to the permit class |
| 26 | Group "F" - new construction | Minimum of $1,000 + $0.28 per square foot beyond 350,000 square feet of area |
Note 1: Single-family dwelling (house) does not include attached storage garage or terraces. Fees for storage garages and terraces will be charged according to their respective classes, as outlined in Annex "A" of this municipal regulation.
Note 2: This permit class includes: Designated structures as defined in the Building Code, Change of use without construction proposal, Permit renewal, Transfer of ownership of an active building permit to a new owner, Temporary permit, or others at the discretion of the Chief Building Official.
Note 3: For the purposes of this schedule, area is defined as the gross floor area of the building as defined by this municipal regulation.
Note 4: Group "C" - Class 2: Multi-residential buildings.
| Annex B : Refundable Fees | |
| Value of works | Refundable fees |
| Less than $24,999.99 | $100.00 |
| $25,000.00 to $99,999.99 | $500.00 |
| $100,000.00 to $299,999.99 | $1,000.00 |
| $300,000.00 to $499,999.99 for residential construction | $2,000.00 |
| Equal to or greater than $500,000.00 for residential construction | $5,000.00 |
| Equal to or greater than $300,000.00 for non-residential construction | $5,000.00 |
Note 1: The value of the work is calculated as follows:
1) Residential buildings in Group "C" are based on $150 per square foot or the contract price, whichever is higher.
2) Buildings in Groups "A", "B", "D", "E", and "F" are based on $100.00 per square foot or the contract price, whichever is higher.
3) Agricultural buildings are based on $75.00 per square foot or the contract price, whichever is higher.
4) All other types of work are based on the contract value.
Note 2: Once a permit has been issued by the Chief Building Official, except as per Note 3 of this municipal regulation, the refundable fee will be refunded in whole or in part to the permit holder in accordance with the following provisions:
1) One hundred percent (100%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are fully completed within one (1) year from the date of permit issuance,
2) Seventy-five percent (75%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are fully completed within two (2) years from the date of permit issuance,
3) Fifty percent (50%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are fully completed within three (3) years from the date of permit issuance,
4) Twenty-five percent (25%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are completed within four (4) years from the date of permit issuance,
5) No refund of the refundable fee will be granted if the work and all required inspections are not fully completed within four (4) years from the date of permit issuance. This will not release the permit holder from obligations under any regulation of any municipal by-law, the Building Code Act, or regulations made under it.
Note 3: Once a permit has been issued by the Chief Building Official, for any residential or non-residential permit with a construction value exceeding $500,000. The refundable fee will be refunded in whole or in part to the permit holder in accordance with the following provisions:
1) One hundred percent (100%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are fully completed within two (2) years from the date of permit issuance,
2) Seventy-five percent (75%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are fully completed within three (3) years from the date of permit issuance,
3) Fifty percent (50%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are fully completed within four (4) years from the date of permit issuance,
4) Twenty-five percent (25%) of the refundable fee will be refunded if the work and all required inspections are completed within five (5) years from the date of permit issuance,
5) No refund of the refundable fee will be granted if the work and all required inspections are not fully completed within five (5) years from the date of permit issuance. This will not release the permit holder from obligations under any regulation of any municipal by-law, the Building Code Act, or regulations made under it.
Note 4: The full or partial refund of the refundable fee shall not be deemed a waiver of any provision of any municipal by-law or requirement of the Building Code Act or regulations made under it. Additionally, the refund shall not be construed as a certification or guarantee that the building for which a permit has been issued meets all requirements of the Building Code Act or regulations made under it.
| Annex C: Grade Leveling Security Deposit | |
| Value of Work | Security Deposit |
| Less than $100,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Equal to or greater than $100,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
Note 1: The value of work is calculated as follows:
(1) Residential buildings in Group "C" are based on $150 per square foot or the contract price, whichever is higher.
(2) Buildings in Groups "A", "B", "D", "E", and "F" are based on $100.00 per square foot or the contract price, whichever is higher.
(3) Agricultural buildings are based on $75.00 per square foot or the contract price, whichever is higher.
(4) All other types of work are based on the contract value.
Note 2: The purpose of the security deposit is to enable the municipality to recover any costs incurred in the event of default by the permit holder to pay the fees associated with the examination and/or on-site inspections required for grading plans and their execution. The cost will be calculated as follows: the cost of the consultant retained by the municipality + 10% administrative fees.
Note 3: Once a permit has been issued by the Chief Building Official, the security deposit shall be refunded in full or in part to the permit holder in accordance with the following provisions:
One hundred percent (100%) of the security deposit is refundable if the grading works and all required inspections are fully completed and paid for by the permit holder, provided that no portion of the security deposit has been used to recover any costs associated with the grading plan.
In the event that a portion of the security deposit has been utilized by the municipality to recover costs as outlined in Note 2 of this schedule, the remaining portion of the security deposit shall be refunded to the permit holder.
Note 4: The total or partial refund of the security deposit shall not be deemed a waiver of any provision of any municipal by-law or requirement of the Building Code Act or regulations made thereunder. Furthermore, the refund shall not be construed as a certification or guarantee that the building for which a permit has been issued complies with all requirements of the Building Code Act or regulations made thereunder.
This guide will provide the necessary information to submit a building permit application for the construction of a detached garage/shed. Additionally, it aims to familiarize you with the reasons why drawings are required and what information needs to be provided. For further information, feel free to email construction@casselman.ca
According to the Ontario Building Code - Division C 1.3.1.1 (6), a detached one-storey shed, less than 15 m2 (161 sq ft) for accessory storage to the main building, does not require a building permit (the shed must not contain plumbing).
If your shed or garage exceeds these limitations, here are the documents required to submit a building permit application:
1. Application Form - Filled out and signed.
2. Schedule 1 - Providing information about the designer.
3. Site Plan - A site plan is used to show the building's location and its relationship with other buildings on the property and proximity to property lines. The plan must include property boundaries and clearance between the structure and property lines and other buildings.
4. Floor Plan - A floor plan gives an aerial view of the building's outline and provides structural information and a general layout. This drawing must include the location/size of wall openings and structural elements such as lintels and roof orientation.
5. Elevations - An elevation shows the overall appearance of the building and includes roof slopes, height from ground to top of wall, openings, etc.
6. Cross Section - A drawing showing a cut line through the building, which will provide several important pieces of information about the proposed construction. This drawing must include structural notes regarding floor and roof structure, foundation depth and construction, wall/floor/roof compositions, roof ventilation, etc.
Once all proposed work is approved, a building permit will be ready to be picked up and issued once all fees have been paid. The building code requires minimum fees of $170.00 for the first 300 sq ft and $0.40 for each additional square foot.
Required Inspections: All projects are different, and various inspections may be required at key stages, but typically for a shed/garage, inspections include the following. Please ensure to book your inspection 48 hours in advance by emailing construction@casselman.ca :
- Foundations if applicable (a shed/garage under 592 sq ft does not require compliance with frost protection requirements or engineer approval of slabs).
- Floor/mud sills if applicable.
- Framing once all structural elements have been constructed.
- Plumbing if applicable.
- Insulation/vapor barrier if applicable.
- Final inspection - ensure to provide an ESA certificate for electrical work done.
Grading:
The proposed construction under this permit must not alter existing lot grades. If modifications are made to existing grade to accommodate construction, a grading plan prepared by a qualified individual may be required to confirm that the modifications adhere to the property's existing drainage patterns. Subsequently, an on-site construction engineer review may be necessary to confirm that the work does not alter the original lot grade. In all cases, grading must not be significantly altered to negatively affect neighboring properties or other buildings on your own property.
Zoning:
The proposed construction must comply with the municipality's zoning by-law. Zoning information can be found by consulting the United Counties of Prescott and Russel at (UCPR) https://alacarte.prescott-russell.on.ca/Html5Viewer/Index.html?viewer=Public . For additional information regarding proximity to a property line, an email can be sent to: urbanisme-planning@casselman.ca
This guide includes the necessary information for submitting a permit application for the construction of a wooden deck. You will become familiar with the required information and details to provide, including the requested plans. For further information, email construction@casselman.ca
You need a permit when:
- Planning an attached or adjacent deck to a house with a floor surface more than 600 mm (23.5 inches) above ground level, regardless of the total dimension.
- Planning a deck serving a building other than a house, regardless of the height above ground.
- Planning a deck in front of the house leading to the main entrance, regardless of the height above ground.
If your wooden deck requires a permit, here is the list of documents required to submit a permit application:
1. Application Form - filled out and signed.
2. Schedule 1 - provides information about the designer.
3. Site Plan - The site plan shows the location of the building and its relationship with other buildings on the property and the proximity to property lines: The plan should indicate the property lot lines and the clearance of the structure from property lines and other buildings.
4. Floor Plan - the floor plan gives an overview of the structure and provides information on the structure and general layout. This drawing must include supporting elements such as piers, deck blocks, or other foundation systems; the size, spacing, and orientation of floor joists and beams. Ledgers bolted to the house must be indicated on the floor plan. Please indicate if the exterior cladding is brick. A ledger bolted through masonry requires approval from an engineer.
5. Cross Section - this drawing presents a cut line through the structure. It will provide important information about the proposed construction. This drawing must include structural notes regarding joist support, height above ground, type of guards and their height (manufactured guards must be provided with engineer-approved specifications), decking type, stairs, etc.
Once all proposed work has been approved, a building permit can be issued and delivered once all fees have been paid. The building code requires minimum fees of $170 for the first 300 square feet and $0.40 for each additional square foot.
Mandatory inspections:
Please ensure to book your inspection 48 hours in advance by emailing construction@casselman.ca
Inspections are carried out in the following order:
1. Footings inspection, (if needed).
2. Floor structure before board installation.
3. Final inspection once all structural elements are in place and elements such as guards, stairs, and decking type are completed.
Considerations when building a deck:
- Size of Joists: While wood elements such as 2x4s or 2x6s can provide structural integrity from one supporting member to another, a larger size of lumber is often needed due to cantilevering joists and predetermined calculations for guards using larger-sized lumber. It is important to consult approved plans, provincial standards, and manufacturer requirements regarding joist size.
- Attachment to the House: When a deck is attached to the house using a ledger board, it is important to note that other supporting foundations must also be below the frost line. Deck blocks are not allowed to attach a deck to a house.