This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot b8c4b30cdffd · verified 2026-09-27 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
# Building Permits
If you're building, demolishing, or making changes to a building in the City of Cornwall, you will need a building permit. They help to ensure you meet provincial laws, zoning requirements and safety standards. Getting a Building Permit is how you ensure that the construction on your home or building is safe and follows the rules of the Ontario Building Code.
As the property owner, you are responsible for getting the required building permit. While you can ask your contractor to handle your application, you need to make sure you have an approved permit before starting construction.
## Apply for a Building Permit
To apply, please email us your completed application or you can drop it off in person to the Building & By-Law Division at the Cornwall Civic Complex on the Second Floor at 100 Water St E. If you have any questions about building permits or which forms apply to your project, please call us at 613-930-2787 ext. 2355.
Depending on your project, you may need the following forms:
* Building Permit Application
* Fence & Pool Enclosure Permit Application
* Schedule 1: Designer Information
* Schedule 3: Consent and Acknowledgment (Agent Authorization)
* Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Prescriptive Method
* Energy Efficiency Design Summary: Performance and Other Acceptable Compliance Methods
* Responsibility Review Form for Roof Truss/Engineered Floor System/LVLS
* Commitment to General Review Form
* Applicable Law Checklist
* Deck Guide
* Siding Form
* Accessory Building Form
* Plumbing Drawing Requirements
Your permit will list the inspections you'll need for your project. Before you start each new part of the job, you or your contractor must contact us to schedule an inspection.
## Building Permit Fees
To find out how much your permit will cost, please view the 2026 Fee Schedule. The price is calculated from your building's size and type. The minimum charge is $274. For residential projects, we charge by the square foot. For a business or other non-residential building, we charge based on the total project's estimated value.
## Septic System Permits
You need a permit from South Nation Conservation to install or alter a private sewage system like a septic system. This agency manages these permits for land development, new construction and inspections
## Zoning Requirements
You cannot get a building permit if your project does not follow the City's zoning standards Zoning. These rules cover what the land can be used for, how far a building must be from property lines, and how much of the lot it can cover.
## Does your project need a building permit?
A building permit is required for any construction, demolition or renovation, unless it is listed as an exception. This rule applies to both the interior and exterior of a building. There are no exemptions for work done only on the inside.
Construction projects
| |
| --- |
| New construction projects that need a permit include: * New buildings greater than 15m² (160 ft²) in size (the area of the building's footprint) * New buildings that have plumbing regardless of its size * Any addition to an existing building regardless of its size * Concrete porches * Decks (exceptions may apply) * Detached or attached garages and carports * Solariums * Dormer additions * Sunrooms * Installing or changing a fence or a swimming pool fence enclosure * Tents with 60 m² (645 ft²) or more ground area |
Demolition and alteration projects
Demolition and alteration projects that need a permit include:
* Demolishing any building greater than 15m² (160 ft²) in size
* Adding, removing or altering a structural wall or column
* Adding, removing or altering a non-loadbearing partition
* Changing the use of a building
* Installing a basement entrance
* Relocating a building
* Changing a fireplace from gas to wood or solid fuel burning
* Roughing in a bathroom or washroom
* Installing a fireplace or wood stove
* Renovating a dwelling to provide a full basement
* Construction separate rooms in a basement
* Installing an accessory apartment
* Installing any new plumbing piping
* Repairing or installing an on-site sewage system
* Connecting to municipal sanitary and storm sewers
* Installing a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
* Installing an exterior sign
* An underground sprinkler system connected to building plumbing
* Installing a solar hot water system
* Recycling grey water to reduce water use
* Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels
* Replacing an exterior wall or cladding
Exceptions
| |
| --- |
| Please note that the list of exceptions is a general guide and may not cover every situation: * Constructing detached accessory buildings less than 15m² (160 ft²) in area * Replacing plumbing fixtures or water heaters * Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump * Electrical projects (Consult the Electrical Safety Authority) * Kitchen or bathroom cupboards * Painting and decorating * Maintenance and repairs * Replacing windows or doors (same size openings) * Replacing roofing or shingles * Retaining walls less than 1m in height * Sidewalks, planters and landscaping * Garden pergolas and gazebos that do not have a solid roof |
## Housing project guides
You can visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MNAH) for project guides for:
* Adding a second unit to your home
* Building or buying a tiny home
* Building a modular house
Contact Us
**City of Cornwall**
360 Pitt Street
Cornwall, ON, K6J 3P9
Telephone: **613-930-2787**
Sign up to our News Feed
Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to news feed.
Sign Up Today!