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Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 1 of 36
(revised December 2025)
The Corporation of the City of Guelph
By-law Number (2015) - 19985
[office consolidation]
A by-law respecting Building,
Demolition, Conditional, Change of
Use and Occupancy Permits, Payment
of Fees, Inspections, Appointment of
Chief Building Official and Inspectors
and a Code of Conduct and to repeal
previous By-laws. [as amended by by-
laws (2016)-20060, (2016)-20089,
(2017)-20158, (2017)-20174, (2019)-
20371, (2019)-20385, (2019)-20411,
(2019)-20450, (2020)-20520, (2020)-
20549, (2021)-20597, (2021)-20654,
(2022)-20738, (2022)-20750,
(2023)-20792, (2023)-20842,
(2024)-20940, (2024)-21005]
Whereas
Subsection 7.(1) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, Chapter 23, as amended,
authorizes Council to pass certain by-laws respecting Building, Demolition and
Change of Use Permits and Inspections;
And whereas
Subsection 3.(2) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, Chapter 23, as amended,
requires Council to appoint a Chief Building Official and Inspectors for the
enforcement of the Building Code Act;
And whereas
Subsection 7.1(1) of the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, Chapter 23, as amended,
requires Council to establish and enforce a Code of Conduct for the Chief Building
Official and Inspectors;
Now therefore the Council of the Corporation of the City of Guelph enacts
as follows:
1.
Short Title
This By-law may be cited as the "Building By-law".
2.
Definitions [amended by By-laws (2016)-20060 and (2017)-20174]
In this By-law,
"Act" means the Building Code Act, S.O. 1992, Chapter 23, as amended.
"Applicant" means the Owner of a property or Building who applies for a
Permit or any person authorized by the Owner to apply for a Permit on the
Owner's behalf, as defined in Division C, Article 1.3.1.2. of the Building Code.
"Architect" means an Architect as defined in Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the
Building Code.
"As Constructed Plans" means As Constructed Plans as defined in Division A,
Article 1.4.1.2. of the Building Code.
"Building" means a Building as defined in Subsection 1.(1) of the Act.
"Building Code" means the regulations made under Subsection 34.(1) of the
Act.
"Change of Use" means a Change of Use as referenced in Subsection 10.(1)
of the Act.
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(revised December 2025)
"Chief Building Official" means the Chief Building Official appointed by this by-
law, as described in Schedule "C", for the purposes of enforcement of the Act.
"Construct" means Construct as defined in Subsection 1.(1) of the Act and
Construction shall have the same meaning.
"City" means the Corporation of the City of Guelph.
"Demolish" means Demolish as defined in Subsection 1.(1) of the Act and
Demolition shall have the same meaning.
"Designated Structure" means structures designated for the purposes of
clause (d) of the definition of Building in Subsection 1.(1) of the Act.
"Farm Building" means a Farm Building as defined in Division A, Article
1.4.1.2. of the Building Code.
"Inspector" means an Inspector appointed by this by-law, or as described in
Schedule "C", for the purposes of enforcement of the Act.
"Owner" means an Owner as referenced in Division C, Sentence 1.3.1.2.(3) of
the Building Code.
"Permit" means written permission from the Chief Building Official to perform
work regulated by this by-law and the Act, or to change the use of a Building,
or part of it, as regulated by the Act.
"Plumbing" means Plumbing as defined in Subsection 1.(1) of the Act.
"Professional Engineer" means a Professional Engineer as defined in Division
A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the Building Code.
"Sewage System" means a Sewage System as defined in Division A, Article
1.4.1.2. of the Building Code.
Any word or term not defined in this by-law, which is defined in the Act or
Building Code, shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Act or the Building
Code. Any word or term not defined in this by-law, the Act or the Building
Code, shall have the meaning commonly assigned to it in the context in which
it is used.
3.
Classes of Permits
Classes of Permits with respect to the Construction, Demolition, Change of
Use and Occupancy of a Building, or part of it, and the associated Permit fees
shall be as set out in Schedule "A" of this by-law and include the following:
3.1
3.2
3.3
Building Permit [as amended by (2024)-21005]
This Permit is required under Subsection 8.(1) of the Act and may
include Plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems,
Sewage Systems, Farm Buildings and Designated Structures as set out
in Division A, Sentence 1.3.5.5.(1) of the Building Code and signs as
set out in Division B, Section 3.15. of the Building Code.
Demolition Permit
This Permit is required under Subsection 8.(1) of the Act.
Conditional Permit
This Permit may be issued by the Chief Building Official in accordance
with Subsection 8.(3) of the Act to authorize any stage of Construction,
even though all of the requirements under Subsection 8.(2) of the Act
have not been met.
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3.4
Change of Use Permit
This Permit is required under Subsection 10.(1) of the Act when a
change in use of a Building or part of it will result in an increase in
hazard as determined under the Building Code even though no
Construction is proposed.
3.5
Occupancy Permit
This Permit is required under Division C, Subsection 1.3.3. of the
Building Code where all or part of a building will be occupied.
4.
Administrative Procedures Relating to Permits
4.1
Revisions to Permits
After the issuance of a Permit under the Act, notice of any material
change to a plan, specification, document or other information on the
basis of which the Permit was issued, must be provided by the
Applicant in writing to the Chief Building Official together with the
details of such change. The change shall not be made without
obtaining written authorization of the Chief Building Official as required
under Subsection 8.(12) of the Act.
4.2
Transfer of Permit Applications and Permits [amended by By-law
(2021)-20597]
(a)
On Initiative of the Applicant, a Person to Whom a Permit has been
Issued, or a New Owner
Where the ownership of land changes after a Permit application has been
submitted, or where a Permit has been issued, the Applicant for the Permit,
the person to whom the Permit was issued or the new owner of the land, as
the case may be, may submit a request to the Chief Building Official
requesting a transfer of the Permit application and fees or the Permit as
identified in Clause 7.(1)(h) of the Act by submitting the following
information:
i)
the name and address of the person to whom the Permit application
and fees or the Permit are to be transferred;
ii) the name and address of any contractors that have changed from
those listed on the Permit application or the Permit;
iii) the name and address of Architect(s) and Professional Engineer(s)
responsible for the design and field review of the Construction that
have changed from those listed on the Permit application or the
Permit;
iv) the name and address of the person who paid the Permit fees; and
v) where the transfer is being initiated on the initiative of the transferor,
proof to the satisfaction of the City Building Official that the transferee
has been provided with advance notice of same.
(b) On the Initiative of the Chief Building Official
Where the Chief Building Official becomes aware that the ownership of land
has changed after a Permit application has been submitted, or after a permit
has been issued, and where the voluntary transfer of the Permit in
accordance with the provisions of section 4.2(a) has not occurred, the Chief
Building Official at their discretion for the orderly administration of their
duties, may initiate the transfer of the Permit by:
i)
providing notice to the registered owner(s) of the land by mail;
a. to the subject property; and
Building Services
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(revised December 2025)
b. if different, to the address listed with the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation and/or any successor thereto for purposes of municipal property tax
notices respecting the subject property,
of the intention of the Chief Building Official to transfer the permit into the name of
the current registered owner(s);
ii)
requesting in writing, together with the notice that the registered
owner(s) of the land described in subparagraph 4.2(b)(i) that the
registered owners contact the Building Department within 15 days of
service of the notice to provide an update as to:
a. the state of completeness of the construction and as to whether any inspections
are required in accordance with the City's Building By-Law and the Ontario
Building Code;
b. the name and address of any contractors that have changed from those listed on
the Permit application or the Permit; and
c. the name and address of Architect(s) and Professional Engineer(s) responsible
for the design and field review of the Construction that have changed from those
listed on the Permit application or the Permit;
iii)
providing within the same notice the option to the registered owners
of the subject property, to schedule an inspection within 15 days of
receipt to confirm that no construction has commenced, and to
request on that basis the cancellation of the Permit rather than its
transfer;
iv)
unless the Chief Building Official receives a request as described in
subparagraph 4.2(b)(iii), together with evidence to the satisfaction
of the Chief Building Official establishing that no construction has
commenced, then on the expiry of 30 days after mailing the notice
prescribed by subsection 4.2(b)(i), the Chief Building Official shall
transfer the Permit to the registered owners, who shall thereafter be
"prescribed persons" for purposes of section 10.2 of the Building
Code Act, and shall mail a copy of the revised permit to each
address referred to in subsection 4.2(b)(i) and to any other address
for service provided by the registered owners;
Nothing in this subsection 4.2 of the City's Building By-Law shall be construed as
relieving prior or current owners from their obligations under the Building Code Act,
Ontario Building Code and/or the Building By-Law and/or as stopping the Chief
Building Official from bringing charges and/or initiating proceedings and/or bringing
any enforcement actions prescribed by law against any person who caused
construction or demolition to take place in a manner contrary to the Building Code
Act, Ontario Building Code and/or the Building By-Law.
4.3
Revocation of Permits
The Chief Building Official, subject to provisions outlined in Subsection
8.(10) of the Act, has the authority to revoke a Permit issued under the
Act.
5.
Requirements for Applications
5.1
Building, Demolition, Conditional and Change of Use Permits
Where an application is made for a Building or Demolition Permit under
Subsection 8.(1) of the Act, a Conditional Permit under Subsection
8.(3) of the Act, or a Change of Use Permit under Subsection 10.(1) of
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the Act, the application shall comply with Division C, Sentence
1.3.1.3.(5) of the Building Code and be complete with documents and
other information as required in this by-law.
5.2
Prescribing Forms
The forms required for an application for a Permit, unless otherwise
specified by the Chief Building Official, shall be those forms as set out
in Schedule "B" of this by-law.
5.3
Plans and Specifications
Sufficient information shall be submitted with each application for a
Permit to enable the Chief Building Official to determine whether or not
the proposed Construction, Demolition or Change of Use will conform
with the Act, the Building Code and any other applicable law.
Each application shall, unless otherwise specified by the Chief Building
Official, be accompanied by working drawings and information as set
out in Schedule "B" of this by-law.
5.4
Alternative Solutions
Where a person proposes the use of an Alternative Solution as defined
in Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the Building Code, the proposal shall:
a. Include all documentation requirements as set out in Division C, Subsection
2.1.1. of the Building Code, and
b. Be submitted on the application form as set out in Schedule "B" of this by-law.
5.5
Inactive Permit Applications
Where an application for a Permit remains inactive for six months after
it is submitted, the application may be deemed by the Chief Building
Official to have been abandoned and notice thereof shall be given to
the Applicant. Once an application is deemed to be abandoned, it may
be cancelled and a new application will be required for the proposed
work.
6.
Payment of Fees [amended by By-law (2017)-20174, (2024)-21005]
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Fees for a required Permit shall be as set out in Schedule "A" of this by-
law and are due and payable upon submission of an application for a
Permit.
Administration fees for an Application for an Alternative Solution shall
be as set out in Schedule "A" of this by-law and are due and payable
upon submission of an Application for an Alternative Solution.
An administration fee, where occupancy of a Building, or part of it, has
occurred without an occupancy permit being issued as required by
Division C, Articles 1.3.3.1., 1.3.3.4., 1.3.3.5. and 1.3.3.7 of the
Building Code, shall be as set out in Schedule "A" of this by-law and is
due and payable by the Permit Applicant upon issuance of the
occupancy permit. This administration fee is in addition to any other
penalty under the Act, Building Code or this by-law, and is to
compensate the City for the additional work incurred due to the
unauthorized occupancy of the Building.
An administration fee, where more than one occupancy inspection is
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(revised December 2025)
required for a Building, or part of it, shall be as set out in Schedule "A"
this by-law and is due and payable upon issuance of each additional
occupancy permit. This administration fee is intended to compensate
the City for additional work incurred due to additional occupancy
inspections.
6.5
An administration fee, where any person has commenced Construction
or Demolition, or has caused the Change of Use of a Building prior to
receiving a Permit, shall be as set out in Schedule "A" of this by-law
and is due and payable by the Permit Applicant prior to the issuance of
the Permit. This administration fee will be charged if an order has been
issued under Subsections 12.(2) or 14.(1) of the Act. This
administration fee is in addition to any other penalty under the Act,
Building Code or this by-law and is to compensate the City for the
additional work incurred due to the premature commencement of the
Construction or Demolition, or the Change of Use of a Building.
6.6
An administration fee, where a building or part of it was originally
applied for as shell only and occupancy is being sought for the shell
only portion of the building or of a suite within the building or part of
the building or suite and for which an interior finish permit has not
been obtained for that portion, shall be as set out in Schedule "A" of
this by-law and is due and payable by the person seeking the
occupancy permit.
7.
Refund of Permit Fees
In the case of withdrawal, cancellation or abandonment of an application for
a Permit or abandonment of all or a portion of the work or the non-
commencement of any project, the Chief Building Official shall, upon written
request of the Owner or Applicant, determine the amount of paid Permit fees
that may be refunded to the Owner or Applicant, if any, in accordance with
Schedule "A" of this by-law.
8.
As Constructed Plans
8.1
The Chief Building Official may require that a set of As Constructed
Plans of a Building be filed with the Chief Building Official on completion
of Construction under such conditions as may be prescribed in the
Building Code.
8.2
Upon completion of Construction of the foundation for all residential
developments of up to 10 units and all townhouse developments, a
certificate from an Ontario Land Surveyor, Professional Engineer or
Architect shall be submitted to the Chief Building Official confirming
that the elevation of the foundation conforms to the Ontario Building
Code and to the subdivision grading plan or lot grading plan approved
by the City.
8.3
Upon completion of Construction of all new buildings, a survey from an
Ontario Land Surveyor shall be submitted to the Chief Building Official
confirming that the location of the building conforms to the Guelph
Zoning By-law.
9.
Notice Requirement for Inspections
The Applicant or an authorized agent shall notify the Chief Building
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(revised December 2025)
Official of the prescribed notices under Division C, Article 1.3.5.1. of the
Building Code and every additional notice under Division C, Article
1.3.5.2. of the Building Code, at least one business day prior to each
stage of Construction.
10.
Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program
10.1
In respect of the mandatory maintenance inspection program described
in Division C, Subsection 1.10.2 of the Building Code:
c. Pursuant to paragraph 7(1)(b.2) of the Building Code Act, 1992, Council shall
administer the said mandatory maintenance inspection program; and
d. Council may, as an alternative to conducting an inspection, accept an inspection
certificate from a property owner under Division C, Article 1.10.2.5 of the
Building Code.
10.2
In respect of the discretionary maintenance inspection programs
described in Division C, Subsection 1.10.1 of the Building Code:
e. Pursuant to paragraph 7(1)(b.1) of the Building Code Act, 1992, Council hereby
establishes a discretionary maintenance inspection program for all sewage
systems in the City not included in the mandatory maintenance inspection
program;
f.
Subject to Division C, Subsection 1.10.1 of the Building Code, Council shall
administer its discretionary maintenance inspection program; and
g. Inspectors shall inspect all sewage systems affected by the discretionary
maintenance inspection program for compliance with the applicable standards
prescribed under paragraph 34(2)(b) of the Building Code Act, 1992, provided
that Council may, as an alternative to conducting an inspection, accept an
inspection certificate from a property owner under Division C, Article 1.10.1.3 of
the Building Code.
11.
Fencing of Construction and Demolition Sites [added by By-law (2017)-
20174]
11.1
Construction fencing shall be provided around a demolition or
construction site that presents a hazard to the public.
11.2
Construction fencing shall;
(a)
Create a continuous barrier to deter unauthorized entry;
(b) Have a height of not less than 1.2 metres above grade;
(c)
Be maintained in a vertical plane in good repair; and
(d) Have all openings closed when the site is unattended.
12.
Appointment of Chief Building Official and Inspectors
[amended by By-laws (2016)-20060 and (2017)-20174]
12.1
Any person employed or contracted by the City whose responsibilities
include the enforcement of the Act is hereby appointed as an Inspector
under the Act.
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(revised December 2025)
12.2
The appointment of a person as an Inspector under the Act shall cease
immediately upon such person no longer being employed by or
contracted with the City.
12.3
The individuals listed in Schedule "C" of this By-law are appointed to
enforce the Act and carry out additional duties as described in the
schedule.
13.
Code of Conduct [revised by By-law (2017)-20174)]
The Code of Conduct for the Chief Building Official and Inspectors, as
required under Subsection 7.1(1) of the Act, is set out in Schedule "D" of this
by-law.
14.
Severability [revised by By-law (2017)-20174)]
Where a court of competent jurisdiction declares any section or part of a
section of this by-law to be invalid, or to be of no force and effect, it is the
intention of City Council in enacting this by-law that the remainder of this by-
law shall continue in force and be applied and enforced in accordance with its
terms to the fullest extent possible according to law.
15.
Repeal and Replacement of Previous By-laws
[amended by By-law (2016)-20060, revised by By-law (2017)-20174)]
By-law number (2012)-19356 and all its amending by-laws are hereby
repealed and replaced by this by-law as of the date and time of this by-law
coming into effect.
By-law number (1987)-12602 and all its amending by-laws are hereby
repealed and replaced by this by-law as of the date and time of this by-law
coming into effect.
By-law number (1995)-14803 is hereby repealed and replaced by this by-law
as of the date and time of this amending by-law coming into effect.
Passed this Twenty-Third day of November, 2015.
Original signed by:
Cam Guthrie, Mayor
Stephen O'Brien, City Clerk
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(revised December 2025)
Schedule "A" of Bylaw number (2015)-19985
Building Permit fees effective January 1, 2024
[as amended by bylaws (2019)-20411, (2019)-20450, (2020)-20549, (2021)-
20654, (2022)-20738 and (2023)-20842]
Fees for a required Permit are set out in this schedule and are due and payable
upon submission of an application for a Permit.
Table 1 (Table 80) - Group A: Assembly Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.63
NA
Finished
3.02
NA
Outdoor patio/picnic shelter
NA
260.00
Outdoor public pool
NA
1,040.00
Table 2 (Table 81) - Group B: Detention, care & treatment and care Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.85
NA
Finished
3.28
NA
Table 3 (Table 82) - Group C: Residential
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Low-rise residential (houses and row
townhouses)
1.62
NA
Garage/carport (per bay), shed, deck, porch,
exterior stairs, exterior ramps
NA
130.00
Hot tubs
NA
130.00
Solar collectors - low-rise residential (per
application)
NA
130.00
Swimming pools
NA
260.00
Apartment Building, multiple attached
dwelling (stacked townhouses)
2.10
NA
Hotels/motels
2.10
NA
Residential retirement home
2.10
NA
Building Services
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(revised December 2025)
Table 4 (Table 83) - Group D: Business and Personal Services Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
1.79
NA
Finished
2.10
NA
Table 5 (Table 84) - Group E: Mercantile Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
1.79
NA
Finished
2.10
NA
Table 6 (Table 85) - Group F: Industrial Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Warehouse, factories
1.13
NA
Parking garage
0.96
NA
Table 7 (Table 86) - Farm Building
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Farm Building
0.54
NA
Table 8 (Table 87) - Foundation, conditional Permit
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Foundation, conditional Permit
0.20
NA
Table 9 (Table 88) - Interior Finishes and Alterations: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New interior finishes to previously unfinished
areas (including finishing of residential
basements and major renovations)
0.51
NA
Alterations and renovations to previously
finished areas
0.45
NA
Building Services
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(revised December 2025)
Table 10 (Table 89) - Special Categories and Miscellaneous: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Accessory apartments, lodging houses
0.51/390.00
minimum
NA
Air supported structures
0.56
NA
Balcony guard (replace per linear foot) -
excluding low-rise residential
0.94/390.00
minimum
NA
Balcony repair (per building)
NA
390.00
Ceiling (new or replace per square foot)
0.10
NA
Change of use Permit (with no renovations)
NA
260.00
Demising wall, firewall
NA
260.00
Demolitions - minor (500 square feet or less) NA
130.00
Demolitions - major (more than 500 square
feet)
0.05/390.00
minimum
NA
Designated Structures - ALL including solar
collectors (per application) except retaining
walls, public pools, signs and low-rise
residential solar collectors
NA
520.00
Elevator, escalator, lift
NA
520.00
Exterior ramps (excluding low-rise
residential)
NA
260.00
Fireplace, woodstove (each)
NA
130.00
Portables - per application (excludes port-a-
pak)
NA
260.00
Rack storage
0.46/390.00
minimum
NA
Reclad exterior wall (per square foot)
0.10
NA
Retaining wall (per linear foot)
4.65
NA
Roof structures
0.45
NA
Signs - 107 square feet or less (each)
NA
260.00
Signs - more than 107 square feet (each)
NA
520.00
Storefront replacement
NA
260.00
Temporary Buildings
NA
520.00
Temporary tents - per application
NA
260.00
Window - new, replacement or enlargement
(each)
NA
25.00
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Table 11 (Table 90) - Mechanical Work (independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
HVAC Permit (residential per suite)
NA
130.00
HVAC Permit (non-residential)
0.20
NA
New sprinkler system or new standpipe
system
0.10/390.00
minimum
NA
Alterations to existing sprinkler system or
existing standpipe system
0.05/390.00
minimum
NA
Commercial kitchen exhaust systems, spray
booths, dust collectors
NA
390.00
Table 12 (Table 91) - Electrical work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New file alarm system
0.10/390.00
minimum
NA
Alterations to existing fire alarm system or
existing electrical work
NA
390.00
Electromagnetic locks (each) and hold open
devices (each)
NA
65.00
Table 13 (Table 92) - Plumbing work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Plumbing Permit, including hot water heaters
(per fixture)
NA
25.00
Testable backflow prevention devices (each)
NA
130.00
Catchbasins, manholes, roof drains (each)
NA
25.00
Building services (per group) - single
detached dwellings (SDD), semi-detached
dwellings, duplex dwellings
NA
130.00
Building/site services (per linear foot),
excluding SDD, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings
0.97/390.00
minimum
Table 14 (Table 93) - Sewage Systems
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New installations
NA
780.00
Replacement or alteration
NA
390.00
Building Services
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(revised December 2025)
Administration Fees
Table 15 (Table 94) - Alternative Solutions (as per Subsection 6.2 of this by-
law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
All Buildings/systems within the scope of Division B, Part 9
of the Building Code
520.00
All other Buildings/systems
1,040.00
Table 16 (Table 94) - Occupancy without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.3 of
this by-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Occupancy of a Building, or a part of it, without the required
occupancy permit
520.00
Additional occupancy inspections (as per Subsection 6.4 of
this by-law)
320.00
Table 17 (Table 94) - Work without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.5 of this
By-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Building, Demolition or Change of Use without the required
Permit
50% of the
required Permit
fee, maximum of
$5,000.00
Occupancy Permit without Construction (as per Subsection
6.6 of this by-law)
320.00
Registering Orders on Title (as per the Building Code Act)
185.00
Rules for determining Permit fees
A minimum Permit fee of $130.00 shall be charged for all work for low-rise
residential projects where the calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
Fees identified as low-rise residential apply where there is not more than one
dwelling unit above another dwelling unit in a single detached, semi-detached,
duplex or row townhouse dwelling.
A minimum Permit fee of $260.00 shall be charged for all other projects where the
calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
The occupancy categories in this Schedule correspond with the major occupancy
classifications in the Ontario Building Code. For multiple occupancy floor areas, the
Permit fees for each of the applicable occupancy categories may be used, except
where an occupancy category is less than 10% of the floor area.
For classes of Permits not described in this Schedule, the Chief Building Official shall
determine a reasonable Permit fee.
The floor area of the proposed work is to be measured to the outer face of exterior
walls (excluding low-rise residential attached garages) and to the centre line of
party walls, firewalls or demising walls.
In the case of interior finishes, alterations or renovations, the area of proposed
work is the actual space receiving the work. (e.g.: tenant suite)
Attached garages, fireplaces, decks, balconies, porches, exterior basement
stairwells and exterior ramps are included in the Permit fee for single detached
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 14 of 36
(revised December 2025)
dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex dwellings and townhouses.
Unfinished basements for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings and townhouses are not included in the floor area.
Basement finishes are not included in the Permit fee and will be charged the
additional rate for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex
dwellings and townhouses.
Corridors, lobbies, washrooms, lounges, etc. are to be included and classified
according to the major occupancy for the floor area on which they are located.
Mechanical penthouses and floors, mezzanines, lofts, habitable attics and interior
balconies are to be included in all floor area calculations.
Except for interconnected floor spaces, no deductions are made for openings within
the floor area (e.g. stairs, elevators, escalators, shafts, ducts, etc.).
Where interior alterations and renovations require relocation of sprinkler heads,
standpipe components or fire alarm components, no additional charge is applicable.
Ceilings are included in both new shell and finished (partitioned) Buildings. The
Permit fees for ceilings only apply when alterations occur in existing Buildings.
Minor alterations to existing ceilings to accommodate lighting or HVAC
improvements are not chargeable.
Where Demolition of partitions or alterations to existing ceilings are part of an
alteration or renovation Permit, no additional charge is applicable.
Additional Permit fees are not required when the Sewage System is included with
the original Building Permit.
A temporary Building is considered to be a Building that will be erected for not more
than three years.
Refund of Permit fees:
In the case of withdrawal or abandonment of an application for a Permit or
abandonment of all or a portion of the work or the non-commencement of any
project, the Chief Building Official shall, upon written request of the Owner or
Applicant, determine the amount of paid Permit fees that may be refunded to the
Owner or Applicant, if any, as follows:
a. 80 percent (80%) if administrative functions only have been performed;
b. 70 percent (70%) if administrative and zoning functions only have been
performed;
c. 50 percent (50%) if administrative, zoning and plans examination functions
have been performed;
d. 35 percent (35%) if the Permit has been issued and no field inspections have
been performed subsequent to Permit issuance;
e. 5 percent (5%) shall additionally be deducted for each field inspection that
has been performed after the Permit has been issued;
f.
No refund shall be made of an amount that is less than $50;
g. Where the Permit has not been issued, no refund shall be made after two
years following the date of Permit application;
h. Where the Permit has been issued, no refund shall be made after one year
following the date of Permit issuance.
Note: In most cases, a building and/or zoning inspection will be required prior to
issuance of a refund.
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 15 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Schedule "A" of Bylaw number (2015)-19985
Building Permit fees effective January 1, 2025
[as amended by bylaws (2019)-20411, (2019)-20450, (2020)-20549, (2021)
20654, (2022)-20738 and (2023)-20842]
Fees for a required Permit are set out in this schedule and are due and payable
upon submission of an application for a Permit.
Table 18 (Table 80) - Group A: Assembly Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.71
NA
Finished
3.11
NA
Outdoor patio/picnic shelter
NA
260.00
Outdoor public pool
NA
1,040.00
Table 19 (Table 81) - Group B: Detention, care & treatment and care
Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.93
NA
Finished
3.38
NA
Table 20 (Table 82) - Group C: Residential
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Low-rise residential (houses and row
townhouses)
1.67
NA
Garage/carport (per bay), shed, deck, porch,
exterior stairs, exterior ramps
NA
130.00
Hot tubs
NA
130.00
Solar collectors - low-rise residential (per
application)
NA
130.00
Swimming pools
NA
260.00
Apartment Building, multiple attached
dwelling (stacked townhouses)
2.16
NA
Hotels/motels
2.16
NA
Residential retirement home
2.16
NA
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 16 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 21 (Table 83) - Group D: Business and Personal Services Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
1.84
NA
Finished
2.16
NA
Table 22 (Table 84) - Group E: Mercantile Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
1.84
NA
Finished
2.16
NA
Table 23 (Table 85) - Group F: Industrial Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Warehouse, factories
1.16
NA
Parking garage
0.99
NA
Table 24 (Table 86)- Farm Building
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Farm Building
0.56
NA
Table 25 (Table 87) - Foundation, conditional Permit
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Foundation, conditional Permit
0.20
NA
Table 26 (Table 88) - Interior Finishes and Alterations: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New interior finishes to previously unfinished
areas (including finishing of residential
basements and major renovations)
0.53
NA
Alterations and renovations to previously
finished areas
0.46
NA
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 17 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 27 (Table 89) - Special Categories and Miscellaneous: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Accessory apartments, lodging houses
0.53/390.00
minimum
NA
Air supported structures
0.58
NA
Balcony guard (replace per linear foot) -
excluding low-rise residential
0.97/390.00
minimum
NA
Balcony repair (per building)
NA
390.00
Ceiling (new or replace per square foot)
0.10
NA
Change of use Permit (with no renovations)
NA
260.00
Demising wall, firewall
NA
260.00
Demolitions - minor (500 square feet or less) NA
130.00
Demolitions - major (more than 500 square
feet)
0.05/390.00
minimum
NA
Designated Structures - ALL including solar
collectors (per application) except retaining
walls, public pools, signs and low-rise
residential solar collectors
NA
520.00
Elevator, escalator, lift
NA
520.00
Exterior ramps (excluding low-rise
residential)
NA
260.00
Fireplace, woodstove (each)
NA
130.00
Portables - per application (excludes port-a-
pak)
NA
260.00
Rack storage
0.47/390.00
minimum
NA
Reclad exterior wall (per square foot)
0.10
NA
Retaining wall (per linear foot)
4.79
NA
Roof structures
0.46
NA
Signs - 107 square feet or less (each)
NA
260.00
Signs - more than 107 square feet (each)
NA
520.00
Storefront replacement
NA
260.00
Temporary Buildings
NA
520.00
Temporary tents - per application
NA
260.00
Window - new, replacement or enlargement
(each)
NA
25.00
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 18 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 28 (Table 90) - Mechanical Work (independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
HVAC Permit (residential per suite)
NA
130.00
HVAC Permit (non-residential)
0.20
NA
New sprinkler system or new standpipe
system
0.10/390.00
minimum
NA
Alterations to existing sprinkler system or
existing standpipe system
0.05/390.00
minimum
NA
Commercial kitchen exhaust systems, spray
booths, dust collectors
NA
390.00
Table 29 (Table 91)- Electrical work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New file alarm system
0.10/390.00
minimum
NA
Alterations to existing fire alarm system or
existing electrical work
NA
390.00
Electromagnetic locks (each) and hold open
devices (each)
NA
65.00
Table 30 (Table 92) - Plumbing work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Plumbing Permit, including hot water heaters
(per fixture)
NA
25.00
Testable backflow prevention devices (each)
NA
130.00
Catchbasins, manholes, roof drains (each)
NA
25.00
Building services (per group) - single
detached dwellings (SDD), semi-detached
dwellings, duplex dwellings
NA
130.00
Building/site services (per linear foot),
excluding SDD, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings
1.00/390.00
minimum
Table 31 (Table 93) - Sewage Systems
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New installations
NA
780.00
Replacement or alteration
NA
390.00
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 19 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Administration Fees
Table 32 (Table 94) - Alternative Solutions (as per Subsection 6.2 of this by-
law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
All Buildings/systems within the scope of Division B, Part 9
of the Building Code
520.00
All other Buildings/systems
1,040.00
Table 33 (Table 94) - Occupancy without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.3 of
this by-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Occupancy of a Building, or a part of it, without the required
occupancy permit
520.00
Additional occupancy inspections (as per Subsection 6.4 of
this by-law)
320.00
Table 34 (Table 94) - Work without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.5 of this
By-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Building, Demolition or Change of Use without the required
Permit
50% of the
required Permit
fee, maximum of
$5,000.00
Occupancy Permit without Construction (as per Subsection
6.6 of this by-law)
320.00
Registering Orders on Title (as per the Building Code Act)
190.00
Rules for determining Permit fees
A minimum Permit fee of $130.00 shall be charged for all work for low-rise
residential projects where the calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
Fees identified as low-rise residential apply where there is not more than one
dwelling unit above another dwelling unit in a single detached, semi-detached,
duplex or row townhouse dwelling.
A minimum Permit fee of $260.00 shall be charged for all other projects where the
calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
The occupancy categories in this Schedule correspond with the major occupancy
classifications in the Ontario Building Code. For multiple occupancy floor areas, the
Permit fees for each of the applicable occupancy categories may be used, except
where an occupancy category is less than 10% of the floor area.
For classes of Permits not described in this Schedule, the Chief Building Official shall
determine a reasonable Permit fee.
The floor area of the proposed work is to be measured to the outer face of exterior
walls (excluding low-rise residential attached garages) and to the centre line of
party walls, firewalls or demising walls.
In the case of interior finishes, alterations or renovations, the area of proposed
work is the actual space receiving the work. (e.g.: tenant suite)
Attached garages, fireplaces, decks, balconies, porches, exterior basement
stairwells and exterior ramps are included in the Permit fee for single detached
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 20 of 36
(revised December 2025)
dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex dwellings and townhouses.
Unfinished basements for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings and townhouses are not included in the floor area.
Basement finishes are not included in the Permit fee and will be charged the
additional rate for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex
dwellings and townhouses.
Corridors, lobbies, washrooms, lounges, etc. are to be included and classified
according to the major occupancy for the floor area on which they are located.
Mechanical penthouses and floors, mezzanines, lofts, habitable attics and interior
balconies are to be included in all floor area calculations.
Except for interconnected floor spaces, no deductions are made for openings within
the floor area (e.g. stairs, elevators, escalators, shafts, ducts, etc.).
Where interior alterations and renovations require relocation of sprinkler heads,
standpipe components or fire alarm components, no additional charge is applicable.
Ceilings are included in both new shell and finished (partitioned) Buildings. The
Permit fees for ceilings only apply when alterations occur in existing Buildings.
Minor alterations to existing ceilings to accommodate lighting or HVAC
improvements are not chargeable.
Where Demolition of partitions or alterations to existing ceilings are part of an
alteration or renovation Permit, no additional charge is applicable.
Additional Permit fees are not required when the Sewage System is included with
the original Building Permit.
A temporary Building is considered to be a Building that will be erected for not more
than three years.
Refund of Permit fees:
In the case of withdrawal or abandonment of an application for a Permit or
abandonment of all or a portion of the work or the non-commencement of any
project, the Chief Building Official shall, upon written request of the Owner or
Applicant, determine the amount of paid Permit fees that may be refunded to the
Owner or Applicant, if any, as follows:
a. 80 percent (80%) if administrative functions only have been performed;
b. 70 percent (70%) if administrative and zoning functions only have been
performed;
c. 50 percent (50%) if administrative, zoning and plans examination functions
have been performed;
d. 35 percent (35%) if the Permit has been issued and no field inspections have
been performed subsequent to Permit issuance;
e. 5 percent (5%) shall additionally be deducted for each field inspection that
has been performed after the Permit has been issued;
f.
No refund shall be made of an amount that is less than $50;
g. Where the Permit has not been issued, no refund shall be made after two
years following the date of Permit application;
h. Where the Permit has been issued, no refund shall be made after one year
following the date of Permit issuance.
Note: In most cases, a building and/or zoning inspection will be required prior to
issuance of a refund.
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 21 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Schedule "A" of Bylaw number (2015)-19985
Building Permit fees effective January 1, 2026
[as amended by bylaws (2019)-20411, (2019)-20450, (2020)-20549, (2021)
20654, (2022)-20738, (2023)-20842 and (2025)-21166]
Fees for a required Permit are set out in this schedule and are due and payable
upon submission of an application for a Permit.
Table 35 (Table 80) - Group A: Assembly Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.93
N/A
Finished
3.36
N/A
Outdoor patio/picnic shelter
N/A
294.00
Outdoor public pool
N/A
1,176.00
Table 36 (Table 81) - Group B: Detention, care & treatment and care
Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
3.16
N/A
Finished
3.65
N/A
Table 37 (Table 82) - Group C: Residential
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Low-rise residential (houses and row
townhouses)
1.81
N/A
Garage/carport (per bay), shed, deck, porch,
exterior stairs, exterior ramps
N/A
147.00
Hot tubs
N/A
147.00
Solar collectors - low-rise residential (per
application)
N/A
147.00
Swimming pools
N/A
294.00
Apartment Building, multiple attached
dwelling (stacked townhouses)
2.33
N/A
Hotels/motels
2.33
N/A
Residential retirement home
2.33
N/A
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 22 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 38 (Table 83) - Group D: Business and Personal Services Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
1.98
N/A
Finished
2.33
N/A
Table 39 (Table 84) - Group E: Mercantile Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
1.98
N/A
Finished
2.33
N/A
Table 40 (Table 85) - Group F: Industrial Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Warehouse, factories
1.25
N/A
Parking garage
1.07
N/A
Table 41 (Table 86)- Farm Building
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Farm Building
0.61
N/A
Table 42 (Table 87) - Foundation, conditional Permit
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Foundation, conditional Permit
0.21
N/A
Table 43 (Table 88) - Interior Finishes and Alterations: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New interior finishes to previously unfinished
areas (including finishing of residential
basements and major renovations)
0.58
N/A
Alterations and renovations to previously
finished areas
0.49
N/A
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 23 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 44 (Table 89) - Special Categories and Miscellaneous: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Accessory apartments, lodging houses
0.58/441.00
minimum
N/A
Air supported structures
0.63
N/A
Balcony guard (replace per linear foot) -
excluding low-rise residential
1.05/441.00
minimum
N/A
Balcony repair (per building)
N/A
441.00
Ceiling (new or replace per square foot)
0.11
N/A
Change of use Permit (with no renovations)
N/A
294.00
Demising wall, firewall
N/A
294.00
Demolitions - minor (500 square feet or less) N/A
147.00
Demolitions - major (more than 500 square
feet)
0.05/441.00
minimum
N/A
Designated Structures - ALL including solar
collectors (per application) except retaining
walls, public pools, signs and low-rise
residential solar collectors
N/A
588.00
Elevator, escalator, lift
N/A
588.00
Exterior ramps (excluding low-rise
residential)
N/A
294.00
Fireplace, woodstove (each)
N/A
147.00
Portables - per application (excludes port-a-
pak)
N/A
294.00
Rack storage
0.50/441.00
minimum
N/A
Reclad exterior wall (per square foot)
0.11
N/A
Retaining wall (per linear foot)
5.17
N/A
Roof structures
0.49
N/A
Signs - 107 square feet or less (each)
N/A
294.00
Signs - more than 107 square feet (each)
N/A
588.00
Storefront replacement
N/A
294.00
Temporary Buildings
N/A
588.00
Temporary tents - per application
N/A
294.00
Window - new, replacement or enlargement
(each)
N/A
26.25
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 24 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 45 (Table 90) - Mechanical Work (independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
HVAC Permit (residential per suite)
N/A
147.00
HVAC Permit (non-residential)
0.21
N/A
New sprinkler system or new standpipe
system
0.11/441.00
minimum
N/A
Alterations to existing sprinkler system or
existing standpipe system
0.05/441.0
0 minimum
N/A
Commercial kitchen exhaust systems, spray
booths, dust collectors
N/A
441.00
Table 46 (Table 91)- Electrical work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New file alarm system
0.11/441.00
minimum
N/A
Alterations to existing fire alarm system or
existing electrical work
N/A
441.00
Electromagnetic locks (each) and hold open
devices (each)
N/A
73.50
Table 47 (Table 92) - Plumbing work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Plumbing Permit, including hot water heaters
(per fixture)
N/A
26.25
Testable backflow prevention devices (each)
N/A
147.00
Catchbasins, manholes, roof drains (each)
N/A
26.25
Building services (per group) - single
detached dwellings (SDD), semi-detached
dwellings, duplex dwellings
N/A
147.00
Building/site services (per linear foot),
excluding SDD, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings
1.08/441.00
minimum
Table 48 (Table 93) - Sewage Systems
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New installations
N/A
882.00
Replacement or alteration
N/A
441.00
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 25 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Administration Fees
Table 49 (Table 94) - Alternative Solutions (as per Subsection 6.2 of this by-
law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
All Buildings/systems within the scope of Division B, Part 9
of the Building Code
588.00
All other Buildings/systems
1,176.00
Table 50 (Table 94) - Occupancy without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.3 of
this by-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Occupancy of a Building, or a part of it, without the required
occupancy permit
588.00
Additional occupancy inspections (as per Subsection 6.4 of
this by-law)
357.00
Table 51 (Table 94) - Work without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.5 of this
By-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Building, Demolition or Change of Use without the required
Permit
50% of the
required Permit
fee, maximum of
$5,000.00
Occupancy Permit without Construction (as per Subsection
6.6 of this by-law)
357.00
Registering Orders on Title (as per the Building Code Act)
204.75
Rules for determining Permit fees
A minimum Permit fee of $140.00 shall be charged for all work for low-rise
residential projects where the calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
Fees identified as low-rise residential apply where there is not more than one
dwelling unit above another dwelling unit in a single detached, semi-detached,
duplex or row townhouse dwelling.
A minimum Permit fee of $280.00 shall be charged for all other projects where the
calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
The occupancy categories in this Schedule correspond with the major occupancy
classifications in the Ontario Building Code. For multiple occupancy floor areas, the
Permit fees for each of the applicable occupancy categories may be used, except
where an occupancy category is less than 10% of the floor area.
For classes of Permits not described in this Schedule, the Chief Building Official shall
determine a reasonable Permit fee.
The floor area of the proposed work is to be measured to the outer face of exterior
walls (excluding low-rise residential attached garages) and to the centre line of
party walls, firewalls or demising walls.
In the case of interior finishes, alterations or renovations, the area of proposed
work is the actual space receiving the work. (e.g.: tenant suite)
Attached garages, fireplaces, decks, balconies, porches, exterior basement
stairwells and exterior ramps are included in the Permit fee for single detached
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 26 of 36
(revised December 2025)
dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex dwellings and townhouses.
Unfinished basements for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings and townhouses are not included in the floor area.
Basement finishes are not included in the Permit fee and will be charged the
additional rate for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex
dwellings and townhouses.
Corridors, lobbies, washrooms, lounges, etc. are to be included and classified
according to the major occupancy for the floor area on which they are located.
Mechanical penthouses and floors, mezzanines, lofts, habitable attics and interior
balconies are to be included in all floor area calculations.
Except for interconnected floor spaces, no deductions are made for openings within
the floor area (e.g. stairs, elevators, escalators, shafts, ducts, etc.).
Where interior alterations and renovations require relocation of sprinkler heads,
standpipe components or fire alarm components, no additional charge is applicable.
Ceilings are included in both new shell and finished (partitioned) Buildings. The
Permit fees for ceilings only apply when alterations occur in existing Buildings.
Minor alterations to existing ceilings to accommodate lighting or HVAC
improvements are not chargeable.
Where Demolition of partitions or alterations to existing ceilings are part of an
alteration or renovation Permit, no additional charge is applicable.
Additional Permit fees are not required when the Sewage System is included with
the original Building Permit.
A temporary Building is considered to be a Building that will be erected for not more
than three years.
Refund of Permit fees:
In the case of withdrawal or abandonment of an application for a Permit or
abandonment of all or a portion of the work or the non-commencement of any
project, the Chief Building Official shall, upon written request of the Owner or
Applicant, determine the amount of paid Permit fees that may be refunded to the
Owner or Applicant, if any, as follows:
a. 80 percent (80%) if administrative functions only have been performed;
b. 70 percent (70%) if administrative and zoning functions only have been
performed;
c. 50 percent (50%) if administrative, zoning and plans examination functions
have been performed;
d. 35 percent (35%) if the Permit has been issued and no field inspections
have been performed subsequent to Permit issuance;
e. 5 percent (5%) shall additionally be deducted for each field inspection that
has been performed after the Permit has been issued;
f.
No refund shall be made of an amount that is less than $50;
g. Where the Permit has not been issued, no refund shall be made after two
years following the date of Permit application;
h. Where the Permit has been issued, no refund shall be made after one year
following the date of Permit issuance.
Note: In most cases, a building and/or zoning inspection will be required prior to
issuance of a refund.
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 27 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Schedule "A" of Bylaw number (2015)-19985
Building Permit fees effective January 1, 2027
[as amended by bylaws (2019)-20411, (2019)-20450, (2020)-20549, (2021)
20654, (2022)-20738, (2023)-20842 and (2025)-21166]
Fees for a required Permit are set out in this schedule and are due and payable
upon submission of an application for a Permit.
Table 52 (Table 80) - Group A: Assembly Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
3.08
N/A
Finished
3.53
N/A
Outdoor patio/picnic shelter
N/A
308.70
Outdoor public pool
N/A
1,234.80
Table 53 (Table 81) - Group B: Detention, care & treatment and care
Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
3.32
N/A
Finished
3.83
N/A
Table 54 (Table 82) - Group C: Residential
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Low-rise residential (houses and row
townhouses)
1.90
N/A
Garage/carport (per bay), shed, deck, porch,
exterior stairs, exterior ramps
N/A
154.35
Hot tubs
N/A
154.35
Solar collectors - low-rise residential (per
application)
N/A
154.35
Swimming pools
N/A
308.70
Apartment Building, multiple attached
dwelling (stacked townhouses)
2.45
N/A
Hotels/motels
2.45
N/A
Residential retirement home
2.45
N/A
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 28 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 55 (Table 83) - Group D: Business and Personal Services Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.08
N/A
Finished
2.45
N/A
Table 56 (Table 84) - Group E: Mercantile Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Shell
2.08
N/A
Finished
2.45
N/A
Table 57 (Table 85) - Group F: Industrial Buildings
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Warehouse, factories
1.31
N/A
Parking garage
1.12
N/A
Table 58 (Table 86)- Farm Building
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Farm Building
0.64
N/A
Table 59 (Table 87) - Foundation, conditional Permit
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Foundation, conditional Permit
0.22
N/A
Table 60 (Table 88) - Interior Finishes and Alterations: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New interior finishes to previously unfinished
areas (including finishing of residential
basements and major renovations)
0.61
N/A
Alterations and renovations to previously
finished areas
0.51
N/A
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 29 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 61 (Table 89) - Special Categories and Miscellaneous: All classifications
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Accessory apartments, lodging houses
0.61/463.00
minimum
N/A
Air supported structures
0.66
N/A
Balcony guard (replace per linear foot) -
excluding low-rise residential
1.10/463.00
minimum
N/A
Balcony repair (per building)
N/A
463.05
Ceiling (new or replace per square foot)
0.12
N/A
Change of use Permit (with no renovations)
N/A
308.70
Demising wall, firewall
N/A
308.70
Demolitions - minor (500 square feet or less) N/A
154.35
Demolitions - major (more than 500 square
feet)
0.06/463.00
minimum
N/A
Designated Structures - ALL including solar
collectors (per application) except retaining
walls, public pools, signs and low-rise
residential solar collectors
N/A
617.40
Elevator, escalator, lift
N/A
617.40
Exterior ramps (excluding low-rise
residential)
N/A
308.70
Fireplace, woodstove (each)
N/A
154.35
Portables - per application (excludes port-a-
pak)
N/A
308.70
Rack storage
0.53/463.00
minimum
N/A
Reclad exterior wall (per square foot)
0.12
N/A
Retaining wall (per linear foot)
5.43
N/A
Roof structures
0.51
N/A
Signs - 107 square feet or less (each)
N/A
308.70
Signs - more than 107 square feet (each)
N/A
617.40
Storefront replacement
N/A
308.70
Temporary Buildings
N/A
617.40
Temporary tents - per application
N/A
308.70
Window - new, replacement or enlargement
(each)
N/A
27.56
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 30 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Table 62 (Table 90) - Mechanical Work (independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
HVAC Permit (residential per suite)
N/A
154.35
HVAC Permit (non-residential)
0.22
N/A
New sprinkler system or new standpipe
system
0.12/463.00
minimum
N/A
Alterations to existing sprinkler system or
existing standpipe system
0.06/463.00
minimum
N/A
Commercial kitchen exhaust systems, spray
booths, dust collectors
N/A
463.05
Table 63 (Table 91)- Electrical work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New file alarm system
0.12/463.00
minimum
N/A
Alterations to existing fire alarm system or
existing electrical work
N/A
463.05
Electromagnetic locks (each) and hold open
devices (each)
N/A
77.18
Table 64 (Table 92) - Plumbing work (Independent of Building Permit)
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
Plumbing Permit, including hot water heaters
(per fixture)
N/A
27.56
Testable backflow prevention devices (each)
N/A
154.35
Catchbasins, manholes, roof drains (each)
N/A
27.56
Building services (per group) - single
detached dwellings (SDD), semi-detached
dwellings, duplex dwellings
N/A
154.35
Building/site services (per linear foot),
excluding SDD, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings
1.14/463.00
minimum
Table 65 (Table 93) - Sewage Systems
Classes of Permits
Permit fee ($
per ft2)
Flat fee ($)
New installations
N/A
926.10
Replacement or alteration
N/A
463.05
Building Services
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Page 31 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Administration Fees
Table 66 (Table 94) - Alternative Solutions (as per Subsection 6.2 of this by-
law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
All Buildings/systems within the scope of Division B, Part 9
of the Building Code
617.40
All other Buildings/systems
1,234.80
Table 67 (Table 94) - Occupancy without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.3 of
this by-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Occupancy of a Building, or a part of it, without the required
occupancy permit
617.40
Additional occupancy inspections (as per Subsection 6.4 of
this by-law)
374.85
Table 68 (Table 94) - Work without a Permit (as per Subsection 6.5 of this
By-law)
Administration fee
Flat fee ($)
Building, Demolition or Change of Use without the required
Permit
50% of the
required Permit
fee, maximum of
$5,000.00
Occupancy Permit without Construction (as per Subsection
6.6 of this by-law)
374.85
Registering Orders on Title (as per the Building Code Act)
214.99
Rules for determining Permit fees
A minimum Permit fee of $140.00 shall be charged for all work for low-rise
residential projects where the calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
Fees identified as low-rise residential apply where there is not more than one
dwelling unit above another dwelling unit in a single detached, semi-detached,
duplex or row townhouse dwelling.
A minimum Permit fee of $280.00 shall be charged for all other projects where the
calculated Permit fee is less than these amounts.
The occupancy categories in this Schedule correspond with the major occupancy
classifications in the Ontario Building Code. For multiple occupancy floor areas, the
Permit fees for each of the applicable occupancy categories may be used, except
where an occupancy category is less than 10% of the floor area.
For classes of Permits not described in this Schedule, the Chief Building Official shall
determine a reasonable Permit fee.
The floor area of the proposed work is to be measured to the outer face of exterior
walls (excluding low-rise residential attached garages) and to the centre line of
party walls, firewalls or demising walls.
In the case of interior finishes, alterations or renovations, the area of proposed
work is the actual space receiving the work. (e.g.: tenant suite)
Attached garages, fireplaces, decks, balconies, porches, exterior basement
stairwells and exterior ramps are included in the Permit fee for single detached
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 32 of 36
(revised December 2025)
dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex dwellings and townhouses.
Unfinished basements for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings,
duplex dwellings and townhouses are not included in the floor area.
Basement finishes are not included in the Permit fee and will be charged the
additional rate for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplex
dwellings and townhouses.
Corridors, lobbies, washrooms, lounges, etc. are to be included and classified
according to the major occupancy for the floor area on which they are located.
Mechanical penthouses and floors, mezzanines, lofts, habitable attics and interior
balconies are to be included in all floor area calculations.
Except for interconnected floor spaces, no deductions are made for openings within
the floor area (e.g. stairs, elevators, escalators, shafts, ducts, etc.).
Where interior alterations and renovations require relocation of sprinkler heads,
standpipe components or fire alarm components, no additional charge is applicable.
Ceilings are included in both new shell and finished (partitioned) Buildings. The
Permit fees for ceilings only apply when alterations occur in existing Buildings.
Minor alterations to existing ceilings to accommodate lighting or HVAC
improvements are not chargeable.
Where Demolition of partitions or alterations to existing ceilings are part of an
alteration or renovation Permit, no additional charge is applicable.
Additional Permit fees are not required when the Sewage System is included with
the original Building Permit.
A temporary Building is considered to be a Building that will be erected for not more
than three years.
Refund of Permit fees:
In the case of withdrawal or abandonment of an application for a Permit or
abandonment of all or a portion of the work or the non-commencement of any
project, the Chief Building Official shall, upon written request of the Owner or
Applicant, determine the amount of paid Permit fees that may be refunded to the
Owner or Applicant, if any, as follows:
a. 80 percent (80%) if administrative functions only have been performed;
b. 70 percent (70%) if administrative and zoning functions only have been
performed;
c. 50 percent (50%) if administrative, zoning and plans examination functions
have been performed;
d. 35 percent (35%) if the Permit has been issued and no field inspections
have been performed subsequent to Permit issuance;
e. 5 percent (5%) shall additionally be deducted for each field inspection that
has been performed after the Permit has been issued;
f.
No refund shall be made of an amount that is less than $50;
g. Where the Permit has not been issued, no refund shall be made after two
years following the date of Permit application;
h. Where the Permit has been issued, no refund shall be made after one year
following the date of Permit issuance.
Note: In most cases, a building and/or zoning inspection will be required prior to
issuance of a refund.
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 33 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Schedule "B"
of By-law Number (2015) - 19985 [as amended by bylaw (2023)-20792,
(2024)-20940]
The following are list of plans, working drawings, information and forms that may
be required to accompany applications for Permits in digital form according to the
scope of work as determined by the Chief Building Official:
1.
Plans and Working Drawings
a) Site plan/Survey
b) Key plan
c) Lot grading plan
d) Floor plans
e) Foundation plan
f)
Framing plans
g) Roof truss layout plan
h) Roof plan
i)
Reflected ceiling plans
j)
Sections and details
k) Air barrier details
l)
Soil gas control details
m) Building elevations
n) Structural drawings
o) Architectural drawings
p) Electrical drawings
q) HVAC drawings
r) Plumbing drawings
s) Fire alarm drawings
t) Sprinkler drawings
u) Travel distance plans
v) Exit capacity plans
All drawings shall be submitted to a legible, recognized scale.
If applicable, drawings must be sealed by an Architect and/or Professional
Engineer and/or stamped by a qualified/registered designer.
All drawings shall be fully dimensioned, noting all sizes and types of
construction materials to be used and their respective locations, all finishes to
all walls, ceilings and floors and all existing and proposed fire separations.
Alterations, renovations and additions must differentiate between the existing
Building and new Construction being proposed.
2.
Information
a) Spatial separation calculations
b) Fire protection reports
c) Building Code related reports
d) Consent decision
3.
Forms
a) Application for an Alternative Solution
b) City of Guelph Ontario Building Code Analysis
c) Commitment To General Reviews by Architects and Engineers
d) Demolition Permits Utility Sign-Off Sheet
e) Energy Efficiency Form(s)
f)
Radon Mitigation Certification Form
g) Information Sheet for Group Homes
h) Information Sheet for A Sewage System
4.
Pre-approvals
Planning and/or Engineering and/or Zoning pre-approval in the form of a
certificate or other means for Ontario Building Code and/or applicable law
related clearances as determined by the Chief Building Official.
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 34 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Schedule "C"
of By law Number (2015) - 19985
[amended by By-laws (2016)-20060, (2016)-20089, (2017)-20174, (2019)-20371,
(2019)-20385, (2020)-20520, (2022)-20738, (2024)-20940, (2024)-21005]
The individuals listed in this Schedule are hereby appointed to the positions
identified herein and these individuals shall be responsible for the enforcement of
the Act.
An appointment made under this by-law shall be deemed to be revoked if the
individual ceases to be employed by or contracted with the City of Guelph in any of
the positions listed below.
Each of the Program Manager of Permit Services and the Program Manager of
Inspection Services is hereby appointed as an Acting Chief Building Official and shall
have the authority to carry out any duties of the Chief Building Official in his or her
absence or as directed by him or her, including the authority to issue Permits, stop
work orders, orders respecting occupancy of an unsafe Building and emergency
orders where there is an immediate danger.
The Mechanical Inspector III and Technical Lead of Resource Conservation &
Mechanical Systems shall have the authority to issue Permits on behalf of the Chief
Building Official for the:
a. Installation of site services,
b. Construction of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems,
c. Construction of plumbing and sewage systems, and
d. Building energy retrofits.
The Mechanical Inspector II / Backflow Prevention Officer, Mechanical Inspector
III, Technical Lead of Resource Conservation & Mechanical Systems and
Mechanical Plans Examiner III shall have the authority to issue Permits for the
installation of backflow prevention devices on behalf of the Chief Building Official.
The Technical Lead, Plans Examination shall have the authority to issue Permits on
behalf of the Chief Building Official, as directed by him or her.
Title of Position
Chief Building Official
Program Manager of Permit Services
Program Manager of Inspection Services
Technical Lead of Resource
Conservation & Mechanical Systems
Mechanical Inspector III
Mechanical Inspector II / Backflow
Prevention Officer
Technical Lead, Plans Examination
Mechanical Plans Examiner III
Appointed Person
Jeremy Laur
Nicholas Rosenberg
Tom Czerlau
Patrick Andres
Josh Wagner and Thomas Barwell
Jeff Crossman and James (Rob)
Aspinall
Daewon Lee
Farshad Saadatmand
Building Services
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Page 35 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Schedule "D"
of By-law Number (2015) - 19985
Code of Conduct for the Chief Building Official and Inspectors
1.
Purpose
e. To promote appropriate standards of behavior and enforcement actions by all Building
Services staff in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty.
f.
To prevent practices which may constitute an abuse of power, including unethical or illegal
practices, by all Building Services staff in the exercise of a power or the performance of a
duty.
g. To promote appropriate standards of honesty and integrity in the exercise of a power or
the performance of a duty by all Building Services staff.
2.
Scope
This policy applies to all Building Services staff.
The Code of Conduct must provide for its enforcement and include polices or guidelines
to be used when responding to allegations that the Code of Conduct has been breached
and disciplinary actions that may be taken if the Code of Conduct is breached.
3.
Contents
Conduct
a. Always act in the public interest.
b. Apply all relevant laws, codes and standards in an impartial, consistent, fair and
professional manner, independent of any external influence and without regard to any
personal interests.
c. Maintain required legislated qualifications, discharging all duties in accordance with
recognized areas of competency.
d. Extend professional courtesy to all.
e. Ensure interactions are in keeping with the City's Corporate Values and associated
behaviours, particularly related to integrity and excellence
4.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct
Lodging a Complaint
A complaint must be in writing and must be signed by the person making the complaint.
The complaint may be a letter, e-mail, facsimile or submitted via the form that is in
Section 4.
Withdrawal of a Complaint
A complainant may withdraw his/her complaint at any time; although the City may
continue to investigate the complaint if deemed appropriate to do so.
Confidentiality
The entire investigation process will be handled in as confidential a manner as possible
by all parties involved. All records are subject to the provisions of the Municipal
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and may be subject to disclosure
under the Act or by a court of law.
Review of Allegations
The Chief Building Official will review any allegations of breaches of this Code of
Conduct made against a Building Services staff member. Where the allegations are
against the Chief Building Official, senior management of the City will review the
allegations.
Disciplinary action arising from violations of this Code of Conduct is the responsibility of
the City and will be based on the severity and frequency of the violation in accordance
with relevant employment standards and the provisions of any collective agreement.
The Chief Building Official or senior management of the City will provide a written
response to the complainant within 30 calendar days of receipt of the written complaint.
Review of Decision
If, upon receipt of the results of the review, the complainant is not satisfied, he/she
may forward his/her concerns to senior management of the City.
Building Services
519-837-5615, [email protected]
Page 36 of 36
(revised December 2025)
Code of conduct
complaint form
A. Complainant and other persons information
Complainant
Last name:
First name:
Mailing address:
Municipality:
Postal code:
Telephone number:
Email:
Other persons present (if known)
Last name:
First name:
Mailing address:
Municipality:
Postal code:
Telephone number:
Email:
B. Incident information
Date of incident:
Time of incident:
Staff member name (if known):
Vehicle number (if known/applicable):
C. Details of the complaint:
Please indicate the details of your complaint:
Date:
Signature:
Collection of Personal Information
Notice of Collection: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of
the Municipal Act 2001, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
Act (MFIPPA). The purpose of this collection is to examine your complaint, which will be
used as part of the City of Guelph's investigation. All personal information and the nature
of your complaint will be handled in as confidential a manner as possible. Any questions
related to this collection should be directed to the City of Guelph's Access, Privacy and
Records Specialist at 519-822-1260 extension 2349.
Accessible formats of this document are available as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, contact Building Services at 519-837-5615 or email [email protected].
TTY 519-826-9771.