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# Building, Demolition and Construction
## Building site with a builder cutting wood
## Before You Start
There are requirements you must meet depending on the project. Before you begin your home/business build or renovation, we recommended that you first:
* Look into zoning and planning requirements
* If you are building on a waterfront lot, site plan approval may be required
* Review the building permit guide and building by-lawto verify that all documents being provided meet the requirements
* Some applications may require a copy of your property deed, proof of entrance approval (District, Township or MTO), septic or water and sewer approval and/or payment of development fees (District and/or Township).
## Building Permit Applications & Sewage System Permit Applications
A building permit from the Township of Muskoka Lakes is needed when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished.
A septic permit is required when you are looking to install a new septic system, change the location of an existing system, or replace an old system. Refer to our Sewage System Permit Guide
If structures on your property are being demolished you may be eligible for a rebate under Section 357 of the Municipal Act. For specifics, please read the Voluntary Demolition of Structure document.
Building Permit Additional Forms
* Letter of Authorization
* Schedule 1 - Designer Information
* Schedule 3 - Sewage System Information to support your proposal
* Seasonal Use Declaration
* Energy Efficiency Design Summary
* Application for Approval of an Alternative Solution
Sewage Permit Additional Forms
* + Schedule 3A, 3B and 3C
+ Schedule 2 - Sewage System Installer Information
Book Inspection
Building Permit
Demolition Permit
Septic Permit
Zoning Maps
How to Apply on Cloudpermit
To build, renovate or demolish, please apply for a building permit through Cloudpermit, online:
1. Register https://ca.cloudpermit.com/registration
2. Log in with your account https://ca.cloudpermit.com/muskokalakes/
3. Watch instructional video on how to apply
## Docks, Boathouses & Outdoor Tents
Please refer to the dock and boathouse permit guide.
Approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Navigation Protection Program, and Parks Canada may be required for the dock application, where applicable.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing the approval requirements of these agencies and completing a self-assessment to determine whether additional permits or authorizations are required prior to submission.
If a dock is required to support an upper structure (boathouse or boat port), it must be constructed in the following sequence:
1. The dock must be inspected and closed by the Municipal Building Inspector.
2. A structural review report prepared by a Professional Engineer or Structural Designer is required.
3. If site welding is performed, a Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Letter of Validation Certificate for the welding company must be provided, along with a letter confirming:
* the certified company completed the work; and
* the name(s) of the certified welder(s) who performed the work.
Please note that the CWB Letter of Validation Certificate, the letter confirming the certified company completed the work (including the names of the certified welder(s)), and the structural review report must be submitted with the Boathouse Building Permit Application.
A Boathouse permit application will not be issued until a dock permit has been inspected and closed.
For safety reasons, depending on the size and use, tents may be subject to provisions under the Ontario Building Code, and/or the Fire Code.
If your tent is larger than 60m2 (645 ft2), you will require a building permit. Use this tent construction checklist to help prepare you. A Tent Fire Safety Plan must be included with your building permit application.
If your tent is larger than 30m2 (323 ft2), you must comply with Fire Code requirements. See emergency services department for additional information.
For all tents over 225m2 (2421ft2) in Ontario, a General Review Report from a professional engineer is required.
## Fees & Development Charges
Refer to page 17, Schedule "H" of the fees and charges By-law 2025-136 .
View the Notice of Development Charges for the Township and District of Muskoka effective January 1, 2026.
Note: Township of Muskoka Lakes Development Charges By-law 2024-055 was approved by Council on June 12, 2024 effective July 1, 2024.
In accordance with By-law 2024-055, indexed January 1, 2026:
* Single family and Semi's - $18,367.00
* Rows and other multiples - $12,554.00
* Apartments (2 or more bedrooms) - $10,178.00
* Apartments (Bachelor or 1 bedroom) - $6,786.00
* Non-residential, per square foot of building space - $5.00
A summary of the development charges by-law can be found in the Township Development Charges Information Document.
View the District of Muskoka Development Charges
District Development Charges do not apply if the addition to an Industrial building is less than 50% of the existing floor area. Please view By-law 2024-34 for more information.
## Useful Resources
* Septic Smart - OMAFRA
* Rural Septic System Checklist
* Wells on your Property
* Water Supply Well Requirements
* Well Construction
* Well Disinfection
* Provincial Bulletin for Wells
* Ontario Water Resources Act
* Caring For Your Septic System in Muskoka Brochure
* Highway Corridor Management - Online Services (MTO)
* Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
* Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
* Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
* Parks Canada - Trent Severn Waterways
* Navigation Protection Program
## Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a building?
A structure occupying an area greater than 10m2 consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works fixtures, and service systems appurtenant thereto
* A structure occupying an area of 10m2 or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto
* Plumbing not located in a structure
* A sewage system
* Structures designated in the Ontario Building Code
What is a building permit?
A building permit is your approval to start construction. It means that plans for any new structure, addition or renovation have been reviewed by the Building department. The Building department ensures the plans meet the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-Laws and other applicable laws and regulations.
Why do I need a building permit?
A building permit is a way to regulate development in the Township of Muskoka Lakes to meet health, fire, structural and general safety standards. This is to protect individuals and the Community as a whole. It is illegal to conduct work without a permit. Conducting work without a building permit is against the Ontario Building Code Act
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required to construct or demolish a building as defined in the Building Code Act. A building permit is required to connect to the Municipal Water and Sewer Services. A Water and Sewer connection permit must first be obtained from the District of Muskoka. Include a copy of the District Connection permit with your building permit application.
A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Building Code Act and is exempt from compliance with the Building Code, provided that the shed,
(a) is not more than 15 m2 in gross area,
(b) is not more than one storey in building height,
(c) is not attached to a building or any other structure,
(d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and
(e) does not have plumbing.
Note: an accessory structure must comply with the Ontario Building Code, the Township of Muskoka Lakes Zoning By-Law, and all other applicable law. Please contact the planning department to find out setback and lot coverage information as it relates to your property.
What type of renovations require a permit?
The following is a list of common renovation projects that require a building permit:
* Constructing an addition to an existing building, such as:
+ second or third storey additions
+ attached garages or carports
+ "Muskoka rooms"
+ porches, decks
* Making structural or material alterations, such as:
+ adding or removing walls
+ new windows or doors where there were none before
+ enlarging or moving existing windows or doors
+ expanding an existing deck or dock
+ enclosing an existing deck or porch
+ replacing structural parts of a deck or dock
* Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following:
+ structural or material alterations
+ installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
+ excavating and/or constructing foundations
+ basement underpinning
+ constructing a basement entrance
+ adding an additional unit or suite
* Demolishing or removing all or part of a building
+ Installing or reconstructing a chimney or fireplace
+ Installing a wood burning stove or fireplace
+ Replacing or repairing footing drains
+ Upgrading or repairing a sewage system
+ Installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
+ Constructing or replacing a retaining wall (if the retaining wall is adjacent to public property)
+ Changing a building's use (example: residential to commercial or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is needed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit may be required.
How are newly built structures assessed?
Assessment on a newly built structure does not happen immediately. Following approval of occupancy, it can take up to 36 months for *MPAC* to assess the property and provide the information to the Township. Once the Township receives the increased assessment information, a supplemental tax bill will be issued on the property and sent to the ***current*** homeowner.
It is important to understand this process to ensure you are prepared when the bill is issued as MPAC can add assessment in the current year and/or the previous 2 years.
This assessment delay can also have ramifications on a property sale and should be discussed with your solicitor. Please contact the property tax department at [email protected] to discuss your property specifically.
## Concerned About a Development?
If you have concerns about a nearby development, try speaking with your neighbour first. A respectful conversation can often resolve issues without needing enforcement.
If that doesn't work, the Township's By-law Enforcement Team may be able to help. Contact them to find out if any by-laws apply to your situation.
For information on local development projects, please refer the Muskoka GeoHub interactive mapping tool.
**To report an emergency, call 9-1-1.**
## Support
**Building Department**
(705) 765-3156
[email protected]
Contact Us
Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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