This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot ddd312467b6d · verified 2026-09-25 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
BY-LAW NUMBER 112-2005
OF
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF STRATFORD
Being a by-law of The Corporation of the City of Stratford
respecting permits for construction, demolition and change of
use and respecting inspections and the charging of permit
fees and to repeal By-law 67-2001 and all amendments
thereto.
WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, S.130, as amended, provides that
a municipality may regulate matters not specifically provided for by the Municipal Act or
any other Act for purposes related to health, safety and well-being of the inhabitants of
the municipality;
AND WHEREAS, Section 7 of the Building Code Act 1992, S.O. 1992, c.23, as amended,
empowers council to pass by-laws respecting permits for construction, demolition,
occupancy, change of use, mechanical, plumbing, sewage systems and conditional
permits and respecting inspections and the charging of permit fees;
AND WHEREAS, Section 35 of the Building Code Act 1992, S.O. 1992 c.23, as amended,
provides that the Building Code Act and the Building Code supersede all municipal by-
laws respecting the construction or demolition of buildings;
AND WHEREAS, Section 3(1) of the Building Code Act 1992, S.O. 1992, c.23, as
amended, provides that the council of each municipality is responsible for the
enforcement of the Building Code Act in the municipality;
AND WHEREAS Section 3(2) of the Building Code Act 1992, S.O. 1992 c. 23, as
amended, provides that the council of each municipality shall appoint a chief building
official and such inspectors as are necessary for the enforcement of the Building Code
Act in the areas in which the municipality has jurisdiction;
NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF STRATFORD
enacts as follows:
1. CITATION AND DEFINITIONS
1.1 Short Title
This By-law may be cited as the "Building By-law".
1.2 Definitions
In this by-law,
(a) "Act" means the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23, as amended.
(b) "applicable law" means applicable law as defined in the Building Code.
(c) "as constructed plans" means as constructed plans as defined in the Building
Code.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
2
[Type here]
(d) "architect" means a holder of a license, a certificate of practice, or a temporary
license under the Architect's Act as defined in the Building Code.
(e) "building" means a building as defined in Section 1 of the Act.
(f)
"Building Code" means regulations made under Section 34 of the Act.
(g) "chief building official" means the Chief Building Official appointed by the by-
law of The Corporation of the City of Stratford for the purposes of enforcement
of the Act.
(h) 'construct" means construct as defined in Section 1 of the Act.
(i)
"Corporation" means The Corporation of the City of Stratford.
(j)
"demolish" means demolish as defined in Section 1 of the Act.
(k) "designer" means the person responsible for the design.
(l)
"engineer" means a professional engineer who is a holder of a license, a
certificate of practice, or a temporary license under the Engineer's Act as
defined in the Building Code.
(m) "farm building" means a farm building as defined in Section 1.3.1.2 of Div. A
of the Building Code.
(n) "floor area" means the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls
and required firewalls including the space occupied by interior walls and
partitions, unless otherwise defined herein.
(o) "inspector" means an inspector appointed by by-law of The Corporation of the
City of Stratford for the purposes of enforcing this Act;
(p) "owner" means the registered owner of the property and includes a lessee,
mortgagee in possession.
(q) "permit" means written permission or written authorization 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 a building or parts thereof or, in the
case of an occupancy permit, to occupy a building or part of a building or parts
thereof.
(r) "plumbing" means plumbing as defined in Section 1 of the Act.
(s) "infill construction site" means any construction site in respect of which a
building permit has been issued for the construction of a building or part
thereof where such construction is adjacent to another occupied dwelling unit
except where the site is within a registered plan of subdivision which
subdivision is being developed for the first time.
(t) "sewage system" means a sewage system as defined in Section 1.1. of the
Building Code.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
3
[Type here]
2. PERMITS
2.1 Classes of Permits (Subsection 7(a) of the Act)
The classes of permits with respect to the construction, demolition, occupancy,
transfer, mechanical, plumbing, sewage systems and change of use and permit fees
shall be as set out in Schedule A to this by-law.
1. Building Permit (Section 8(1) of the Act) is required for all types of construction
governed by the Building Code and may include plumbing, farm buildings,
change of use, sewage systems and heating, ventilating and air conditioning
systems.
2.
Partial Building Permit (Section 8(1) of the Act) (Partial permits are appropriate
where the construction authorized by the permit complies with the Act, Building
Code and other applicable laws.) may be issued, when, in order to expedite
work, approval of a portion of the building or project is desired prior to the
issuance of a permit for the complete building or project, application shall be
made and fees paid for that portion of the building or project. Complete plans
and specifications covering the portion of the work for which immediate
approval is desired shall be filed with the chief building official.
Where a permit is issued for part of a building or project, such permit shall not
be construed to authorize construction beyond the plans for which approval
was given nor that approval will necessarily be granted for the entire building
or project.
3.
Conditional Permit: A conditional permit may be issued by the chief building
official in accordance with Subsection 2.2.2(c) of this by-law.
4.
Change of Use Permit: A change of use permit is required where a change in
use of a building or part of a building would result in an increase in hazard as
determined under Div.C 1.3.1.4 of the Building Code even though no
construction is proposed.
5.
Sewage System Permit: A sewage system permit is required for all Classes of
Systems as defined in Article 8.1.2.1 of the Building Code.
6.
Structural Sign Permit: A structural sign permit is required in respect of the
structural requirements for signs contained in Section 3.15 of the Building
Code.
7.
Special Building Permit: A special building permit is required for all types of
construction governed by the Building Code and includes plumbing, farm
buildings, sewage systems, signs, change of use and heating, ventilating and
air conditioning systems where construction or change of use has commenced
prior to the issuance of the permit.
2.2 Application for Permit (Subsection 7(b) of the Act)
1.
To obtain a permit, the owner or an agent authorized in writing by the owner,
shall file an application in writing by completing a prescribed form available
from the chief building official or from the Building Code website
http://mah.gov.on.ca/Asset12410.aspx Forms prescribed by the municipality
under Subsection 7(f) of the Act shall be set out in Schedule D to this By-law.
2.
Every application for a permit shall be submitted to the chief building official
and shall contain the following information:
(a) Where application is made for a construction permit under Section 8(1) of
the Act, the application shall:
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
4
[Type here]
(i)
use the provincial application form, Application for a Permit to
Construct or Demolish ,
(ii) include two complete sets of plans, schedules, specifications, forms,
documents and other information required by Article 2.4.1.1B of the
Building Code and as described in this by-law, Schedule C and
Schedule D for the work to be covered by the permit,
(iii) include the proposed or existing occupancy of all parts of the
building, and,
(iv) include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law.
(b) Where application is made for a demolition permit under Section 8(1) of
the Act, the application shall:
(i)
use the provincial application form, Application for a Permit to
Construct or Demolish,
(ii) include two complete sets of plans, schedules, specifications, forms,
documents and other information required by Article 2.4.1.1B of the
Building Code and as described in this By-law, Schedule C and
Schedule D for the work to be covered by the permit,
(iii) include the existing occupancy of all parts of the building, and,
(iv) include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law.
(c) Where application is made for a conditional permit under Section 8(3) of
the Act, the application shall:
(i)
use the provincial application form, Application for a Permit to
Construct or Demolish,
(ii) include two complete sets of plans, schedules, specifications, forms,
documents and other information required by Article 2.4.1.1B of the
Building Code and as described in this By-law, Schedule C and
Schedule D for the work to be covered by the permit,
(iii) include the proposed or existing occupancy of all parts of the
building,
(iv) include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law,
(v) state the reasons why the applicant believes that unreasonable
delays in construction would occur if a conditional permit is not
granted,
(vi) state the necessary approvals, which must be obtained in respect of
the proposed building and the time in which such approvals will be
obtained,
(vii) include an agreement in writing by the applicant and such other
persons as the chief building official determines with the Corporation
dealing with the matters required pursuant to Subsection 8(3)(c) of
the Act, and
(viii) state the time in which plans and specifications of the complete
building will be filed with the chief building official.
(d) Where application is made for a change of use permit issued under Section
10(1) of the Act, the application shall be submitted to the chief building
official and shall:
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
5
[Type here]
(i)
use the change of use application form as described in this by-law
listed in Schedule D, with all applicable fields completed,
(ii) describe the building in which the occupancy is to be changed, by a
description that will readily identify and locate the building,
(iii) identify and describe, as required by the chief building official, the
current and proposed occupancies of the building or part of a
building for which the application is made,
(iv) include, as required by the chief building official, plans and
specifications which show the current and proposed occupancy of all
parts of the building and which contain sufficient information to
establish compliance with the requirements of the Building Code,
including floor plans, details of walls, ceiling and roof assemblies
identifying required fire resistance ratings and load bearing
capacities and details of the existing sewage system, if any, and,
(v) include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law.
(e) Where application is made for a plumbing permit under Section (8)(1) of
the Act, the application shall:
(i)
use the provincial application form, Application for a Permit to
Construct or Demolish,
(ii) include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law, and,
(iii) include two complete sets of plans, schedules, specifications, forms,
documents and other information required by Article 2.4.1.1B of the
Building Code and as described in this By-law, Schedule C and
Schedule D for the work to be covered by the permit.
(f)
Every application for a sewage system permit shall be submitted to the
chief building official and contain the following information:
(i)
use the provincial application form, Application for a Permit to
Construct or Demolish,
(ii) include two complete sets of plans, schedules, specifications, forms,
documents and other information required by Article 2.4.1.1B of the
Building Code and as described in this by-law, Schedule C and
Schedule D for the work to be covered by the permit,
(iii) include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law,
(iv) a site evaluation, which shall include all of the following items, unless
otherwise specified by the chief building official:
(a) the date the evaluation was done,
(b) name, address, telephone number and signature of the person
who prepared the evaluation,
(c) a scaled map of the site showing:
(aa) the legal description, lot size, property dimensions,
existing rights-of-way, easements or municipal/utility
corridors,
(bb) the location of items listed in Column 1 of Tables 8.2.1.6.A,
8.2.1.6.B and 8.2.1.6.C of the Building Code,
(cc) the location of the proposed sewage system,
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
6
[Type here]
(dd) the location of any unsuitable, disturbed or compacted
areas,
(ee) proposed access routes for system maintenance,
(ff) depth to bedrock,
(gg) depth to zones of soil saturation,
(hh) soil properties, including soil permeability, and
(ii) soil conditions, including the potential for flooding.
2.3 Revision to Permit in accordance with section 8(12) of the Building Code Act:
No person shall make a material change or cause a material change to be made to
a plan, specification, document or other information on the basis of which a permit
was issued without notifying, filing details with and obtaining the authorization of
the chief building official.
2.4 Plans, Schedules, Specifications, Documents and Other Information (Subsection 7(b)
of the Act)
1.
Plans, Schedules, Specifications, Documents and Other Information submitted
with each application for a permit shall have sufficient information 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 (see Section 9 of this By-law for
requirements for forms).
2.
Each application shall, unless otherwise specified by the chief building official,
be accompanied by two complete sets of the plans and specifications required
under this By-law.
3.
Plans shall be drawn to scale on paper or other durable material, shall be legible
and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shall include such working
drawings, specifications, schedules, documents and other information as set
out in Schedule C and Schedule D to this By-law unless otherwise specified by
the chief building official.
4.
Site plans shall be referenced to an up-to-date survey and, when required to
demonstrate compliance with the Act, the Building Code or other applicable
law, a copy of the survey shall be submitted to the chief building official. Site
plans shall show:
(a) Lot size and the dimensions of property lines and setbacks to any existing
or proposed buildings,
(b) existing and finished ground levels or grades,
(c) existing rights-of-way, easements, municipal services and fencing, and
(d) proposed fire access routes and existing fire hydrant locations.
5.
The granting of a permit, the review of the drawings and specifications or
inspections made by the chief building official or an inspector shall not in any
way relieve the owner of a building from full responsibility for carrying out the
work or having the work carried out in accordance with the requirements of
this by-law, the Act and the Building Code, including ensuring that the
occupancy of the building, or any part thereof, is in accordance with the terms
of this by-law and the Building Code.
6.
The chief building official may require a set of as constructed plans of a building
or any class of buildings be filed with the chief building official on completion
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
7
[Type here]
of the construction under such conditions as may be prescribed in the Building
Code (Subsection 7(g) of the Act).
7.
Plans, schedules, specifications, documents, forms and other information
required to be submitted shall be completed by an engineer and or architect as
required by the Building Code and be completed by a designer as required by
the Building Code. The chief building official may in addition to the
requirements listed in the previous sentence require information from any
person regarding a building or part thereof as per Section 18(1) of the Act.
3.
FEES (Section 7(c) of the Act)
1.
Fees for a required permit shall be as set out in Schedule A to this by-law and
are due and payable upon submission of an application for permit.
2.
Where application is made for a conditional permit, the conditional permit fee
set out in Schedule A shall be payable at application for permit and in addition
to the applicable construction permit fee as set out in Schedule A.
3.
Where the fees payable in respect of an application for a construction or
demolition permit issued under Section 8(1) of the Act or a conditional permit
issued under Section 8(3) of the Act are based on a floor area, floor area shall
mean the total floor space of all storeys including storeys below the first storey
(except the unfinished floor area below the first storey in single family
dwellings) measured as the horizontal area between the exterior walls of the
building (see Schedule A for further information).
4.
With respect to an application for a change of use permit issued under Section
10(1) of the Act the change of use permit fee listed in Schedule A shall be
utilized when no construction is proposed or required. When construction is
proposed or required and will result in a change of use the appropriate
construction permit fee as set out in Schedule A shall be utilized.
5.
The chief building official shall determine permit fees not described or included
in Schedule A.
6.
On January 1, 2026, and the first day of January in each year thereafter, the
fees indicated in Schedule A and anywhere in this By-law, shall be adjusted in
accordance with the 12-month average change of the Statistics Canada
Consumer Price index using the September-to-September rates.
3.1 Refund of Fees (Subsection 7(d) of the Act)
1.
In the case of withdrawal of an application or the abandonment of all or a
portion of the work or the non-commencement of any project, the chief building
official shall determine the amount of paid permit fees that may be refunded
to the applicant, if any, in accordance with Schedule B attached to and forming
part of this by-law.
2.
If the building permit has not been issued within six months of the permit
application date, the Chief Building Official may return the application, refund
permit fees paid, if any, in accordance with Schedule B attached to and forming
part of this by-law, and terminate the application process.
4.
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTIONS (Subsection 7(e) of the Act)
With respect to "additional notices" under Div.C 1.3.5.2 of the Building Code, the
owner or an authorized agent shall notify the chief building official or an inspector
at least two business days prior to the following stages of construction listed in
Clauses 1.3.5.2 (1) (a), (b), (c), (e), (g) and (h) of the Building Code
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
8
[Type here]
5.
TRANSFER OF PERMIT (Subsection 7(h) of the Act)
Where application is made for a transfer of permit under the Act, the applicant shall:
1.
use the transfer of permit application form as described in this by-law listed in
Schedule D,
2.
include plans, schedules, specifications, forms, documents and other
information required as described in this by-law, Schedule C and Schedule D,
and,
3.
include the required fee as set out in Schedule A to this By-law.
6.
DELEGATION OF CONDITIONAL PERMITS (Section (3.1) of the Act)
The chief building official is authorized to take the following actions with respect to
the processing of conditional permit agreements under section 8 of the Act enter
into agreements described in Section (3)(c) of the Act:
1.
To approve the entering into a standard form conditional permit agreement
and to execute the agreement on behalf of the City;,
2.
To approve an assignment of a conditional permit agreement and to execute
the consent to the assignment of the agreement on behalf of the City, and
3.
To approve the release of a registered conditional permit agreement where the
agreement is no longer necessary and to execute the release of the agreement
on behalf of the City.
7.
PRESCRIBED FORMS (Subsection 7(f) of the Act)
The forms prescribed for use as applications for permit, for orders and for inspection
reports/certificates shall be as set out in Schedule D to this By-law.
8.
FENCING OF EXCAVATIONS (Subsection 7(i) and (j) of the Act)
8.1 Upon receipt of a complaint in writing to the chief building official regarding fencing
or lack of fencing at an infill construction site, the person to whom a building permit
is issued in respect of construction which will take place at an infill construction site,
shall erect or cause to be erected and maintained a fence enclosing the infill
construction site in accordance with the provisions of this By-law.
8.2 Where there is fencing on or adjoining a residential construction site erected prior
to the application for a building permit in respect of that site, such fencing shall be
deemed to be in compliance with this by-law provided it is extended along the entire
perimeter of the residential construction site as determined by the chief building
official and the extended fencing is erected in accordance with this By-law.
8.3 The height of every fence shall be a minimum of 1.2 metres 4 ft. and a maximum
of 6-ft. (1.8 m) to be measured from the highest adjacent grade.
8.4 Every fence required under this by-law shall be located on the perimeter of the
residential construction site as determined by the chief building official and
constructed as follows:
1.
if of chain link construction, the chain link shall be fastened to a 1 in. diameter
metal bar which is securely fastened to metal posts at not over 3 metres (10
ft.) on centre and embedded into the ground to provide a rigid support,
2.
if of wood construction, the exterior face shall be 1-in. exterior grade plywood,
particle board or equivalent material that will not provide footholds for climbing.
The facing shall be supported by 2 in. x 4 in. nominal size posts spaced at not
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
9
[Type here]
more than 2.4 metres (8 ft.) on centre and embedded into the ground to
provide a rigid support,
3.
if the fence is of the snow fence or plastic mesh type, the fencing should be
securely fastened to T-bar posts at not over 2.4 metres (8 ft.) on centre and
embedded into the ground to provide a rigid support.
8.5 The fence may provide for openings sufficient to accommodate construction
vehicles, machines and any other equipment providing services to the infill
construction site provided that these openings are closed off when the site is shut
down.
8.6 The fence shall remain in place until all construction related hazards have been
removed from the infill construction site to the satisfaction of the chief building
official.
9.
SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of this by-law is declared by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the remaining
provisions of the by-law.
10. PENALTY CLAUSE
Section 36 of the Building Code Act provides that a person is guilty of an offence
under the Act if a person contravenes the Act, the Building Code or this by-law.
11. REPEAL CLAUSE
By-law 67-2001 of the Corporation is hereby repealed as of June 30, 2005.
12. EFFECTIVE DATE
The City of Stratford Building By-law shall come into effect July 1, 2005.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME, and
FINALLY PASSED THIS 27th DAY OF June, 2005.
______"Daniel B. Mathieson"__________
MAYOR - Daniel B. Mathieson
______"Joan L. Thomson"____________
CLERK - Joan L. Thomson
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
10
[Type here]
THIS IS SCHEDULE "A" TO BY-LAW 9-2025
Adopted this 27th day of January, 2025
OF
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF STRATFORD
Amending Schedule "A" to
By-law 112-2005, as amended
Effective January 1, 2026
Type of Permit:
Group Type
Type of Permit:
Sub-Type
Permit Fee:
Fee per Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Permit Fee:
Fee per Unit
Group 'A' - Assembly
Finished
$2.37
N/A
Group 'A' - Assembly
Shell Only
$2.10
N/A
Group 'A' - Assembly
Outdoor Patio
N/A
$291.00
Group 'A' - Assembly
Outdoor Pool - Public
N/A
$968.00
Group 'A' - Assembly
Portable Classroom
N/A
$521.00
Group 'B' - Institutional All institutional classifications
$2.85
N/A
Group 'C' - Residential
Dwelling (Single, Semi, Duplex,
Rowhouse, Stacked Rowhouse,
Detached ARU)
$1.51
N/A
Group 'C' - Residential
Garage / Carport (per bay)
N/A
$205.00
Group 'C' - Residential
Shed, Deck, Porch
N/A
$205.00
Group 'C' - Residential
Apartment Building
$1.77
N/A
Group 'C' - Residential
Hotels / Motels
$2.26
N/A
Group 'C' - Residential
Residential Care Facility
$1.51
N/A
Group 'D' - Business &
Personal Services
Finished
$1.94
N/A
Group 'D' - Business &
Personal Services
Shell Only
$1.62
N/A
Group 'D' - Business &
Personal Services
Finishing of Existing Shell
$0.50
N/A
Group 'E' - Mercantile
Finished
$1.94
N/A
Group 'E' - Mercantile
Shell Only
$1.62
N/A
Group 'E' - Mercantile
Finishing of Existing Shell
$0.50
N/A
Group 'F' - Industrial
Finished
$1.19
N/A
Group 'F' - Industrial
Shell Only
$0.91
N/A
Group 'F' - Industrial
Finishing of Existing Shell
$0.50
N/A
Group 'F' - Industrial
Parking Garage
$0.86
N/A
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
11
[Type here]
Type of Permit:
Group Type
Type of Permit:
Sub-Type
Permit Fee:
Fee per Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Permit Fee:
Fee per Unit
Agricultural
All Agricultural classifications
$0.70
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Air supported structures
$0.86
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Alternative Solution: Part 9 (each)
N/A
$592.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Alternative Solution: All other
Building/system (each)
N/A
$1,183.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Balcony guard (replace per linear
foot) - excluding low rise
Residential
$0.73
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Balcony repair (per balcony)
N/A
$29.03
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Ceiling (new or replace per square
foot)
$0.29
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Change of Use (with no
renovations) - All Classifications
(min. fee $291.00)
$0.24
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Demolition (If P.Eng. review
required min. fee of $564.00)
$0.19
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Designated Structures - Including
Solar Panels, but excluding
retaining walls, public pools, and
signs)
N/A
$521.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Elevator, escalator, lift
N/A
$521.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Engineering review - Where, at
the discretion of the CBO, third-
party review is required for Part 4
designs submitted by a designer as
part of an application.
Fee is in addition to applicable fees
for building permit application.
N/A
$2,339.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Exterior ramps (excluding low rise
Residential)
N/A
$291.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Fireplace/Woodstove (each)
N/A
$140.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Foundation or Conditional Permit -
In addition to Building Permit Fee
(Min. $538.00)
$0.24
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Interior Finishes - All Classifications
not specified elsewhere (Min.
$291.00)
$0.54
N/A
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
12
[Type here]
Type of Permit:
Group Type
Type of Permit:
Sub-Type
Permit Fee:
Fee per Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Permit Fee:
Fee per Unit
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Alterations/Renovations to
previously finished areas - All
Classifications not specified
elsewhere (Min. $291.00)
$0.48
N/A
New ARU - Inside of the Primary
Dwelling Unit (Min. $1,024.00)
$1.51
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Rack storage systems (per lin. ft.)
$0.54
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Reclad exterior wall (per lin. ft.)
$0.19
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Retaining Wall (per lin. ft.)
$3.66
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Shoring & Underpinning (per lin.
ft.)
$3.98
N/A
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Signs
N/A
$140.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Storefront replacement
N/A
$291.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Temporary Buildings (each)
N/A
$291.00
Stand Alone &
Miscellaneous Work
Temporary Tents (each)
N/A
$205.00
Mechanical Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
HVAC Permit (non-residential)
$0.19
N/A
Mechanical Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Fire Sprinkler System, Standpipe,
etc. (Min. $291.00)
$0.14
N/A
Mechanical Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Commercial Kitchen, Spray Booth,
Dust Collector (each)
N/A
$291.00
Electrical Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Fire Alarm System & Electrical
Work (Min. $291.00)
$0.14
N/A
Electrical Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Electromagnetic locks & Hold open
devices (each)
N/A
$140.00
Electrical Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Emergency Lighting (per storey)
N/A
$140.00
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
13
[Type here]
Type of Permit:
Group Type
Type of Permit:
Sub-Type
Permit Fee:
Fee per Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Permit Fee:
Fee per Unit
Plumbing Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Plumbing Permit (per fixture, min.
fee $137.00)
N/A
$19.46
Plumbing Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Catchbasin, maintenance holes,
roofdrains (each)
N/A
$28.67
Plumbing Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Building / Site Services (per lin. ft.)
$0.91
N/A
Plumbing Work
(independent of
Building Permit)
Backflow Prevention Device (per
device)
N/A
$140.00
On-site Sewage System
New or Replacement system
N/A
$699.00
On-site Sewage System
Alterations / Repair
N/A
$527.00
Other Fees
Other Fees
Minimum Permit Fee: Low rise
residential (SDD, Semi-detached,
Triplex)
N/A
$140.00
Minimum Permit Fee: All
Classifications (Unless noted
otherwise)
N/A
$291.00
Other Fees
Revision to Permit Fee - Applicable
to square footage of area where
plan examination required due to
submission of revisions after
permit issued. (Min. $140.00)
$0.14
N/A
Other Fees
Permit to Occupy unfinished
building
N/A
$291.00
Other Fees
Transfer Permit (change of permit
ownership)
N/A
$291.00
Other Fees
Special Inspection Fee after hours
(per hour)
N/A
$291.00
Other Fees
Special research requests of
Building Division (per hour or part
thereof and includes requests for
written information
N/A
$69.63
Other Fees
Property Surveys - Records FOI
N/A
$28.67
Other Fees
Staff Time / 15 min.
N/A
$16.38
Other Fees
Photocopies (Black & White,
Letter, Legal, Tabloid) - per copy
N/A
$0.23
Other Fees
Photocopies (Colour, Letter, Legal,
Tabloid) - per copy
N/A
$0.86
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
14
[Type here]
Type of Permit:
Group Type
Type of Permit:
Sub-Type
Permit Fee:
Fee per Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Permit Fee:
Fee per Unit
Other Fees
Plotter copies (Large format) - per
sheet
N/A
$23.55
Additional Inspection Fee - Fee
per additional inspection and/or for
call-back inspection(s) deemed
necessary by the Chief Building
Official.
N/A
$140.00
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
15
[Type here]
Classes of Permits
Class of Permit shall include:
1. Building permit BCA 8(1) (includes a farm building)
2. Partial Permit BCA 8(1)
3. Special Building Permit BCA 7(1)(a)
4. Demolition Permit BCA 8(1)
5. Conditional Permit BCA 8(3)
6. Occupancy Permit BCA 11
7. Change Of Use Permit BCA 10(1)
8. Plumbing Permit BCA 8(1) (specific types noted)
9. Mechanical Permit (H.V.A.C.) BCA 8(1) (specific types noted)
10. Structural Sign Permit OBC DIV. B 3.15
11. Transfer Permit BCA 7(h)
12. Sewage System Permit BCA 8(1)
Notes:
- BCA refers to the Ontario Building Code Act S.O. 1992, Chapter 23 as
amended,
- OBC refers to the Ontario Building Code O.Reg. 332/12 as amended.
SPECIAL BUILDING PERMIT FEE:
A special permit fee with respect to construction, change of use, demolition, heating,
ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing or drainage work shall be paid by the
owner where any work was commenced prior to the issuance of a permit.
The special permit fee shall be the regular permit fee plus an additional fee equal to
100% of the amount calculated as the regular permit fee, but in no case shall the
additional fee exceed $7,750.00 in order to compensate the City for the additional work
performed as a result of commencing work prior to permit issuance.
Payment of the special permit fee does not allow construction, change of use,
demolition, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing or drainage work
to continue without a permit.
SECURITY DEPOSIT FEE:
A Security Deposit Fee shall be required for lot grading certification in the amount of
$2,000.00 for each building permit application for a new single detached dwelling, semi-
detached dwelling or a building containing duplex or triplex dwellings except when said
permit application is subject to a Construction Deposit as required in a Site Plan
Agreement or Subdivision Agreement under the Planning Act.
Return of Security Deposit Fee:
Upon the submission of a Final Lot Grading certificate from an Ontario Land Surveyor
confirming completion of a final inspection and including a final inspection of the
individual lot grading by the Building Official, the construction deposit without interest
(or such portion as remains unused) for that lot shall be returned by the CITY to the
party that paid the construction deposit.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
16
[Type here]
FEES UNDEFINED IN TABLE:
Fee for classes of permits/type of work not described or included in the calculation of
permit fee table shall be determined by the Chief Building Official.
INTERPRETATION:
The following guidelines are to be applied in the calculation of permit fees:
Floor area of the proposed work is to be measured to the outer face of exterior walls
and to the center line of party walls or demising walls.
1.
In the case of interior alterations or renovations, area of proposed work is the
actual space receiving the work, e.g. tenant suite.
2.
Mechanical penthouses and floors, mezzanines, lofts, habitable attics and
interior balconies are to be included in all floor area calculations.
3.
Except for interconnected floor spaces, no deduction is made for openings
within the floor area (e.g. stairs, elevators, escalators, shafts, ducts, etc.).
4.
Unfinished basements for single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings,
duplexes and townhouses are not included in the floor area.
5.
Finished basements for single detached dwellings (including semis, duplexes
and townhouses, etc.) may at the discretion of the Chief Building Official be
charged the interior finishing fee in Schedule 'A'.
6.
Fireplaces, HVAC, electrical, woodstoves, plumbing, site services are included
in the permit fee for single family dwellings if included in original application.
Square footage for garage is charged at the residential rates per square foot.
7.
Where interior alterations and renovations require relocation of sprinkler heads
or fire alarm components, no additional charge is applicable.
8.
Where demolition of partitions or alterations to existing ceilings and walls is a
part of an alteration or renovation permit, no additional charge is applicable.
9.
Corridors, lobbies, washrooms, lounges, etc. are to be included and classified
according to the major classification for the floor area on which they are
located.
10.
The occupancy categories in the Schedule correspond with the major
occupancy classifications in the Ontario Building Code. For multiple occupancy
floor area, 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.
11.
Temporary building is a building that will be erected for not more than one
year.
12.
When conditional/partial permits are issued, fees shall be charged according to
the type of work proposed for each partial permit and shall have a cumulative
effect.
13.
When a conditional/partial permit is issued to construct a building shell a
partial permit to construct an interior finish must also be issued.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
17
[Type here]
14.
Site Service works when applied for with a building permit for a Structure, will
be charged as per fees set out in Schedule 'A' except for Single detached
dwellings.
15.
For classes of Permits not described in this Schedule, the Chief Building Official
shall determine a reasonable permit fee.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
18
[Type here]
SCHEDULE "B"
TO BY-LAW 112-2005 as amended
OF
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF STRATFORD
REFUND OF PERMIT FEES
Refund of Permit Fees
1. The fees that shall, upon request be refunded shall be reduced by a cumulative
percentage of the fees paid under this by-law as follows:
(a)
20% if administrative functions only have been performed;
(b)
10% if zoning functions only have been performed;
(c)
20% if plans examination functions only have been performed;
(d)
35% if the permit has been issued; and
(e)
5% shall additionally be deducted for each field inspection that has been
performed after the permit has been issued.
2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1 above, no refund shall be made of an amount less
than or equal to the minimum permit fee set out in Schedule A.
3. Notwithstanding paragraph 1 above, no refund shall be made where the chief
building official has revoked a permit under Section 8(10) of the Act.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
19
[Type here]
SCHEDULE "C"
TO BY-LAW 112-2005 as amended
OF
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF STRATFORD
List of Plans, Drawings, and other Information to Accompany Applications for
Permits
1. Site Plan;
2. Floor Plans;
3. Foundation Plans;
4. Framing Plans;
5. Truss System Layout Drawings;
6. Engineered Truss Drawings;
7. Engineered Floor/Roof System Layout Drawings;
8. Roof Plans;
9. Reflected Ceiling Plans;
10. Sections and Details;
11. Building Elevations;
12. Electrical Drawings;
13. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Drawings and calculations;
14. Sprinkler System Drawings;
15. Plumbing Drawings;
16. Mechanical Drawings;
17. Site Service Drawings;
18. Architectural Drawings;
19. Food Premise Layout Drawings;
20. Structural Drawings;
21. Specifications;
22. Structural Design Load Summary
23. All Related Engineering and Architectural Reports/Documents/Schedules/Tests.
24. Building Code Matrix/Summary
NOTE:
The Chief Building Official may specify that not all the above-mentioned plans or
information are required to accompany an application for a permit.
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
20
[Type here]
SCHEDULE "D"
TO BY-LAW 112-2005 as amended
OF
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF STRATFORD
Respecting Forms and Orders
Application Forms:
1. Change of Use (no construction required)**
2. Conditional Permit*
3. Transfer of Permit**
4. Construct or Demolish*
5. Alternative Solution**
6. Schedule 1**
7. Schedule 2**
8. SB10 Energy Designs**
9. SB12 Energy Designs**
Form Submission Prior to Permit Issuance:
1. Fill Removal Commitment Form**
2. Information for Installation of Solid Fuel Appliance**
3. Owner Authorization Form**
4. Commitment to General Review Form**
5. Demolition Commitment Form**
6. Demolition Environmental Consideration Form**
7. Demolition Utility Confirmation Form**
8. Demolition Control Forms**
Form Submission Prior to Occupancy/Final Inspection:
1. Backflow Prevention Device Testing & Inspection Report**
2. Interim Lot Grading Certificate**
3. Final Lot Grading Certificate**
Forms For Permission To Occupy:
1. Occupancy Certificate**
2. Occupancy Inspection Report**
Orders:
1. Order to Comply*
2. Stop Work Order*
3. Order Not To Cover*
4. Order To Uncover*
5. Unsafe Order**
6. Emergency Order**
7. Order To Take Tests and Samples*
8. Order to Prohibit Occupancy**
Agreement Forms:
Consolidated to December 8, 2025 and contains 2026 CPI Increase
21
[Type here]
1. Conditional Permit Agreement Form**
*These forms are as prescribed by the Ministry of Housing
**These forms are as prescribed by the Chief Building Official
The Chief Building Official shall determine which forms are required to be completed
and shall determine when the required forms are to be submitted.