Building Permits

What is a building Permit?

A building permit is the expressed permission of a municipality to start construction of a building project in compliance with the building code and act.

What Construction Projects Need Building Permits?

You must obtain a building permit before you do any of the following:

  • Construct a new building over 10 square metres (107 sq. ft.)
  • Install a swimming pool
  • Renovate, repair or add to a building
  • Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • Change a building's use
  • Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
  • Make new openings for or replace doors and windows
  • Build a garage, balcony or deck or enclose an existing deck
  • Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinkler or standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems.
  • Install or modify heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and woodstoves
  • Install or renovate plumbing
  • Construct or reconstruct a chimney
  • Finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
  • Build a retaining wall or fence
  • Install sofit and facia or siding
  • Install eavestroughs
  • Damp-proof basements
  • Erect temporary buildings (incl. tents over 30 square metres)

NOTE: Regardless of the need to obtain a building permit, remember you still must comply with zoning requirements. (e.g.. 106 ft2 shed would still need to meet the minimum setback requirement - Check with Planning)

You do not require a building permit to:

  • Build a building under 108 sq.ft. (10 sq.m.), but must conform to the zoning setbacks
  • Reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
  • Paint or decorate, including interior finishes, but excluding insulation
  • Reinstall/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
  • Landscape or resurface/construct sidewalks and driveways

Why do I need a building permit?

A building permit is a means to regulate developments in the community to meet health, fire, structural and general safety standards to protect individuals and the community as a whole. It is illegal to start work without a permit.  Anyone who starts work without a building permit is in contravention of municipal by-law and the Ontario Building Code Act and is; therefore, subject to financial and legal consequences.

In order to build on property within the confines of the City of Elliot Lake, a building permit is necessary.

Download a building permit here.

Download an Agent Authorization Form Here.

Download building permit fees by-law 06-95 here.

When the form is filled out, return it to the Buildings and By-laws Department at City Hall:

45 Hillside Drive North
Elliot Lake ON
P5A 1X5

or email it to the Buildings department here.

For more information on the Building Permit process including timelines and documents required, click here.