Step 1

Entrance Permit and 911 Number

Step 2

Consult with the Planning Department

Step 3

Apply for a Building Permit

Apply for a Building Permit

Make sure that you have completed STEP 1 - Entrance Permit and 911 Number and STEP 2 - Planning Pre-Consultation before you apply for a Building Permit (STEP 3) 

Homeowners may design their own home and accessory buildings, however, if you have no experience in construction or working with the Ontario Building Code, we would recommend you consult/commission a design professional.

Please review the Municipality’s Building Permit Guide and Application package below. The package includes a checklist and guidance on how to complete the permit application package. For a building permit application to commence, the Municipality requires a complete package to be submitted, including a site plan, construction drawings, forms from the package completed/signed and building fees paid. We accept electronic applications or hard copies delivered to the office (by mail or in person).

Once the Municipality has received all of the above, the residential permit review process takes ten business days, after which the applicant will receive either a building permit, or a plans examination letter explaining what additional information is required in order for a permit to be issued.

We look forward to working with you.

Martin Cox
Chief Building Official

Building Permit Applications

The 2024 Building Permit Application includes the following forms and information: 

Building Permit Fees may vary depending on the type of work required. Review the Building Permit Fees for details on specific fees. For more information or questions, please contact the building department.

  • New Online Payment Options are available for building and planning fees and permits. Please contact the municipal office for more information on how to get setup for online payments at 613-338-2811 or [email protected]

The Ontario Building Code requires that a complete building permit application for small projects and houses will be processed within 10 days.

You will be advised at the time of application or within 2 days, if the application is incomplete.

Projects that REQUIRE a Building Permit

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install, or change the use of a building. The following is a list of typical projects or situations that require the issuance of a building permit prior to construction:

  • New buildings or structures of any size that include services. 
  • New buildings or structures greater than 10 square metres (108 ft²) in total floor area, measured by the outside dimensions. This includes sleeping cabins, boathouses or other accessory buildings or structures and single storey sheds greater than 15 square metres in area.
  • Additions to existing buildings or structures.
  • Renovations that involve structural framing, altering means of egress and for exits.  
  • New or replacement decks.
  • Wood burning appliances, including new or replacement of existing components.
  • Replacement of windows or doors if the rough opening size is enlarged.
  • Relocation or addition of plumbing fixtures.
  • Replacement of interior water supply or drainpipes.
  • Wind turbines that generate more than 3 kW of electricity.
  • Solar panels on new/existing structures will require a permit.
  • Quonset huts and pre-engineered metal buildings.
  • Repair or replacement of all types of building foundations. Note that load bearing cement slabs for all houses, and garages greater than 55 square metres (592 sq ft) require engineered design.

Projects that DO NOT REQUIRE a Building Permit

It isn’t necessary to obtain building permits to perform the following work. However, you must still comply with the requirements of the Municipality of Hastings Highlands Zoning Bylaw and, if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.

  • Single storey storage buildings with a total floor area of 15 sq. metres (160 ft²) or less. Zoning Bylaw requirements must still be followed.
  • Fences but still must be 30 m from water body.
  • Replacement of plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, bathtub, shower, hot water tank) in their original locations.
  • Replacement of windows or doors where the rough opening size does not change.
  • Replacement of shingles or other non- structural roofing material. Replacing or adding new roof trusses or rafters, requires a building permit.
  • Installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on a pole. Note: an electrical permit may be required. Check with an electrician or the Electrical Safety Authority.
  • Wind turbines that generate 3 kW or less of electricity.

Technical Resources

Septic System Resources

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