Building Permits

Note: The list below provides several examples but is not complete. Contact the Building Division if your project is not listed here or if you are unsure whether a permit is required.

• New residential dwellings
• A building of any size that contains plumbing
• Industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural construction, alterations or changes of use
• Any alterations to a fire separation or fire rated assembly, including repairs, replacement, alterations, penetrations/openings for wiring/plumbing/services/doorways, etc.
• Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area
• Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size
• Detached garage, shed or accessory structure greater than 161 square feet (measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall)
• Additions to a building
• Creating an apartment (in-law suite, accessory apartment, granny flat, duplex etc.)
• Adding a bedroom
• Finishing a basement
• Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam
• Re-insulating walls, ceilings or floors
• Adding a wood stove or wood burning fireplace
• Installing a new window or door where you are increasing the size of the existing opening
• Adding or relocating plumbing fixtures
• Installing or altering a septic system 
• Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
• Backflow prevention device for lawn irrigation systems connected to potable water
• Erecting a retaining wall that is greater than three feet and three inches in height
• Roof structures including a pergola or trellis 108 square feet and greater
• Solar panels that are mounted to a building
• Decks greater than 24 inches above grade at any point
• Swimming pools with a design depth of 36 inches or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
• Signs
• Tent or group of tents that is, more than 645 square feet, including temporary wedding or special event tents

• Structure up to 161 square feet (measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall) and that do not contain plumbing (ex. toilet, sink, etc.); these structures must still comply with the zoning regulations.
• Pergolas (roof structure must be minimum 50% open)
• Fence (but must comply with fence regulations)
• Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Door and window replacements (where there is no increase in the size of the existing opening)
• Installing new shingles on existing roof
• Removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling
• Replacing a plumbing fixture (ex. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location

Depending on your project, there may also be additional fees, including development charges.

A security deposit and Right of Way work permit is required for inground pool projects to ensure the road allowance is not damaged during construction.

Other applicable fees may apply if permits are required from other agencies such as the Grand River Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation or the Electrical Safety Authority, Region of Waterloo or if other planning applications are being filed.

Assembly Uses of Agricultural Buildings

When a farm building is proposed to be used for an assembly type use, such as a wedding/reception, retreat, place of gathering, etc., a Change of Use permit is required. 

Review the Changes of Occupancy document to learn more about this process. 

Farm Buildings, Grain Bins, Silos and Tanks

A building proposed to be constructed under the National Farm Building Code must be located on an agricultural property, be of low human occupancy (1 person per 40 square metres /430 square feet) and house livestock, farm related equipment or commodity storage.

Review the Farm Building Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission. 

Information to Review

• Minimum Distance Separation
• Nutrient Management

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Commitment to General Review Form

Small Buildings

Small buildings:

• Are less than 600 square metres (6458 square feet)
• Are less than 3 storeys in height
• Do not contain an Assembly (A1, A2, A3, A4), Care or Detention (B1, B2, B3) or High Hazard Industrial (F1) Occupancy

Review the Small Building Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission. 

Large Buildings

A large building is a building that does not meet the parameters of a house or a small building.

Review the Large Building Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Commitment to General Review Form
• Energy Efficiency Form - Non-Residential
• Energy Efficiency Checklist
• Backflow Prevention Report
• Sample Occupancy Form for Non-Residential Occupancies

Backflow occurs if low pressure happens in the main water supply line. This causes the drinking water to flow in the opposite direction - from homes and businesses back into the municipal drinking water distribution system - which could result in pollution and contaminants entering the drinking water system.

To reduce the risk of backflow, the Township has a Backflow Prevention By-law that is targeted at existing and new industrial, commercial, multi-residential and institutional properties. Some homes may also be affected by the by-law, specifically related to the installation of an irrigation system.

Backflow prevention devices require yearly testing by a licensed tester. Completed Backflow Prevention Test Reports must be submitted to Development Services within 14 days of the date of the test. A backflow prevention device is required for all irrigation systems. 

The installation of a backflow prevention device requires a plumbing permit.

Review the Decks, Sheds, Garages, Finished Basements Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

A grading approval is required prior to a building permit submission when:

• Residential accessory structures, exceeding a ground floor area of 55m2 located on a property of less than 2000m2 without a previously approved grading plan
• Any building that involves alterations to grading or hard surfacing within 0.6m of a property line
• Other buildings, additions or situations as required by the Township

Contact Infrastructure Services for grading approval requirements.

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information

Sample Drawings

• Specifications
• Drawing

Review the Decks, Sheds, Garages, Finished Basements Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

A grading approval is required prior to a building permit submission when:

• Residential accessory structures, exceeding a ground floor area of 55m2 located on a property of less than 2000m2 without a previously approved grading plan
• Any building that involves alterations to grading or hard surfacing within 0.6m of a property line
• Other buildings, additions or situations as required by the Township

Contact Infrastructure Services for grading approval requirements.

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information

Sample Drawings

• Mud Sill
• Pier Footings
• Frost Footings
• Floating Slab
• Elevations

A demolition permit is required to demolish, or partially demolish, a structure.  

A professional engineer must provide general review of a project if the building is more than 600 square metres (6460 square feet), more than 3 storeys, contains pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members, if the demolition will affect the angle of repose of footings for neighbouring buildings, or if lasers or explosives are to be used.

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Commitment to General Review Form
• Demolition Tracking Form

Visit our Fences and Pools page for more information.

Review the Decks, Sheds, Garages, Finished Basements Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information

Review the New Units, Tiny Homes, Additions, Alterations Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

Tiny Home Guideline

A grading approval is required prior to a building permit submission for:

• New residential buildings containing dwelling unit(s) within a Township urban area or rural settlement area or when located within 1.0m of a required property line setback
• Residential additions that are any of the following:
  • 40% or more of the original house’s ground floor area
  • Located closer to any property line than the original house
  • Within 0.6m of a required property line setback
• Residential accessory structures, exceeding a ground floor area of 55m² located on a property of less than 2000m² without a previously approved grading plan

Contact Infrastructure Services for grading approval requirements.

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Tarion Home Warranty Declaration Form
• A Ventilation (HVAC) Design Summary Form is required for all new residential projects and for most additions
• An energy efficiency design summary (EEDS) form is required for all new residential projects and for most additions. Either an EEDS Prescriptive Form or EEDS Performance and Other Compliance Form is required.
• A Plumbing Test Report is to be provided at rough-in plumbing inspection.
• A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Balance Certificate is required to be submitted prior to occupancy of a dwelling if an HRV has been installed
• For new dwelling units where a final inspection deposit was paid, a final inspection must be requested within 12 months of occupancy to be eligible for a refund of the deposit.  Please submit a Final Inspection Refund Request when the project is complete and ready for the final inspection.

Review the Apartments Within Existing Houses Permit Applications Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

Accessory Apartment Guidelines

A grading approval is required prior to a building permit submission for:

• New residential buildings containing dwelling unit(s) within a Township urban area or rural settlement area or when located within 1.0m of a required property line setback
• Residential additions that are any of the following:
  • 40% or more of the original house’s ground floor area
  • Located closer to any property line than the original house
  • Within 0.6m of a required property line setback
• Residential accessory structures, exceeding a ground floor area of 55m² located on a property of less than 2000m² without a previously approved grading plan

Contact Infrastructure Services for grading approval requirements.

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Tarion Home Warranty Declaration Form
• A Ventilation (HVAC) Design Summary Form is required for all new residential projects and for most additions
• An energy efficiency design summary (EEDS) form is required for all new residential projects and for most additions. Either an EEDS Prescriptive Form or EEDS Performance and Other Compliance Form is required.
• A Plumbing Test Report is to be provided at rough-in plumbing inspection.
• A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Balance Certificate is required to be submitted prior to occupancy of a dwelling if an HRV has been installed
• For new dwelling units where a final inspection deposit was paid, a final inspection must be requested within 12 months of occupancy to be eligible for a refund of the deposit.  Please submit a Final Inspection Refund Request when the project is complete and ready for the final inspection.

A plumbing permit is required for alterations to a plumbing system. This includes adding or relocating fixtures, permanently removing fixtures, adding or altering venting or drainage piping, adding or altering an irrigation system, etc. 

A permit may not be required for the replacement of a fixture in the same location - for instance, replacing an older model toilet with a new low flush model.

Plumbing within new buildings, additions or alterations to an existing building, is included as part of the building permit for the entire project.

For plumbing alterations without construction work, such as irrigation systems, installation of back flow prevention devices or water/sewer service replacement, repairs or alterations, a plumbing permit is required.

Required Forms

Please contact the Building Division to confirm which of the forms are required.

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Commitment to General Review Form
• Backflow Prevention Report
• Plumbing Test Report
• Location sketch of proposed work (for water and sewer service work)

A building permit is required to alter or install a septic system.

Review the Septic Systems Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information
• General Maintenance of Septic Systems

All new or replacement septic system installations will require a final inspection deposit paid before permit issuance. Please submit a Final Inspection Refund Request when the project is completed, grass growth has been established and approximately 6 months has passed from installation.

Final inspection can not be completed in adverse weather conditions between approximately December 1 to April 30. The final inspection refund request form must be submitted within 12 months of the install date to be eligible for a refund of the deposit.

Septic Audits

Review the Septic Audit Requirements.

A septic audit is required when new plumbing fixtures, bedrooms or more than 15 percent floor area are proposed to be added to a residence. For non-residential systems, please email the Building Division to determine if a septic audit will be required.

Septic audits must be performed by a licenced septic installer and be witnessed by a Building Inspector. Inspections must be requested minimum one business day in advance, prior to 4 pm by calling 519-634-8519 ext. 9243 or emailing the Building Division.

Septic System Mandatory Inspection Program

The Township of Wilmot is located within the Grand River Source Protection Area, and as such, is subject to the Grand River Source Protection Area's Assessment Report.

The assessment report identifies those septic systems which are potential threats to municipal drinking water supplies if the systems are not functioning properly. 

Once identified as a potential threat by an assessment report, the Ontario Building Code requires that the septic system be inspected within 5 years of the assessment report and every 5 years thereafter.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Impacted Areas
• Septic Tank Pump-Out Record
• Septic Smart Brochure

 Visit our Sign Permits page for more information.

A building permit is required for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on a building.

Submission Requirements

• Drawings to identify:
  • All connection details from the manufacturer for connection of the panels, tracks, etc., to the roof or wall surface
  • Layout of the panels on the roof (i.e. number of panels, area, location on roof)
• Engineering
  • Professional Engineer's review of the roof, wall and building structure and all connection details
  • Commitment to General Review Form completed by the Professional Engineer
  • After permit issuance, a Professional Engineer must complete site review of the project and provide report(s)

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Commitment to General Review Form

A building permit is required for outdoor demountable stages and support structures that meet the following requirements: 

Review the Demountable Stages and Support Structures Permit Application Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

A permit is required for a demountable stage (outside of a building):

• If the stage/platforms are more than 60m2/645ft2 and are more than 3m/9’-10” above ground, OR
• If the stage/platforms are more than 225m2/2420sf in area (any height), OR
• If the stage/platforms include any upper structure more than 5m/16’-5” above ground

A permit is required for a demountable support structure (outside of a building):

• If the structure is more than 3m/9’-10” above ground, OR
• If designed to carry a superimposed specified load greater than 115kg/253lbs, OR
• If the structure would create a hazard to the public

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Commitment to General Review Form

A building permit is required for a tent that is 60 square metres (645 square feet) or larger, or a group of tents spaced less than 3 metres (10 feet) apart with a combined area of 60 square metres (645 square feet) or larger.

Review the Tent Checklist to determine what documents, materials and information are required for your permit submission.  

Required Forms

• Application Form
• Commitment to General Review Form 

The Electrical Safety authority (ESA) is responsible for electrical permits and related inspections. Information on applying for an electrical permit and having electrical work inspected can be found on the ESA website. 

Visit our Heritage Properties and Permits page to find out when a Heritage Permit is required.

Are you planning to plant a tree, dig a hole, build a deck or fence on your property? It is important to get a locate completed to ensure that you can dig safely. In fact, under Ontario regulations it is the law. Remember, you are liable for any damage or injury caused by interfering with any buried infrastructure.

Ontario One Call receives requests for locates and informs owners of underground facilities (i.e. bell, cable TV, hydro, natural gas, watermains and sewers) who will then provide the locate.

Contact Information

Please contact Ontario One Call at least 5 business days before you plan to dig to be sure you get the locate information by the time you need it.

Any work on a property close to Highway 7/8 may require a building and land use permit from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Consult the MTO website to determine whether approval is required. 

Enbridge is the natural gas supplier in the Township of Wilmot. Visit the Enbridge website for information on approval requirements for new or modified natural gas services and supply.

All planning and building permit applications, including site plan applications, in a vulnerable Source Water Protection Area will require screening for potential drinking water threats and associated policies. Visit the Region of Waterloo's website for more information.