Welcome to the South-West Oxford Building Department
A building permit is a document which grants legal permission to begin construction of any new structure, addition, or renovation. A permit is issued only when the plans for construction comply with the Ontario Building Code, South-West Oxford’s Municipal By-Laws, and other applicable laws and regulations. Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards, and other building standards are met (primarily for health and safety reasons). It is the building and or property owner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required.
The Building Department is an administrative division of the Township that enforces the Ontario Building Code Act and Regulations. The Ontario Building Code (OBC) is a regulation that is set by the Province, and the Township is the administrator of the Regulations.
The building industry is an ever evolving, ever changing industry that is always advancing with new techniques and new ideologies. Construction and building can vary greatly from building to building and, as such, the OBC is not set to be a ‘textbook’ or ‘instruction book’ for how to build as it is a standard to protect the health and safety of the public. The OBC’s main goal is to ensure all persons are protected and safe when in a building or using a space. In 2010, the OBC implemented energy efficiency as a main piece to work towards progressing buildings and their efficiencies.
| When is a permit needed? |
| Building permits are required for the construction or alteration of any building occupying an area greater than ten square metres (108 square feet) consisting of a walk, roof, and floor or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing works, fixtures, and service systems appurtenance thereto. |
| But why do I need a permit for my own property? |
| Permits are required to not only protect yourself and other normal users of the space, but to protect the public that may enter into a space or protect future owners and users of the space or building. If a person does work or makes changes to a space or building without a permit; that person, company, or owner may become liable for any future problems or issues that may arise. The process of obtaining a permit is to protect the health and safety of the public for the duration of the building’s life. |
| What projects require a building permit? |
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This list is not limited to these items only.
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| What projects would not require a building permit? |
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This list is not limited to these items only.
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| How do I apply for a building permit? |
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Building Permit Applications can be applied for by dropping the completed application off at the Township Office. Permit applications must be complete prior to it being submitted. In order to make sure that your application is complete, there are a number of different checklists that are available to use. Once you have all the completed forms and documentation that is needed, feel free to submit. Only completed applications will be accepted. If you are unsure or unaware of what is needed to apply, please use our checklist as a guideline. Please note that you do not need to make an appointment to apply for a Building Permit, and please allow for the appropriate number of days for a plan review and permit issuance. For more information, see our timeline policy below. |
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| How do I book an inspection? |
Please note that specific time requests are not always possible, but the Building Department will do their best to accommodate timelines. To book, please call 519-485-0477 ext. 7028. When booking inspections, the following information is required:
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