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Building and Renovating

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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.

Apply for a building permit

 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?

This list is not limited to these items only.

  • Detached garage, shed, or accessory structure 108 square feet or greater in size (measured to the outside face of exterior walls).
  • Attached garage, carport, shed, or other roof structure of any size.
  • Decks greater than 24 inches above grade.
  • Finishing the basement of a house or adding a bedroom to the basement.
  • Additions to a building.
  • Enclosures for swimming pools with a depth of 24 inches or greater (including temporary or inflatable pools).
  • Creating a duplex/additional dwelling/apartment (a.k.a. in-law suite, accessory apartment, granny flat, etc.)
  • Plumbing fixtures added or relocated.
  • Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel, or beam.
  • Re-insulating walls, ceilings, or floors.
  • Wood stove or wood burning fireplace.
  • Installing a new window or door when increasing the width of the existing opening.
  • Retaining wall that is greater than three feet and three inches in height, pending location.
  • Solar panels that are mounted to a building.
  • Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types.
  • New residential dwellings.
  • Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area, except for farm buildings.
  • Tent or a group of tents that is more than 60 square metres (646 square feet) in aggregate ground area, attached to a building, or constructed within three metres (nine feet and 10 inches) of any structure.
  • Industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-residential construction or alterations, or changes of use.
  • Backflow prevention device for lawn irrigation systems connected to potable water.
  • Farm buildings, including: barns; bins; bunker silos; silos; sheds; etc.
 What projects would not require a building permit?

This list is not limited to these items only.

  • Structure less than 108 square feet measured from the outside face of the walls (that does not contain plumbing).
  • Gas fireplace.
  • Fence (must comply with zoning regulations).
  • Water softener installations.
  • Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
  • Door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed, or has no fire resistance rating).
  • Installing new shingles on an existing roof.
  • Replacing a plumbing fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub, or sink) with a new fixture in the same location.
 How do I apply for a building permit?

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.

 Forms:
  • Building Permit Application Form (Printable)  
  • Demolition Permit Application Form
  • 357 Form (To Be Completed Following a Demolition to Change Property Assessment)
  • Schedule 1 - Building Permit Application - Designer Information
  • Septic System Application Form
  • Accessory Building and Small Farm Buildings (Driveshed, Storage Buildings Under 2500 square feet) Checklist
  • Large Farm Buildings (Barns, Storage Buildings Over 2500 square feet) Checklist
  • Single Family Dwelling/Additions/Renovations Checklist
 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:
  • Permit number.
  • Address of the project.
  • Type of inspection.
  • Contact information for the person on-site.
  • 24 hours notice is required for all inspections. Please account for this timing when coordinating the work on-site. Please note that specific time requests are not always possible, but the Building Department will do their best to accommodate timelines.

 

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  • Oxford County Development Charges By-law
  • Oxford County Development Charges By-law - Mt. Elgin Water and Wastewater
  • South-West Oxford Municipal Development Charges
  • South-West Oxford Development Charges Pamphlet
  • South-West Oxford Development Charges Information
  • Building and Renovating
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    Township of South-West Oxford
    312915 Derehham Line
    Mt. Elgin ON N0J 1N0

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