Building

• Any work on a Heritage Property (including renovations, demolition, or partial demolition)
• Construct a new building or accessory structure over 10 square metres (107 square feet) or any size building that includes plumbing.
• Construct a storage shed for a residential use over 15 square metres (161 square feet)
• Renovate, repair, or add to an existing building, including finished basements.
• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building.
• Change the use of a building or part of a building.
• Undertake work regarding installing, altering, extending or repairing an on-site sewage system.
• Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls.
• Make new openings for, or change the size of doors and windows.
• Build a garage, porch or deck, or enclose an existing porch or deck.
• Make structural alterations to a building, or build a designated structure.
• Excavate a basement to increase headroom or construct a foundation.
• Install or modify heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems.
• Install or reconstruct a chimney, wood-burning fireplace or fireplace insert.
• Install new plumbing, relocate an existing hot water tank, or install a new tankless water heater.
• Build a deck more than 10 square meters, or two feet above the finished grade.
• Install an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool or hot tub.
• Erect any signage.
• Install or modify Geothermal Systems.
• Tents or groups of tents (open or enclosed) larger than 60 m2 (645 square feet).
• Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinklers, standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems.

This is a general list. Your project may require specific instructions. Please contact us before starting any construction or demolition projects. Structures built without a permit may be subject to increased fees. 
 

• Construct any detached structure less than 10 square metres (107 square feet) or a storage shed for a residential use under 15 square metres (161 square feet) in size, these structures must comply with other applicable by-laws (e.g., zoning), regulations and contain no plumbing.
• Replace existing, same size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines.
• Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to the distance from property lines.
• Build a deck without a roof under two feet above the adjacent grade that is not attached to a building, subject to zoning bylaw restrictions.
• Re-shingle a roof, provided there is no structural work.
• Install eaves troughs, provided that the drainage is contained on your property.
• Replace shingles or steel roofing with the same materials, or replace exterior cladding, unless structural work is undertaken, insulation is added or air barrier is added or innovative products are used that require alternative solutions.
• Install, replace or alter electrical fixtures (excluding smoke or CO alarms). Note that an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority may be required.
• Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing systems.
• Pool Heaters.
• Painting and decorating.
• Landscaping.
• Minor repairs to masonry.
• Damp-proofing basements.
• Reinstall or replace kitchen or bathroom cabinets without new plumbing.
• Erect a fence, except for swimming pools and hot tubs which require a permit. Subject to fence bylaw restrictions.
• Perform electrical work, subject to Electrical Safety Authority permit requirements.

Although a building permit may not be required, zoning by-laws still apply and your project may require planning approval or approval from other agencies. Please contact us before starting any construction or demolition projects. Structures built without a permit may be subject to increased fees.

You can apply for a building permit online by clicking here. 

Video: Cloudpermit – How to Submit a Building Permit Application

For assistance with your application, email cbo@gananoque.ca or call 613-382-2149 ext. 1132.

Payment is acceptable by debit, cheque or e-transfer; but not by cash or credit card. Payment instructions will be emailed to you after a permit application has been received.
 

Your application should be accompanied by:

• Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations, section details, etc)
• Detailed plot plan of the property (sample)
• Completed Application form (if submitted in person)

Building permit fees are based on the estimated value of your construction project and are due before a review can be completed.  Other fees may apply based on the scope of the project. Fees are outlined in Schedule C of the General Rates and Fees Bylaw.

Building permits are valid for one year from the issue date.  If your project is not completed and finalized within the year, it is your responsibility to contact us to renew the building permit.