Building Division

Welcome to the Building Division of the Town of Grimsby! We are dedicated to ensuring public health and safety through the promotion of sustainable and safe building practices. Our goal is to establish strong, collaborative partnerships with building owners, developers, and designers, aligning with their values and objectives. By embracing innovation and creativity, we aim to foster a resilient and thriving community.

As part of our responsibility, the Building Division ensures that all construction projects requiring a building permit meet the minimum standards set by the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23. We achieve this by processing building permits, reviewing applications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, and conducting site inspections to ensure all projects meet the necessary requirements for safety and sustainability.

Applying for a building permit

 

Most renovation and construction projects require a permit. Find out the approval requirements for constructing within the Town of Grimsby.

Click here.

Building Inspections

 

Learn more about the building inspection types and what they entail, how to revise your building plans, or check on your building  permit status. 

Click here.

Building Library

 

Locate all resources needed for when you apply for a building permit or while your constructing. Here you can find application forms, checklists, drawings and more.

Click here.

COMING SOON! Online Building Permit Applications

The Town of Grimsby is excited to introduce Cloudpermit, a community development software that allows for the online submission and issuance of building permits. Cloudpermit offers a user-friendly and efficient online application process, along with self-service features for customers to check the status of their building permits.

Click here to apply online. (Coming Soon)

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQS)

We understand that your building project is an important undertaking, and we are here to assist you throughout the process.

Do You Need a Building Permit?
If you're unsure whether your project requires a building permit, we're happy to help. Contact us at 905-309-2022 or via email at building@grimsby.ca for more information.

Compliance with Municipal Bylaws
When planning development on your property, it's essential to comply with municipal bylaws. For questions about pre-building permit approvals, please reach out to us at 905-309-2019 or planning@grimsby.ca.

Best Practices for Your Project
Even if a building permit is not required, we recommend ensuring that any structures on your property are designed according to the Ontario Building Code and constructed following industry best practices. Additionally, property owners should verify that their projects comply with municipal zoning and engineering bylaws.

A BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) is issued to designers by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

In general, designers who are not professional engineers or architects and engage in the following design activities are required to meet the qualification and registration requirements under the Building Code:

  • Preparing a design as part of a building permit application.
  • Providing information or an opinion on whether a building or part of a building complies with the Building Code, if the information or opinion is to be submitted to a Chief Building Official in connection with a building permit application.
  • Preparing a written report for submission to the Chief Building Official based on a general review, where a general review is required by the Building Code.

Homeowners who perform their own design work are not required to obtain a BCIN.

Administrative Penalty Fees
Under the Building Permit Bylaw, administrative penalty fees apply for "Work Prior to Permit Issuance at Any Stage of Construction." For specific fees, please refer to the bylaw.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Order to Comply: If you receive an Order to Comply, you will need to obtain a building or demolition permit. This Order may be registered on title, which could impact your ability to refinance or sell the property.
  • Order to Stop Work: An Order to Stop Work may also be issued and could be registered on title, potentially affecting your ability to refinance or sell the property.

Additional Costs and Liabilities

  • Repairs or Removal: If construction does not comply with the Ontario Building Code or other applicable laws (such as regulations from the Niagara Escarpment Commission, Conservation Authorities, or Zoning By-law), it may require costly repairs or removal.
  • Professional Inspections/Reports: You may incur additional expenses for inspections and reports conducted by professional engineers.

Potential Legal and Financial Penalties

  • Fines and Legal Action: Failure to comply with building regulations can result in significant fines and legal action against all involved parties. Under Section 36 of the Building Code Act, maximum fines for a first offense can be up to $50,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a corporation.

Building Permit Validity
Your building permit remains valid for up to six months before construction must begin.

If construction does not commence within six months, your permit may be revoked in accordance with Section 8 of the Building Code Act.

Need More Time?
We understand that delays can occur. If your project is delayed, please reach out to the Building Division at 905-309-2022 or building@grimsby.ca. We're here to assist you and explore possible solutions!

Common Reasons for Application Delays or Rejection

a) Missing Information: Incomplete applications, missing dimensions, or missing drawings.

b) Poor Quality Plans: Submissions with poorly drawn diagrams or missed information due to a lack of drafting knowledge.

c) Inaccurate or Incomplete Septic Information: Missing or incorrect septic details (if applicable).

d) Incomplete Designer Information: The Schedule 1: Designer Information page of the application form is either not completed or not signed.

e) High Application Volume: The highest volume of applications is typically received between May and September, which may cause delays.

Building Permit Display Requirement

Yes, you are required to post your Building Permit in a visible/conspicuous location on-site for the entire duration of construction. This allows both the public and the Building Inspector to easily view the permit.

Electrical Work and Permits

Electrical work is regulated by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and overseen by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). As such, the Town of Grimsby does not issue permits or conduct inspections for electrical work.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that an electrical notification (permit) and electrical inspection are completed as required by the ESA.

For more information on ESA requirements, please visit esasafe.com.

Contact Us

Town of Grimsby
160 Livingston Avenue
Grimsby ON, L3M 0J5
Phone: 905-945-9634
Fax: 905-945-5010

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