Building Permits

As the building owner, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.

The following is a list of common projects that require a building permit. The list is not exhaustive. If you have any questions please contact Grimsby's Building Division.

1. Construct a new building
2. Construct an addition to an existing building, such as
   • second or third story additions
   • attached garages, carports
   • sunrooms
   • solariums, porches, decks
3. Make structural or material alterations, such as
   • adding or removing walls (i.e., changing room sizes and/or uses)
   • new windows or doors where there were none before
   • enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors
   • enclosing an existing deck, porch or patio of any size
4. Construct a shed with an area of 15 square meters (161 square feet) or more.
   • • Note: Sheds under 15 square metres in area, do not need a building permit.  See “When is a Building Permit not required?” below for exceptions to this rule
5. Construct an accessory structure larger than 10 square meters (107 square feet) in area, such as
   • Detached Garage
   • Workshop
   • Carport
   • Pool house or cabana
     • *Note: If you are constructing an accessory structure and it is attached to an existing building and/or has plumbing, regardless of its size, a building permit is required.
6. Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following,
   • structural or material alterations
   • installing or modifying heating and or plumbing systems
   • excavating and/or constructing foundations
   • basement underpinning
   • constructing a basement entrance
   • adding a second suite
7. Energy and environmental building improvements, such as
   • roof top storm water retention systems
   • green roofs
   • structures used in the support of a wind turbine generator with a rated output of more than 3kW
   • solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems
8. Construct a deck more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground
9. Construct a retaining wall more than one metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height provided the retaining wall is on or adjacent to public property (including streets), building entrances, and on private property accessible to the public
10. Constructing a tent that
    • covers more than 60 metres squared (646 square feet); and/or
    • is attached to a building; and/or
    • is within 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) from another structure.
11. Demolish or remove all, or a portion of a building
12. Install or reconstruct a chimney or fireplace
13. Install a wood burning stove or fireplace
14. Install or modify heating and or plumbing systems
15. Install a backwater valve
16. Install a backflow prevention device
17. Change a building’s use (i.e. from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required.

1. Confirm that your project requires a permit

Review the list above titled "When a building permit is needed" to understand whether you need to complete a building permit application or not.

 2. Check your zoning

Before you start a new project, check the zoning of your property to find out if there are any restrictions on what you can build.

 3. Understand the associated costs and timelines

The applicant should be aware of the cost to get a building permit and how long it may take, and budget accordingly. 

The total amount of time it takes to obtain a permit will vary depending on the quality of the submission and how responsive you are as an applicant. If your application is incomplete and we need to request additional information from you, it will add more time to the review process. The average time includes times associated with planning review components.

These are the average times for processing and issuing a permit:

• New residential (detached, semi) – 2 to 4 weeks
• Residential alteration (detached, semi) – 2 weeks
• Second unit – 2 to 3 weeks
• New non-residential –  12 weeks
• Non-residential alteration – 4 weeks

We recommend that you apply for your building permit well in advance of your construction date.

 4. Gather forms, drawings and documents

Different forms, drawings and other documents are required depending on the type of project. Learn about the specific drawings and documents you have to provide to apply for a building permit.

Keep in mind that it’s strongly recommended that you work with a design professional such as an architect, professional engineer or qualified designer to create complete and accurate drawings that comply with the Building Code and Grimsby's Zoning By-law.

 5. Find out if you need additional approvals

Depending on the type of project you’re working on and where your property is located, you may need other approvals before your building permit can be issued.

Common examples of additional approvals, include:

• Conservation authority approval for property located on land that’s regulated by a conservation authority, such as Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and Niagara Escarpment Commission.
• Heritage approval for property listed or designated as a heritage property. 
• Ontario Ministry of Transportation approval for property that falls within MTO controlled areas.
• Site plan approval for property located in the site plan control area identified in the Site Plan Control By-law. You may need to apply for a development application. 
• Committee of Adjustment approval for changes to your property that will not meet current zoning by-law requirements. You may need to apply for approval from the Committee of Adjustment.

Review and complete the Applicable Law Form to indicate which additional approvals may be required for your project.

Calculated based on the work you propose in your application, the Building Permit fee schedule lists the fee rates charged for each type of work proposed. 

Permit fees shall be calculated based on the formula given below unless otherwise specified in this schedule:

Minimum fee of $185.00 (2023) shall be charged for all work.

Fee Calculation Formula:

• Permit fee = SI x A
• SI = Service Index for classification of proposed work
• A = Floor area in m2 of work involved of work involved

Click link below to view applicable rates:

Building Permit Fee Schedule

Various types of construction projects may be subject to additional fees payable at time of permit issuance. These fees are separate from building permit fees, and are regulated by varying governing bodies. If you have any clarifying questions related to the fees mentioned below please contact the individual departments listed.

These fees include but are not limited to:

Niagara Region Finance - Development Charges

Town of Grimsby Finance - Development Charges

Town of Grimsby Planning - Parkland Dedication Charges

Town of Grimsby Public Works - Water Meter Fees

Town of Grimsby Public Works - Grading/Security Bonds

Town of Grimsby Public Works - Service Connection Fees

Town of Grimsby Public Works - Entrance Permit

Before any construction occurs, an application for a building permit must be completed, fees paid, reviewed and approved by the Town of Grimsby. Applications are also available at the Town Hall. By-Law No. 1993-062 outlines inspections and permits for construction, demolition and change of use.  If you require a Accessible application please contact Building Department at building@grimsby.ca.

Obtaining a building permit 

Any building that is started before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as per the Fees and Charges By-law. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Verify your plan

Contact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law. Sheds under 10 square meters (108ft²) do not require a permit. Although a building permit may not be required, compliance with the requirements of the Grimsby Zoning By-Law must be maintained.

Application review

Completed applications are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Grimsby's Zoning By-Law, other applicable laws and municipal regulations.

Permit requirements

• Two copies of all plans, drawings and documents shall be submitted with each completed permit application
• The applicable fee. Please refer to Consolidated Fees & Charges By-law schedule "C" for appropriate fee.
• Schedule 1: Designer Information Sheet.

Any individual other than the homeowner who has prepared drawings for an application and is taking responsibility for the designs must be qualified and possess a Building Code Identification Number (B.C.I.N.). Architects and Engineers are exempt from these qualifications as they are qualified and registered by their own Associations.

Depending on the nature of your project the following permits, approvals and documentation, as applicable, may also be required at time of submission:

• Septic tank permit from the Niagara Region Public Works Department, where sewers are not available
• Sewer connection permit from the Town of Grimsby Public Works Department 
• Water connection permit from the Town of Grimsby Public Works Department, where municipal water is available
• Entrance or access permit from the Town of Grimsby, Region of Niagara, Ministry of Transportation & Communications
• Land use permit from the Ministry of Transportation & Communications for all land within 45 metres of the QEW or Service Roads
• Development permit for lands under the jurisdiction of the Niagara escarpment Commission 
• Registration by Tarion (New Home Warranty Program) of any builder of dwelling units for re-sale, the Tarion registration number must be shown on the application

Call before you dig
Ontario One Call - Locate pipes and utility lines at no cost.

Application for Demolition Permits are available at Town Hall.

You must obtain a building permit before you start.

A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Permits are required for any structure larger than 10 square metres (108ft²) being demolished. Any action that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to a non-compliance fee.

Verify your plan

Contact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law. Although a demolition permit may not be required for a structure under 10 square metres, compliance with the requirements of the Grimsby Zoning By-Law must be maintained.

Safety and by-law information

It is your responsibility to ensure that the requirements of By-Law No. 1993-062 respecting demolition, The Construction Safety Act (if applicable) and Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23 are complied with.

Before demolition commences, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the appropriate authority to ensure that all services to the building have been removed or disconnected to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. Some service may be, but not limited to:

• Bell
• Gas
• Hydro
• Sewer
• Water

Ontario One Call can mark underground pipes and utility lines at no cost.

Change to property taxes

Please contact the Tax Department, for an Application to Council 357 for the possible adjustment of taxes regarding this demolition.

Application for a Plumbing Permit is available at Town Hall.

You must obtain a building permit before you start.

A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Permits are required to install any new plumbing or alter existing plumbing. Any action that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law which is updated annually. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Responsibility and by-law information

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the requirements of By-Law No. 1993-062 are complied with.

Sewer pipes

If a sewer pipe needs to be replaced on private property it is the owner's responsibility to arrange for a permit and for all costs associated with the work. If the sewer pipe on Town property also requires replacement, the work will be undertaken by the Town at no cost to the owner. Please contact the Public Works Department to confirm ownership of the sewer pipe.

Private sewage systems

Private sewage systems, approvals and inspections, must be completed by Niagara Region Public Works Department

Applications for a Sign Permit are available at Town Hall. The Town of Grimsby does not allow third party signs.

You must obtain a sign permit before you install a sign

A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to the erection or placement of any portable sign, permanent sign or advertising device. Any sign erected or placed prior to obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Verify your location

No signs are allowed on lands zoned residential or rural. Contact the Planning Department  to verify your zone and ensure compliance with the current Zoning By-law [link to by-law].

Depending on the location of your sign, approval from the Niagara Region or the Ministry of Transportation may be required. Approval from these agencies is required prior to issuance of the Town permit.

If you are planning to erect or alter a sign or advertising device on a property within 400m (¼ mile) of any Provincial Highway Right-of-Way, you may require a permit from Ministry of Transportation. There are certain restrictions as to setback, size and location, which you should be familiar with before proceeding.

By-law information

By-law 1997-045 ensures that signs are constructed in a safe manner and that streetscapes and building facades are maintained in an orderly manner free from unsightly clutter. Permits may allow portable signs for four (4) thirty-day periods on a property in any calendar year. The application fee for a portable sign is available in the Fees and Charges By-law.

By-law information for handbills

By-law 2007-007 regulates the time, place and manner of displaying temporary handbills and posters.

Applications for Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit are available at Town Hall.

Please use our Pool Enclosure Permit Checklist to ensure all items required for permit application are complete prior to making application.

You must have a permit before you start

A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to the commencement of installation of pools of water for swimming, bathing or wading which is capable of retaining a water depth equal to or greater than 600mm (23 5/8") at any point. Any pool construction that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance.

If a deposit is required it is refunded, subject to any deductions for damage to Town property, non-compliance to grading and landscaping to Town requirements.

Verify the location

In addition to the construction requirements of the pool enclosure we need to confirm that the location of the pool itself and its related mechanical equipment conforms to our zoning by-law and site alteration by-law. The zoning by-law requires minimum distances from property lines while the site alteration by-law does not allow any negative impacts created by changes in grading.

When applying for your pool enclosure permit a drawing is required illustrating a few key items including but not limited to :

Contact our Zoning Examiner at 905.945.9634 Ext# 2128 or by email at planning@grimsby.ca to verify that your plans comply with the current Zoning By-law.

When applying for your pool enclosure permit a drawing is required illustrating the

By-law and Safety – no water before inspection

It is the responsibility of the owner to make sure that no person fills the pool with water until the pool fence enclosure has been erected according to the Pool Fence By-Law 08-59 and has been inspected to the satisfaction of the Town of Grimsby.

Applications for a Tent Permit/Building Permit are available at the Town Hall.

You must have a permit before you start

A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Any action that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law which is updated annually. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Do I need a permit?

A permit is required for a tent or group of tents that cover an area larger than 60 square meters (645sq ft). Tents that cover an area less than 60 square meters (645sq ft) do not require a permit. Although a tent/building permit may not be required, compliance with the requirements of the Grimsby Zoning By-Law must be maintained.

Verify the location

Contact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law.

By-law and application requirements

By-Law No. 1993-062 outlines inspections and permits for construction.

On the application form under “purpose of application” include the dimensions of the temporary tent and the duration of time for which the tent is to remain on site.

Include with your completed tent/building permit application form, the applicable fees defined in the Fees & Charges By-law and:

• 2 copies of plans;
• site plan-indicate location of all existing buildings, dimensions of the tent, setbacks from property lines and existing buildings and location of any designated fire routes on the property;
• manufacturer's specifications providing verification that the tent conforms to CAN/ULC S-109M, standard for flame tests of flame resistant fabrics and films or NFPA 701, standard method of fire tests for flame-resistant textiles and films;
• specifications stamped by a professional engineer shall be provided for the supporting framing structure and anchorage system for all tents;
• occupant load-the maximum number of people permitted to occupy the tent;
• seating-if seating is provided show the number and arrangement of seats;
• exits-indicate the number of sides of the tent to be left open. If all sides are closed show the location and width of exits; and

For large tents, additional information concerning fire alarm systems, construction of bleachers, means of egress and sanitary facilities may be required for compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

Send your inspection requests by:

Email

Email us building@grimsby.ca and we will confirm by return email and schedule subject to availability.

Phone

Phone requests must be made 24 hours in advance of the requested inspection and can be made by the owner, contractor or authorized agent to the Building Department at 905-309-2022.  Inspections are booked in 3 hour windows from 9-12pm and 1-4pm.

Charges

Re-inspections will be booked at the discretion of the inspection schedule and invoiced at $80.00 per inspection. Where an inspection request is premature and the inspector must re-attend the site to complete the necessary inspection an additional fee may apply.

Inspections required of work

Outside Sewer & Water

The completion of the initial water and sewer connections to municipal lines.

Footings

The completion of the excavation and readiness to construct footings (footing forms installed)

Backfill

The completion of the foundation/drainage layer, weeping tile and stone cover (if required) and the readiness for backfill

Plumbing Rough-in

The completion of the interior drainage, vent system, and hot/cold supply lines all under test.

Framing

The completion of the structural framing interior and exterior after all mechanical systems have been installed where they will interrupt the framing system.

Insulation

The completion of the insulation and vapour barrier system and the readiness to apply interior finishes. All penetrations in vapour barrier sealed as required.

Occupancy

The completion of all items required by the Ontario Building Code in order for occupancy.

Private Pool Enclosures

Residential Decks and Porches

House Additions

New Houses

Residential Accessory Structures (Sheds, Garages, Pool Cabanas)

Private Pool Enclosures

Residential Decks and Porches

House Additions

Residential Accessory Structures (Sheds, Garages, Pool Cabanas)

Application for a permit to construct or demolish

Designer declaration - Schedule 1 form

Energy efficiency design summary - Prescriptive

Energy efficiency design summary - Performance

Water pipe sizing form

Commitment to general review

Demolition of building checklist