Building Projects by Type

• Construction of a new building larger than 15 m² in gross area
• Construction of an addition to an existing building
• Construction of a deck, porch or balcony
• Construction or alteration of a sewage system

• Rebuilding of a deck, porch or balcony
• Replacement of deck guards
• Construction of a sunroom or enclosing a porch or deck
• Installation of solar panels attached to the building
• Create a new window or door opening in an existing wall
• Raising a building to construct a new foundation, full basement or crawl space
• Constructing a basement walkout
• Repairing or underpinning a foundation
• Demolition of all or a portion of a building

• Alterations and additions to a plumbing system
• Moving or adding of interior walls
• Installation of a wood burning stove or fireplace
• Finishing a basement
• Changing the use of a building or part of a building

• Pool with a capacity to hold 18 inches (45 cm) of water or more requires a pool enclosure permit

• Fences, including property line fences (except for a pool enclosure)
• Accessory buildings not greater than 15m² in gross area, not more than one storey in height, not attached to a building or any other structure, does not have plumbing, and only used for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot
• Replacement of existing plumbing fixtures in the same location (ex: sink, water closets)
• Replacement of kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Painting, decorating and general minor maintenance
• Roof shingling, provided there is no structural work being completed
• Replace siding with similar material
• Temporary tent not more than 60m² in aggregate ground area, not attached to a building and 3 metres or more from all other structures
• Electrical work permits are obtained from the Electrical Safety Authority - 1-877-372-7233

Building Permit Application - Major Projects

Building permit applications for new homes can require a lot of supporting documentation. If you are not designing your own home, you may need the services of a BCIN qualified designer or a licensed architect (OAA).

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Checklist for a new single detached dwelling:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Schedule 1: Designer Information form
3. Owner’s Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) – performance OR prescriptive
6. Heat loss/gain calculations with ventilation design (must be completed by HRAI certified designer) OR letter of intent from the contractor/designer
7. Two (2) full-size sets and a PDF copy of construction drawings including all structural framing, floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, footings/foundation wall details, truss layout, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings is needed if it is legible at 11” x 17” or smaller.
8. Plot Plan – must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the dwelling in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. the grading plan,
   5. distance from any of the following items to the dwelling: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 7 and 8 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

A separate permit application for a sewage system must be submitted to Building Services when applying to build a new dwelling on a vacant lot.

If decks are proposed as part of a new dwelling build, each deck requires a separate permit application to be submitted.

A new build on a vacant lot will require a completed Application for a Civic Address. If civic addressing is also being requested for a driveway on a public road, you must submit an approved Entrance Permit. Apply for your Entrance Permit through Public Services, located at 2490 Keeley Road.

If the new home is located in the village of Sydenham, an application for a municipal water service connection is required. Fees related to the water service connection are found in By-law 2009-08 or as amended. 

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there are additional reviews by the Planning Coordinator and Building Inspector. These reviews may require you to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Building permit applications for new cottages can require a lot of supporting documentation. If you are not designing your own cottage, you may need the services of a BCIN qualified designer or a licensed architect (OAA). 

Please note that cottages ("seasonal dwellings") are only permitted on specific properties under the Township's current Zoning By-Law.

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Checklist for a new cottage (seasonal dwelling):

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Schedule 1: Designer Information form
3. Owner’s Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. Two (2) full-size sets and a PDF copy of construction drawings including all structural framing, floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, footings/foundation wall details, truss layout, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings is needed if it is legible at 11” x 17” or smaller.
6. Plot Plan – must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the dwelling in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. the grading plan,
   5. distance from any of the following items to the cottage: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 5 and 6 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

A separate permit application for a sewage system must be submitted to Building Services when applying to build a new cottage on a vacant lot.

If decks are proposed as part of a new cottage build, each deck requires a separate permit application to be submitted.

A new build on a vacant lot will require a completed Application for a Civic Address. If civic addressing is also being requested for a driveway on a public road, you must submit an approved Entrance Permit. Apply for your Entrance Permit through Public Services, located at 2490 Keeley Road.

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there are additional reviews by the Planning Coordinator and Building Inspector. These reviews may require you to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Building permit applications for a detached garage or shed typically require a moderate amount of supporting documentation.

If you want to build a detached garage or other accessory building larger than 55 m² (592 sq. ft.), you may need the services of a BCIN qualified designer or a licensed professional engineer (PEO).

Please note that while a building permit is not required for a shed or other storage building that is not more than 15m² in gross area and is also:

• • not more than one storey in height,
  • not attached to a building or any other structure,
  • does not have plumbing, and
  • is only used for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot,

the shed or other storage building must comply with the Township's current Zoning By-Law.

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Building Permit Application - Minor Projects - Garage or Shed

Checklist for a detached garage or shed:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Schedule 1: Designer Information form
3. Owner’s Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. Construction drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings and a PDF copy is needed if it is legible at 11” x 17” or smaller.
6. Plot Plan – must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the proposed structure in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. the grading plan,
   5. distance from any of the following items to the proposed structure: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 5 and 6 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

Additional approval from Building Services may be required if the proposed structure is within 8 metres of any sewage system component (septic tank or treatment unit, leaching bed distribution pipes, etc).

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there are additional reviews by the Planning Coordinator and Building Inspector. These reviews may require you to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Building permit applications for a deck or porch typically require a moderate amount of supporting documentation.

A building permit is required to repair or replace an existing deck. To replace or repair a deck that would be considered "grandfathered" or legal non-conforming, a building inspector will have to attend your property. The existing structure must be in place for the inspector to be able to verify the size and provide comments.

Building Permit Application - Decks and Porches

Checklist for a deck:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Schedule 1: Designer Information form
3. Owner’s Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. Construction drawings including joist size/spacing/span, railing information*, beam length/spans, elevations, cross-sections indicating dimensions/height/attachment to structure, stair details including rise/run and stringer size/width, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings and a PDF copy is needed if the drawing set is legible at 11” x 17” or smaller.
6. Plot Plan – must show the following:
   • the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   • the location, dimensions and area of the deck in relation to the property,
   • the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   • distance from any of the following items to the proposed deck: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 5 and 6 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

* Please note that prefabricated guard systems will require construction details certified and stamped by a licensed professional engineer (PEO). This documentation must be provided with each application for use. 

Building Services has a worksheet available to help in sizing of materials and general construction for a residential deck. 

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there are additional reviews by the Planning Coordinator and Building Inspector. These reviews may require you to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Swimming pool enclosure permit applications typically require a moderate amount of supporting documentation. An application for these enclosures (ex: fencing) is required by the Township's Pool Fence By-law.

The Township of South Frontenac requires a swimming pool enclosure permit prior to any private pool, capable of holding 18 inches (45 cm) of water, being installed on a property. In addition to traditional above-ground and in-ground pools, this would also include an inflatable pool.

All private pools and their associated fencing/other enclosures are subject to a deposit of $500.00, paid when applying for the enclosure permit. This deposit is then released back to the applicant when all fencing or enclosures meet the requirements of the by-law. For more information on the permitted enclosures allowed around a private pool in the Township, please refer to the Pool Fence By-law.

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Permit Application - Swimming Pool Enclosure

Checklist for a swimming pool enclosure:

1. One (1) page General Application form
2. One (1) page Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit Application form
3. Pool Enclosure - Owner's Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. Fence details including the type of fence and heigh, all gates (self-closing, self-latching, etc.) For more information, see Section 3.7 of the Township's Pool Fence By-law (By-law 2014-33).
6. Plot Plan – must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the dwelling in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. the location of any door within the walls of a building or structure, if the walls of that building or structure are proposed to form part of the pool enclosure,
   5. distance from any of the following items to the proposed pool: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

A PDF copy of item 6 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

If a deck is proposed to be built in conjunction with the swimming pool, a separate building permit application for the deck is required.

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a swimming pool enclosure permit. After processing the permit application, there are additional reviews by the Planning Coordinator and Building Inspector. These reviews may require you to submit additional information or revised documentation before the swimming pool enclosure permit is ready to issue.

The Ontario Building Code requires a building permit for the installation of solid fuel-burning appliances. These appliances include, but are not limited to, masonry fireplaces, freestanding wood or pellet stoves, and fireplace inserts. A building permit is required for any alteration to an existing installation or a replacement of part of/all of a system.

Building permit applications for a solid fuel-burning appliance typically require a moderate amount of supporting documentation.

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Building Permit Application - Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance

Checklist for a solid fuel-burning appliance:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Owner’s Responsibilities form
3. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
4. Documentation for the solid fuel-burning appliance, including the installation requirements like clearances to combustible materials, floor protection, etc.
5. Stove pipe and/or chimney documentation

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there is an additional review by the Building Inspector. You may be required to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Building permit applications for a roof-mounted solar panel project typically require a moderate amount of supporting documentation.

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Building Permit Application - Roof-Mounted Solar Panels

Checklist for a roof-mounted solar panel installation:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Schedule 1: Designer Information form
3. Owner’s Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. A report from a licensed Professional Engineer (PEO) confirming that the existing building is structurally adequate to support the additional load of the proposed solar panels.
6. Construction drawings including and not limited to the solar panel layout with the location and number of panels, mounting brackets and connection details, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings and a PDF copy is needed if the drawing set is legible at 11" x 17" or smaller.
7. Plot Plan - must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the building where the installation is proposed in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. distance from any of the following items to that building: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 6 and 7 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there is an additional review by the Building Inspector. You may be required to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

The construction of farm buildings or structures can vary substantially, so early consultation with Building Services is highly recommended.

The 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) changed the way that it deals with farm buildings of low human occupancy (not more than 1 person per 40 m²). The new Part 2 of the OBC has four (4) major occupancies that apply to both small and large farm buildings:

Small farm buildings not more than 3 storeys in height and not more than 600 m² in building area classified as G1, G2 or G3 major occupancies are regulated by Part 2 of the OBC, but can still be constructed according to the National Farm Building Code of Canada (1995) or MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-11, "Construction of Farm Buildings".

Farm buildings that are either more than 3 storeys in height or more than 600 m² in building area are regulated by Part 2 of the OBC. Part 2 also deals with buildings classified as a G4 major occupancy (agricultural occupancies with no human occupants). A G4 building can include, but is not limited to, grain or storage bins, horizontal or vertical silos, and manure storage.

Farm structures that house livestock or manure may need to provide a completed nutrient management strategy (NMS), nutrient management plan (NMP), or non-agricultural source material (NASM) plan. Nutrient management on farms is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through the Nutrient Management Act.

All farm buildings or structures that will house livestock or manure manure must also meet the Minimum Distance Separation formula calculations (MDS II).

Checklist for a farm building or structure:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Schedule 1: Designer Information form
3. Owner’s Responsibilities form
4. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
5. If needed, a copy of the approved nutrient management strategy (NMS), nutrient management plan (NMP), or non-agricultural source material (NASM) plan per the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
6. If needed, a copy of the completed Minimum Distance Separation formula calculations (MDS II)
7. If it is a Part 2 farm building, a completed Part 2 OBC matrix
8. Two (2) full-size sets and a PDF copy of construction drawings including all structural framing, floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, footings/foundation wall details, truss layout, engineered details for the slab and/or structure where applicable, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings is needed if it is legible at 11” x 17” or smaller.
9. Plot Plan – must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the dwelling in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. the grading plan,
   5. distance from any of the following items to the farm structure: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 8 and 9 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there are additional reviews by the Planning Coordinator and Building Inspector. These reviews may require you to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Building permit applications for tents typically require a moderate amount of supporting documentation.

Applications may be refused if items are missing, not readable, or are incomplete. Submitted applications must meet the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Township's By-laws and any other applicable law.

Conditions of permit issuance for any tent:

1. Tents occupied by the public shall not be located closer than 3 metres (10 feet) from any other tent or structure.
2. The ground enclosed by any tent(s) and the ground within 3 metres (10 feet) of the tent perimeter shall be clear of all flammable or combustible material, as well as vegetation that will carry a flame.
3. Every tent, and tarpaulins, decorative materials, fabrics, and films used in used in connection with tents, shall be certified to CAN/ULC S-109-M, "Standard for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films", or NFPA 701 “Standard Method of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films”.
4. If the sidewalls of the tent are put down, a minimum of 2 exits shall be provided at opposite ends of the tent, and exit signage is to be provided that will be clearly visible from all locations within the tent.
5. No cooking or open flames are permitted within a tent or within a distance of 3 metres (10 feet) of a tent.
6. An inspection shall be performed by Building Services prior to use or occupancy once the tents have been installed.
7. The applicant shall immediately notify the Chief Building Official of any proposed changes to the tent structures that would violate any of the conditions stated above.

Building Permit Application - Tent Not More Than 225m²

Checklist for a tent not more than 225 m² in ground area:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Owner’s Responsibilities form
3. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
4. Tent drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings and a PDF copy is needed if the drawing set is legible at 11" x 17" or smaller.
5. Plot Plan - must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the proposed tent in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. distance from any of the following items to the proposed tent: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 4 and 5 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there is an additional review by the Building Inspector. You may be required to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Building Permit Application - Tent More Than 225 m²

Checklist for a tent more than 225 m² in ground area:

1. Two (2) page Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish form
2. Owner’s Responsibilities form
3. Agent Authorization form (not needed if homeowner is applicant/builder)
4. A licensed Professional Engineer's (PEO) review of the framing structure and anchorage of a tent more than 225 m² (2422 sq. ft.) in ground area
5. Tent drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, etc. Only one (1) set of drawings and a PDF copy is needed if the drawing set is legible at 11" x 17" or smaller.
6. Plot Plan - must show the following:
   1. the total dimensions/area of the property and an arrow indicating North,
   2. the location, dimensions and area of the proposed tent in relation to the property,
   3. the street or lane name, address and driveway location,
   4. distance from any of the following items to the proposed tent: property lines, existing and/or proposed structures, the high water mark, watercourse, any other waterbody, sewage system components (septic tank, leaching bed), overhead power lines.

PDF copies of items 5 and 6 must be submitted electronically at the time of application.

This is a preliminary list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a building permit. After processing the permit application, there is an additional review by the Building Inspector. You may be required to submit additional information or revised documentation before the building permit is ready to issue.

Transfer of permit application

Class 4 5 Sewage System Permit Application 2024

Class 2 3 Sewage System Permit Application 2024

Application For Review Of Performance Level 2024

Septic Tank Replacement Permit Application 2024

Application - Sewage System Record Search