What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is a document that grants legal permission to undertake the construction, alteration, repair, change of use or demolition of a building or structure. It is illegal to start work without the benefit of a building permit on property within the City of Elliot Lake.

Why are Building Permits Important?

Building permits ensure that construction meets the standards set out in the Building Code. Obtaining a building permit helps protect your investment and reduce the risk of improper and unsafe construction. 

Projects that Require a Building Permit

According to the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction or installation of a new structure or the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure. The following projects require a building permit:

• New structures (residential, commercial, industrial and institutional)
• Accessory buildings (larger than 10 square metres)
• Installation of a swimming pool
• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• Change of use
• Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
• Make new openings for, or replace doors and windows (except replacing doors and windows of the same size)
• Decks, porches, sunrooms and solariums (attached or detached)
• Garages and carports (attached or detached)
• Excavation of a basement or construction of a foundation
• Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system, such as fire alarms, sprinkler, standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems
• Install or modify heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems
• Install or modify fireplaces, fireplace inserts or woodstoves
• Construct or reconstruct a chimney
• Finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
• Construction of a retaining wall larger than 3 feet and 3 inches of exposed height
• Construction of a fence
• Install soffit and fascia or siding
• Install eavestrough
• Damp-proof basements
• Erect temporary buildings, including tents over 30 square metres
• Signs

You must comply with Zoning requirements even if you do not need a building permit.

Applying for a Building Permit

Complete the Building Permit Application and submit it to City Hall at 45 Hillside Drive North. You can also review Building Permit Fees. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to submit an Agent Authorization Form along with the building permit application.

When applying for a building permit, you will need to submit your:

• Complete building permit application
• Two sets of building plans
• Two copies of the property survey or site plan
• Payment of applicable fees

Building Permit Issuance Process

Pre-consultation

• Staff are available to meet with your before you submit your application for a building permit. This can assist with providing some of the information required for the application, so that you can proceed with your project without undue delay. It is encouraged to contact the City to discuss your project well in advance of your proposed construction date. Timeframes for permit issuances is prescribed in the Building Code, and are outlined below. Most complete applications are issued without any major delays.

Application

• Once you submit your application for a building permit, the Chief Building Official reviews the application to ensure that the plans and details of construction meet the requirements of the Building Code and other applicable laws, such as the Zoning By-Law. A staff member will contact you if more information is needed before the building permit can be issued.

Receive Result of Review Process

• If no issues are found and the application is within general compliance, then the permit can be issued. 
• If deficiencies are found and the application is not within general compliance, then the applicant will be advised the permit cannot be issued and will be provided with the reasoning. Once all deficiencies are fixed the application will be deemed within compliance, and the permit may be issued.

Permit

• Once all submitted documents have been approved, the Chief Building Official will then issue the building permit. Staff will call or e-mail to let you know when your permit is ready for pick-up. Building permit fees and all fees associated with the project must be paid prior to picking up the permit. 
• You are responsible for posting a copy of the permit on site in a visible location, prior to commencing construction. 
• A set of approved drawings must be kept on site at all times. The Chief Building Official may require you to produce the plans during any stage of the inspection process.
• All changes to the reviewed plans must be approved by the Chief Building Official before the construction, involving the changes, takes place.

Inspections

• According to the Building Code, the Building and Planning Department requires notice for all mandatory inspections. It is your responsibility to contact the Building and Planning Department to arrange a date to conduct required inspections.
• If the Chief Building Official finds that the construction does not conform with plans submitted, then you will be notified either verbally or in writing.
• No additional fee is added for inspections, as it is included in the building permit fee total.

How to Submit Payment for Your Building Permit

• You may now pay for your building permit Online after the Building and Planning Department has contacted you with your building permit application number and the associated fee. You may also pay for your building permit by cash or cheque at City Hall. Cheques should be made payable to the City of Elliot Lake. 
• After you have submitted your payment, please contact the Building and Planning Department at 705-848-2287 ext. 2119 or via E-mail to book an appointment to pick-up your building permit.