Get a Building Permit

Building permits ensure that zoning requirements, health, fire, structural safety standards and other building standards are met. Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must have a building permit to construct or alter any structure greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area or to install plumbing.

Click here to view our Homeowner's Guide to Building Permits.

Click here to view Demolition Procedures.

Click here to view Building Fees. 

The video below describes the process of applying for a building permit in the City of Orillia.

Other Approvals

In addition to or instead of a building permit, your project may require the following approvals:

• If your project might impact provincial roads and highways, you must contact the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
• If your project might impact the natural environment (i.e. work in the lake or at the water's edge), you must contact the Ministry of Natural Resources.
• If any electrical work (i.e. lighting, wiring, switches and outlets) is proposed, you must contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233.
• If plumbing is part of your project, you will need a permit and to arrange for an inspection. Click here to view our Plumbing Fee Schedule.

Process

You can download and complete the Building Permit Application Form and Checklist. You can also obtain a copy of the application at the front counter of the Planning/Building Department on the third floor of City Hall at 50 Andrew St. S., Orillia.

In addition to the completed application, you will also need:

• Two sets of building plans for small residential projects and three sets for commercial, industrial and institutional projects
• Two copies of your survey/site plan
• A plumbing fee schedule if fixtures are being added or relocated

The completed application and additional materials must be submitted as a permit package to the Building Department. Building Department staff will review your application to ensure it is complete and correct. Once the permit package is reviewed, the Building Department will determine the applicable fee. The building permit will be issued when the fee has been paid.

Timeline

Timelines will vary depending on the size of the project, the time of year, and the completeness of the permit package. Small residential projects take about two weeks from start to finish, while larger projects can take four to six weeks. When you submit your building permit application, Building Department staff can give you a better idea of the timeline you can expect.