Property Permits | City of Orillia

If you are planning to complete a project on your property, it is important to obtain the proper permits and inspections. Projects may require different permits, such as building permits, swimming pool fence permits, or sign permits. Apply online through Orillia’s e‑Permit Portal to submit your application and start your project sooner.

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Building permits

You may be required to obtain a building permit if you are building or renovating on your property. If you aren't sure, call 705‑329‑7258 or email building staff for more information.

Sign permits

Apply for a temporary/portable sign permit or a permanent fixed sign permit application. Review the sign permit checklist and the Sign By-Law for additional information.

Downtown sign area

Signs located within the downtown are subject to higher design standards to support a high‑quality and visually consistent downtown. Refer to the DSPA parameters map and DSPA sign restrictions for more information. All sign permit applications are submitted directly to the City.

MTO approval

If your sign will be located within 400 m of a provincial highway (Highway 11 or Highway 12), approval from the MTO may be required; refer to the MTO sign map and, if applicable, contact MTO corridor management officer.

Swimming pool fence permits

Owners of privately owned outdoor swimming pools are required to install and maintain a compliant pool enclosure to restrict access by young children, in accordance with the Swimming Pool Fence By-law. Requirements vary by pool type, review the above ground pool checklist or in-ground pool checklist, and submit the required in-ground swimming pool agreement, if applicable.

Pool fence guidelines

The pool fence shall be located not less than 1.5 metres (5’-0”) from the swimming pool to which it applies.
Every swimming pool fence shall extend from the ground to a height of not less than a minimum of 1.2 metres (48 inches) above finished grade.
- Raised areas of the ground or a raised sundeck or other structure shall not be located within 1.5 metres (5’-0”) of the enclosure, whether located on the owner’s property or on the adjoining property ; or
- Where such raised areas are within 1.5 metres (5’-0”) the enclosure shall be extended laterally or at a departing angle a distance of not less than 1.0 metres beyond the limits of the raised area.
The maximum clearance from the ground to the bottom edge of the swimming pool fence shall not be more than 50mm (2”).
The pool fence shall have no attachments such as horizontal or diagonal bracing, horizontal rails or other attachments that will facilitate climbing.

Gates

Construction and height of the gate equivalent to the height of the pool fence.
Be supported on substantial hinges.
Shall be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching device mounted near the top and inside of the gate.
Shall be equipped with a locking device and kept locked at all times except where a responsible person is present and supervising the swimming pool.

Chain link fence construction

Chain link is to be a maximum of 38 mm (1 ½”) diamond pattern.
Not less than 11-gauge or 13-gauge steel wire covered with vinyl or other approved coating.
Supported by 38 mm (1 ½”) diameter galvanized steel line posts at a maximum 2.4 m (8’-0”).
A minimum 50 mm (2”) diameter posts at corners and ends.
A minimum of 900 mm (36”) into the ground and be set in concrete.
Top and bottom rails shall 30 mm (1 ¼”) diameter galvanized steel.

Wood fence construction

Minimum 25 mm x 150 mm ( 1” x 6”) vertical boards.
Vertical boards attached to horizontal members of 25mm (1”) thickness spaced not more than 40mm (1-3/4”) apart.
Supported by a minimum 100 mm x 100mm (4” x 4”) posts at maximum 2.4 m (8’-0”) on centre.
Posts shall be securely embedded to a minimum 900mm (36”) below grade.
Minimum 38 mm x 89 mm (2” x 4”) top and bottom rails shall be provided.

Entrance permits

Download the entrance permit application. Submit the completed application to by email to development and infrastructure planning staff, or in-person to the City Centre. The application fee must be paid in person via cash, cheque or debit.

The deposit is required for this application and will be returned after a final inspection has confirmed that the entrance is in accordance with City standards.

A certificate of comprehensive general liability insurance of not less than five million dollars inclusive, per occurrence for bodily injury, death, and damage to property, including loss of use thereof must be submitted to the City. The insurance policy must name “The Corporation of the City of Orillia” as an additional insured. The insurance policy must remain in place until all warranty requirements are fulfilled and must contain endorsement to provide the City with 30 days prior written notice of any cancellation of change.

Site alteration permits

If you are placing, moving, or removing more than 50 cubic metres of fill, you will need a site alteration permit application. Fees vary by project type, and permits require a security deposit to cover erosion and sediment control measures. Refer to the site alteration permit exemption checklist and engineering design standards and specifications.

Work must begin within six months of the site alteration permit being issued. The permit expires one year from the date of issue.

Small projects and exemptions

Most small projects (pools, raised garden beds, septic systems, or similar work) may be exempt, provided all exemption requirements are met. For any project, other permits may be required.

Restoring grade after demolition

Restoring the ground elevation to its original grade following the demolition of a structure does not require a site alteration permit, as long as a valid demolition permit has been obtained.

Projects covered by building permits

A Site Alteration permit is not required for projects that already have an approved building permit and lot grading plan, as site alteration is addressed through that approval process.