The Building Division is responsible for building permits and enforcement of the Building Code Act. To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department in City Hall.
Building Permits
The Building Department is responsible for issuing building permits in accordance with the Ontario Building Code Act, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations. You can find a more detailed list of projects that require a building permit on the building permit page. When a permit is required for a project, no construction can begin until a building permit has been issued and picked up.
Interested in learning more about building permits, why they're important and how they ensure safety? Check out this great article by Mike Holmes published in the National Post.
The Building Department is responsible for, but not limited to:
| New Construction Permits |
| To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department in City Hall. It is recommended that you speak to the Building Department prior to submitting an application to ensure that all the required information is submitted. Incomplete permit applications and missing information may cause a delay in a permit being issued. Please visit our Building Permits Page for more details.
No construction can begin until a building permit has been issued and picked up. Before starting a project be sure to contact Ontario One Call. |
| Demolition Permits |
A permit is required to demolish any structures that exceed 108 square feet (10 meters squared). To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department in City Hall.
Permit requirementsYou will have to apply for a demolition permit to demolish a structure beyond 10sq.m (108sq.ft.). The following information needs to be submitted when applying for a demolition permit: FeesA non-refundable fee is due upon applying for a building permit. The fees to obtain a permit can be found in ‘Schedule X'. DepositA building deposit will apply to all demolition permits. The deposit amount is available in ‘Schedule X'. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damages have occurred to City property. InspectionsAfter a building permit has been issued, inspections must be conducted at various stages of construction by the Building Department. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your permit package for instructions on what inspections are required for your project. To avoid common project deficiencies found on inspections, please read this brief handout. |
| Change of Use Permit |
Different building uses have different code requirements. If you want to change the way you use all or part of your building you may need a change of use permit. The proposed change of use may have to be reviewed to ensure that the existing building can support the proposed change. Even if no construction or additions to the building are planned, updating one or more of the following features may require a change of use permit:
It is recommended that the applicant check with the Planning Division to ensure that the proposed change in use complies with the City of Port Colborne Zoning By-law. Permit applicationThe applicant must obtain a designer licensed in the Province of Ontario to review the existing building and prepare the plans (i.e. Architect, Engineer or Qualified Designer). Two (2) copies of the following information is required to submit for a change of use permit:
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| Pool Permits |
A permit is required to install a swimming pool. The pool guide is intended to assist residents in understanding the requirements for a pool permit application which includes all required safety features and protection from unauthorized entry.
Permit requirementsBelow is the information required to apply for a pool only permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings are required to apply for a permit. Any structures that exceeds 108 square feet (10 meters squared) as well as decks beyond 23-5/8” (500mm) in height from grade require a separate building permit. FeesThe non-refundable application fee is required to be paid upon receiving the application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law. DepositA building deposit will apply to all inground and above-ground pools. The deposit amount can be found in ‘Schedule X'. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damaged has occurred to City property. InspectionsAfter a pool permit has been issued, an inspection prior to filling the pool with water will be required. The inspection will ensure that all safety measures are in place as per the submitted site plan, the requirements set out in the swimming pool By-law and the pool guide. |
| Accessory Structure Permits |
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A permit is required to build an accessory structure. The accessory structure guide is available to assist residents with the requirements to apply for a permit. To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department in City Hall. Accessory structures include decks, sheds, garages, roof structures, and other buildings identified as accessory structures by the Ontario Building Code. Permit requirementsBelow is the information required to apply for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings are required in order to apply. FeesThe non-refundable application fee is required to be paid upon receiving the application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law. DepositA building deposit will apply to all permits for an accessory structure. The deposit amount can be found in ‘Schedule X'. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection and no damaged has occurred to City property. InspectionsAfter a building permit has been issued, inspections need to be conducted at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your permit package for instructions on what inspections are required for your project. To avoid common project deficiencies found on inspections, please read this brief handout. |
| Deck Permits |
A permit is required to build a deck, that exceeds 23 5/8” (600mm) in height from the ground, or is a covered deck. The deck guide is available to assist residents to view the requirements to apply for a permit. To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department in City Hall
Permit requirementsBelow is the information required to submit for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings is required to submit for a permit. FeesThe non-refundable application fee is required to be paid upon receiving the application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law. DepositA building deposit will apply to all permits for a deck. The deposit amount can be found in ‘Schedule X'. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damage has occurred to City property. InspectionsAfter a building permit has been issued, inspections must be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is require to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your permit package for instructions on what inspections are required for your project. To avoid common project deficiencies found on inspections, please read this brief handout.
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| Tent Permits |
Permit RequirementsBelow is the information required to submit for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawing are required to be submitted for a permit.
A Tent Permit is required when:
A building (tent) permit is not required when the tent or group of tents measure less that 60 m2 in aggregate ground area, provided that the tent(s) are not attached to a building and are erected more than 3 metres from other structures. Rules & Regulations for Tents
A Professional Engineer is required when:
Other ApprovalsFor tents that exceed 30m2, the applicant will be required to consult with the City of Port Colborne’s Fire Department prior to submission of the building permit, to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code’s requirements. The applicant will also require approval from the City of Port Colborne’s Planning Department. Permits and approvals may also be required from other agencies such as the NPCA, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Niagara Region, etc. |
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Sign Permits |
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A permit is required to install many types of signs within the City of Port Colborne. You can view the Sign By-Law for specific requirements for a particular sign, and for signs exempt from requiring a permit. To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department at City Hall. Permit requirementsBelow is the information required to submit for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings is required to submit for a permit.
FeesThe non-refundable application fee is required to be paid upon receiving the application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law. DepositA building deposit will apply to all permits for a sign. The deposit amount is available in ‘Schedule X'. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damaged has occurred to City property. InspectionsAfter a building permit has been issued, inspections must be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days noticed is require to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Sign By-Law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your permit package for instructions on what inspections are required for your project, and when to book each inspection. To avoid common project deficiencies found on inspections, please read this brief handout. |
| Building without a Permit |
| Anyone who starts construction without a permit may be subject to penalties and additional fees. Anyone who is charged and found guilty of building without a permit can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for repeated offences. Fines are even higher for corporations. Fines may also be levied if you don't follow an order from the building department. |
Ontario Building Code
The Building Code Act, 1992 is the legislative framework for the construction, renovation and change-of-use of a building. The Ontario Building Code is a regulation under the Act that creates detailed standards for construction and the administration of building permits.
The purposes of the Ontario Building Code is to promote, health and safety, fire protection, resource conservation, environmental integrity and accessibility through appropriate standards.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is responsible for the development of, and any changes to the Building Code Act and the Code.
Contact Information
Amy Dayboll
Building Clerk
City Hall
66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne
Ontario, Canada L3K 3C8
Phone 905-835-2900 x229
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Alex Campbell
Building Inspector / PSO
City Hall
66 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne
Ontario, Canada L3K 3C8
Phone 905-835-2900 x206
Email this contact
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