As of April 8, 2021 the Government of Ontario has moved into a Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order, you may reference Ontario Regulation 82/20 for all specific rules for this order. 

There is no effect to construction activities or projects and related services that support construction activities or projects, including demolition services.

This means all construction activities are open in Ontario.

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 Division is responsible for the issuance of 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 permits page. Where a permit is required 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 Division 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 Division prior to submitting an application to ensure that all the required information is submitted.  Incomplete applications may be delayed due to missing information.  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 exceeds 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 requirements

You will have to apply for a demolition permit to demolish a structure beyond 10sq.m (108sq.ft.). The process is similar for a building permit, but some special situations may affect your application. The following information is require to be filled out and provided to apply for a permit:

Fees

A non-refundable fee is required to submit for a permit. The fees to obtain a permit can be found in ‘Schedule X'.

Deposit

A 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 damaged has occurred to City property.

Inspections

After 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 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 building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled.
 Change of Use Permit
 If you want to change the way you use all or part of your building you may need a change of use permit. Different building uses have different code requirements. The proposed Change of use may have to be reviewed to ensure that the existing building can support the change in use. Even though no construction may be planned, upgrading of one or more of the following areas may be required.
  • Fire safety (removing or changing wall fire separations, exits, exit signs and emergency lightening, and fire alarm system)
  • door hardware
  • washrooms and fixtures
  • HVAC system (ventilation)

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 application

The applicant must obtain a designer licensed in the Province of Ontario to review the existing building and to 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:

  • Permit Application
  • Letter of use (includes buildings use in detail, occupant loads, number of employees, and anything that might affect the design of the space).
  • Site Plan
  • Architectural plans (floor plans with dimensions, building sections, Fire separations)
  • Part 10 Building Matrix as applicable.
 Pool Permits
 A permit is required to install a swimming pool. The pool guide is intended to assist residents to view the requirements to apply for a pool permit, including all required safety features and protection from unauthorized entry. A permit for a Swimming pool for the construction of a swimming pool only.

Permit requirements

Below is the information required to submit an application for a pool only permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings are required to submit 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 permit.

Fees

The non-refundable Building Permit Application Fee is payable at time of permit application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all In-Ground and On-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.

Inspections

After 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
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 but are not limited to: Decks, Sheds, Garages, and Roof structures.

Permit requirements

Below is the information required to apply for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings are required in order to apply.

Fees

The non-refundable Building Permit Application Fee is payable at time of permit application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all permits for an accessory structure. The deposit amount is 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.

Inspections

After a building permit has been issued, inspections will be required to 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 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 building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled. There is a handout that is intended to assist in avoiding common deficiencies found on inspections.
 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 requirements

Below is the information required to submit for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings is required to submit for a permit.

Fees

The non-refundable Building Permit Application Fee is payable at time of permit application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law.

Deposit

A 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.

Inspections

After 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 building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled. There is a handout that is intended to assist in avoiding common deficiencies found on inspections. 
 Sign Permits
 

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 requirements

Below is the information required to submit for a permit. Two (2) copies of all drawings is required to submit for a permit.

Fees

The non-refundable Building Permit Application Fee is payable at time of permit application. This and other fees applicable to building permits can be found in ‘Schedule X' of the Rates and Fees By-law.

Deposit

A 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.

Inspections

After 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 building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled.
 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.