As of Saturday, April 17, 12:01am the Government of Ontario has imposed further restrictions.
For construction activities or projects and related supporting services, including demolition and land surveying; they are still permitted.
For a more detailed list, please click on our Building division Covid 19 guidelines.
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 requirementsYou 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: FeesA non-refundable fee is required to submit for a 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 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 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.
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 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:
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| 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 requirementsBelow 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. FeesThe 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. DepositA 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. 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 |
| 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 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 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. DepositA 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. InspectionsAfter 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 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 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. 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 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.
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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 that 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 (Tent) 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 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. 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 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.
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
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