Building and Renovating

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As of January 3, 2023, all new applications must be submitted through Cloudpermit. For more information on the Township's transition to E-Permitting, visit our Cloudpermit Information Page.

Building permits ensure that we follow the minimum standards of the Ontario Building Code. These standards protect the health and safety of building occupants by managing:

  • Design
  • Construction
  • Quality of materials
  • Use and occupancy of buildings and structures
  • Protection of the environment

Before starting any work you must ensure the Township has issued a building permit, you've picked it up and posted it at the entrance to the property. Please review the building by-law 2021-125 respecting construction, demolition, change of use, conditional permits, sewage systems and inspections.

Information on permit applications and construction guides can be found under Applications, Licences and Permits.

Cloudpermit (E-permitting System)

The Township of Lake of Bays' Building and By-law Services now accept building permit applications through an online system called Cloudpermit.
Building Services Information Meeting 2022

Building Services Information Meeting Presentation

Projects that require a building permit
  • New residential dwellings
  • Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size
  • Detached garage, shed or accessory structure 10 m2 (108 ft2) and greater (measured to the outside face of exterior walls)
  • Adding or creating a Bunkie (any size)
  • Free standing decks 10 m2 (108 ft2) and greater (any height)
  • Dock , boathouse or boat port 10m2 (108 ft 2) or greater
  • Finishing the basement of a house
  • Adding a bedroom
  • Additions to a building
  • Replacing or repairing foundation drainage
  • Shipping containers 10 m2 (108 ft2)
  • Enclosures for swimming pools with a depth of 24 inches or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
  • Creating an accessory apartment
  • Plumbing fixtures added or relocated
  • Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam
  • Re-insulating walls, ceilings or floors
  • Wood stove, wood burning fireplace, or a wood furnace (interior or exterior)
  • Installing a new window or door when increasing the width of the existing opening
  • Retaining wall that is greater than 1 m (3'-3”), adjacent to public property, access to a building or private property to which the public is admitted
  • Solar panels that are mounted to a building and have a face area of 5 m2 (53.8 ft2) or greater
  • Septic system installations and alterations including septic tanks
  • Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
  • Demolition of a structure greater than 10 m2 (108 ft2) in building area
  • Tent or group of tents that is more than 60 m2 (646 ft2) in aggregate ground area, attached to a building or constructed within 3 m (9'-10”) of any structure
  • Industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential construction or alterations or changes of use

If you're still not sure whether you need a permit, contact Building Services.

Projects that do not require a building permit
  • Replacing kitchen cabinets
  • Replacing shingles
  • Replacing a window or door that is one for one
  • Replacing flooring or decking
  • Replacing siding

Booking an inspection

As of January 3, 2023, all new inspection requests must be submitted through Cloudpermit.

Required inspections are listed on your permit. To book an inspection, you can;

  • Use Cloudpermit by logging into your account and navigating to the "Inspections" section in the application workspace. View the "How to create a new inspection request" page for more information.
  • Permit applicants can also call or email us. When booking your inspection make sure that you include:
    • Permit number
    • Your name
    • Owner's name
    • Date of inspection
    • Inspection type

Inspections are completed in the mornings, Monday to Friday. 

If you are booking an inspection where the inspector is required to travel over ice or water, the following forms are required to be submitted to Building Services 48 hours prior to the inspection.

General Inquiries

Due to an overwhelming increase in inquiries and application submissions, in order to prioritize the increased workload and maintain compliance with legislated timeframes, and as per Council’s direction, Building and Planning staff will only respond to zoning inquiries from a legal owner of the property.

As it pertains to general development inquiries, we ask that you please consult the Township’s by-law documents and mapping, which contains an extensive amount of information and may assist with your inquiry.

Development Permit By-law 04-180

Comprehensive Zoning By-law 04-181

Community Planning Permit By-law 2021-111

Mapping

If you are a legal owner of a property, please email planning or building with your inquiries. For all inquiries, staff require the property roll number and/or address, a detailed (to scale) site plan of existing and proposed development, as well as details of your proposal. Staff will respond to submitted inquiries within 4-5 weeks.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Building Safety Month

We rarely question our safety when we are in the buildings that we live, work, shop or play in. This is because of the high standard in which buildings in Ontario are constructed. Building Services enforces the Building Code by examining building plans and specifications, issuing permits, and performing inspections through the various stages of construction.

Every May, the Township promotes Building Safety Month to raise awareness about building safety and the vital role of building officials. This year, the Ontario Building Officials Association's Building Safety Month campaign theme is, Top 10 Tips for Home Renovations. While Ontario is still practicing social distancing, homeowners can use this checklist to start planning for upcoming renos to homes and cottages. 

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