Additions
Below you will find information to consider when planning an addition to an existing dwelling.
To determine how a property is zoned please visit our Interactive Zoning Map.
The zone standards for any proposed development must conform to the Zoning By-law at the time of building permit submission. Please consult the Zoning By-law webpage to determine permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and building heights.
Please contact the Township Planning Department with any questions.
It is important to determine if your current system can support your desired addition. Please refer to the On-site Sewage System Design Information Sheet (PDF) or contact the Sewage System Department for additional information.
Some additions require a Lot Grading Plan at time of Building Permit application submission which must be designed by a qualified person as noted in our Lot Grading Procedure (Professional Engineer or Certified Engineering Technologist). For more information on this please visit the Lot Grading Procedure webpage.
Accessory Structures
Accessory Structures include detached garages, sheds, pergolas, decks and pools. Below you will find resources to assist in planning your desired project.
To determine how a property is zoned please visit our Interactive Zoning Map.
The zone standards for any proposed development must conform to the Zoning By-law at the time of building permit submission. Please consult the Zoning By-law webpage to determine permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and building heights.
Please contact the Township Planning Department with any questions.
It is important to ensure all minimum clearance distances are met. Please refer to the On-site Sewage System Design Information Sheet (PDF) or contact the Sewage System Department for additional information.
How do I apply for permits?
Once you have satisfied yourself that your property can accommodate your desired project, you are ready to start the Building Permit application process.
Smaller project such as decks, sheds and garages can be designed by the property owner should they have enough knowledge of part 9 of the Ontario Building Code to produce those plans. Otherwise, a qualified designer is required. Residential designers must be qualified and registered with a Provincial B.C.I. Number or be a certified Engineer or Architect within the province of Ontario. Although a B.C.I.N. qualified designer can produce plans for you they are restricted to Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code meaning that any Part 4 design such as point loads, heavy timber, tall walls, slab on grade in most circumstances etc. would all required a professional engineer stamp regardless. Please be advised that we are also unable to provide any referrals to designer or builder in the area.
Building permits are required for all structures as defined in the Ontario Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code and Township By-laws. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Sheds and shipping containers exceeding 15 sq. meters (161 sq.ft).
Sheds and shipping containers not exceeding 15 sq. meters (161 sq.ft) in gross area that is not more than one storey in building height, is not attached to a building or structure and is used for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot and does not have plumbing are exempt from building permit requirements). *Please note: structures not requiring a Building Permit are still required to comply with the Zoning By-law - Any detached structure over 10 sq. metres (108 sq. feet) which does not comply to the statement above. *Please note: structures not requiring a Building Permit are still required to comply with the Zoning By-law
- Decks either greater than 0.6 metres (2 feet) above grade or attached to the structure
- Outdoor swimming pools and other artificial bodies of water over 0.6 metres (2 feet) deep (as per the Pool Enclosure By-law 96-111)
- Pergolas over 18.6 sq. metres (200 sq. feet)
- Structural, plumbing, life safety renovations to an existing building
- Retaining wall exceeding 1 metre (3.3 feet) in height meeting the requirements of a designated structure under the Ontario Building Code. Please see the Retaining Wall Bulletin (PDF) for further information.
- Demolition of an existing building or portion of, that is over 10 sq. metres (108 sq. feet)
Building Permit application packages and corresponding requirement checklists can be found on the Building Permit Applications webpage.
Sewage System Permit application packages and corresponding requirement checklists can be found on the Sewage System Permit Applications webpage.
- Sheds and shipping containers exceeding 15 sq. meters (161 sq.ft).
Building Permit costs are calculated at the time of application. Consult the Township's current Fee By-law for more information. Permits for smaller projects such as a deck or shed start at $275.00. Additional fees may apply through the construction should a re-inspection be required.
If you require a Sewage System Permit, costs can be found on the Sewage System webpage.
If your project requires a Lot Grading Plan (applicable to some additions), a Lot Grading deposit is required. For more information on this please visit the Lot Grading Procedure webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Minor Variance Application is a tool that can be used by landowners when the requirements of the Zoning By-law cannot be met for one reason or another. Minor variances are reviewed and decided upon by the Committee of Adjustment, a Committee appointed by Council for this purpose. An application may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied. Ultimately, all decisions are at the discretion of the Committee.
The Committee of Adjustment considers the merits of an application based on four tests:
- That the variance conforms to the Township Official Plan;
- That the variance conforms to the general intent and purpose of the Township Zoning By-law;
- That the variance is desirable for the appropriate development and use of the land; and
- That the variance is minor in nature.
Each minor variance is considered on a site-by-site basis, and every application is unique. The process for a simple minor variance application typically takes two to three months. This process includes a 20-day appeal period, which begins after the decision of the Committee has been made. Like other Planning Act applications, minor variance decisions can be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
There is no Conservation Authority jurisdiction within the Township limits.
The Township has no tree cutting by-law, however we recommend that you confirm ownership boundaries before any trees are cut.
The County of Simcoe has a Forest Conservation By-law which applies to properties that are larger than 1.0 hectares. For more information please visit Simcoe County's Forest Conservation By-law webpage.
The Township does not keep an inventory of previously completed surveys.
If a survey has been completed on a property, it may be available to purchase through Land Survey Records Inc., otherwise you will have to contact an Ontario Land Surveyor to have a new one completed at your cost.
Please be advised, if your property is waterfront, an older survey may not include the 178 metre contour line. The Zoning By-law includes setback requirements from the flood hazard limit associated with Georgian Bay. This limit is established at the 178.0 metre elevation. An up-to-date survey may be required.