Building and Construction

Pools

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

Requirements

• Pool Permit Application
• Development Review Forms
• Site Plan (indicating location of pool, fencing and gates)
• Lot Grading Exemption Form or Grading Plan
• Building Plans (Electronic Submissions Preferred) 
• Undertaking for Repair Form
• Conservation Authority Approval

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 fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Deposit

A building deposit will apply to all In-Ground and On-Ground pools. The deposit amount is can be found in the User Fee section of the website. The deposit may be returned after the project has passed final inspection, and no damaged has occurred to Municipal 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 and the requirements set out in the Pool By-law.

Septic

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department

A septic permit is require for the following:

• Installation of a private sewage disposal system
• Modification to, or upgrading of a sewage disposal system
• Any work that may affect or may require a sewage disposal system
• Permit Application 

Requirements

• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information
• Lot Grading Exemption Form
• Septic Design and Calculations

Sign Permits

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department

A permit is required to install many types of signs within the Municipality. You can view the Sign By-Law for specific requirements for a particular sign, and for signs exempt from requiring a permit.

Requirements

• Site Plan
• Permit Application Form 

Fees

The fees for a permit can be found in the User Fee section.

Tent Permits

Application Package

Please fill out all required information and submit to the Building Department.

A Tent Permit is required when:

• The aggregate ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 60 m2
• A tent or a group of tents are to be attached to a building.
• Tents are constructed closer than 3.0 metres to property lines, to other buildings and to combustible material or vegetation.

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

• Must provide fire fighting access to a tent or group of tents.
• The support frame structure and anchorage system must be designed and reviewed by a Professional Engineer for tents larger than 225 m2 once erected.
• Fabrics for tents must meet specific standards for flame resistance.
• Sufficient sanitary facilities must be available for the duration that the tent is erected.

A Professional Engineer is required when:

• Tents exceed 225m2 in ground area
• Tents exceed 225m2 in aggregate ground area and are closer that 3m apart
• Containing bleachers
• Are enclosed with sidewalls

Other Approvals

For tents that exceed 30m2, the applicant will be required to consult with the 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 St. Thomas Planning Department. Permits and approvals may also be required from other agencies.

Requirements

• Completed application form
• Site plan illustrating property lines, other buildings, proposed location of the tent(s), sanitary facility location and capacity, drawn to scale with dimensions
• Confirmations for fire fighting access
• Documentation confirming sufficiency of compliance with frame resistance
• Interior tent layout, illustrating the location of tables, exits, seating number, aisle widths, etc.
• Exit signs above exit doors
• Fire extinguishers required next to exit doors
• Any required approvals or permissions from other agencies 

Change of Use Permits

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 St. Thomas Planning Department (in which we contract out our zoning and planning matters to) to ensure that the proposed change in use complies with the Municipal 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).

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.

Building Without a Permit