Where the Past Greets the Fututre
MUNICIPALITY

Building Permit FAQ's
A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction or demolition. It means that the Municipality of Brighton has reviewed the plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Building permits regulate the type of construction allowed in the community and help to ensure building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community and helps to ensure that any structural change is safe, legal and sound.

When obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. They can often offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur.

However, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements and your designer or contractor may get permits on your behalf.


WHEN DO I NEED TO GET A BUILDING PERMIT?

You must obtain a building permit before you do any of the following:

  • -Construct a new building
  • -Renovate, repair or add to a building
  • -Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • -Change a building's use
  • -Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
  • -Make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
  • -Build a garage, balcony or deck or enclose an existing deck
  • -Build a utility shed over 108ft2 (10m2)
  • -Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • -Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinkler or standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems.
  • -Install or modify plumbing, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and woodstoves
  • -Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards with plumbing
  • -Reconstruct a chimney
  • -Build a deck which is over two feet (0.61 metres) in height above ground level and that is not attached to a building
  • -Build a deck, porch or balcony which is attached to house
  • -To finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
  • -To install a swimming pool (above ground or inground)
  • -Erect signage

You do not need a building permit to:

  • -Replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
  • -Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
  • -Build a utility shed under 108ft2 (10 m2)
  • -Re-shingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
  • -Install eaves troughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
  • -Damp-proof basements
  • -Paint or decorate
  • -Reinstall/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing.
  • -Erect a fence (except swimming pools and outside hot tubs require permits)
  • -Carry out electrical work, however you consult with the Electrical Safety Authority who will advise and state whether an permit is required and what inspection is required.
  • -Install an air filled swimming pool (that will be removed after summer)

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT GET A PERMIT?

It is unlawful to start construction without the necessary permits. If you start construction without the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, ordered to remove work already done, or prosecuted. You then will be required to obtain a Building Permit and the fee for such will be DOUBLED. Contact the Building Official if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project.


WHAT DOES THE BUILDING INSPECTOR DO?

A building inspector reviews projects during key stages of construction to ensure work complies with the Ontario Building Code and the plans originally submitted for review. The inspector may visit a site several times depending on the project. They must be able to see the work that requires inspection. An inspector requires a minimum of 48 hours notice to book an inspection.


WHEN I PURCHASE A HOME, SHOULD I CONSULT A BUILDING INSPECTOR?

The Municipality does not conduct pre-purchase inspections. (For information on purchasing the services of a pre-purchase building inspection service, please refer to the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory.)

However, if you have questions or concerns about your new home, or to determine if a finished basement or apartment is legal and meets the Ontario Building Code and Brighton Property Standards requirements, you can contact the Municipality's Building Department.


WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
Please contact the Building Department to make an appointment to apply for a building permit. Office Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Telephone: 613-475-1162. Building permits will be issued within 2 weeks of receipt of application, so please ensure you submit your application well in advance of your proposed start of construction.