Basement Renovations
Do I need a Building Permit?
Permits are not required for changing finished flooring, painting and decorating. Changing the use of any room to a bedroom will need a permit. Permits will also be required if you are removing or adding walls, finishing a previously unfinished space, changing plumbing piping and/or affecting the structural frame of your home.
For a complete list of permit exemptions and requirements please see our Building By-law.
When do I need to check zoning?
When adding a basement/in-law apartment, making changes to a private sewage system or running a business out of your home, you will need to complete a zoning check and complete an Applicable Law Declaration (our forms can be accessed by following 'Building Permit Forms Quick Links' at the bottom of the page)
Can I do my own design and plans?
The Town does not recommend you complete your own building designs unless you are very knowledgeable in the Ontario Building Code.
As a homeowner you are allowed to submit your own building designs instead of hiring a Qualified Designer, an Architect or an Engineer. Do-it-yourself home-owner designs often result in delays and added costs for multiple plan reviews. For a detailed list of plans and information needed to obtain a Building Permit, please refer to our Building By-law. For liability reasons, you should be aware that Town Staff will not provide design advice to anyone.
How much will it cost?
We charge per square foot based on the area being renovated. Additional charges apply for construction involving plumbing and septic systems. We only accept cheque, debit and cash.
All costs are found starting at Schedule "G" in our Town Fees Bylaw see our Fee Info page for the current fee by-law.
How do I get a permit?
When you are ready, please complete the related Building Permit forms (our forms can be accessed by following 'Building Permit Forms Quick Links' at the bottom of the page) and bring them along with your design drawings and the appropriate building fees to our Town Offices.
Please note that the Town does not approve or inspect electrical or gas services which are under the jurisdiction of the Electrical Safety Authority and your authorized Enbridge Gas contractor, respectively. Other fuel services such as oil and propane are approved and inspected by the Technical Standards Safety Authority.
How long will it take?
Renovation permit reviews take 10 business days to process following the day after you submit your complete application.
On the tenth business day, or earlier, you may either receive a phone-call/e-mail saying that the Town can now approve your Building Permit, or that further information/correction is still needed.
How many inspections do I need?
The amount of inspections depends on the complexity of the work and will normally be assigned with the Building Permit.
Building Permit Forms Quick Links