Building Permits

Common Projects That Need a Building Permit

• any new construction, including residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings;
• additions such as a carport, garage, room or another story to an existing building;
• addition of structural features such as a balcony, canopy or dormer or enclosing a porch;
• excavation for the construction of a new or full basement under an existing building;
• construction of any accessory building or structure with a gross floor area of approximately 108 square feet or more, such as a garage or shed;
• construction of a deck that is adjacent to or attached to the house and its walking surface is more than 600 millimeters (24 inches) above the adjacent grade;
• construction of a deck, regardless of area and height, if the deck is providing principal access (front or main entrance) to a building;
• installation or replacement of doors or windows when structural modifications are required;
• renovations, repairs or structural changes such as removing a load bearing partition or wall;
• installation of a wood stove, furnace, fireplace or chimney;
• finishing of a basement when adding a bedroom or bathroom;
• installation of a structural sign or tower;
• change of use of a building or portion of a building (example: from residential to commercial);
• installation of a new roof structure (except for the replacement of shingles)
• a retaining wall over 1 meter in height on public property;
• installation or modification to a plumbing system (not including replacement of fixtures);
• installation of solar panel on building of any use;
• installing municipal water or sewer services;
• structural foundation repairs, drain tile replacement, foundation damp proofing;
• fabric covered structures for any use;
• farm buildings (including but not limited to barns, silos, storage buildings, manure storage)

 
If you can't find your type of project above or if you have any questions, contact our Building Department.

Projects That Do Not Need a Building Permit

• Demolition of a farm building (excluding a dwelling)
• Buildings that are less than 10 m² that don’t include any plumbing
• Construction of a deck that is independent from the house (not attached to the house or any other structure attached to the house) and its walking surface is less than 600 millimeters (24 inches) above the adjacent grade.
• Adding drywall to basement walls to finish a recreation room
• Replacing kitchen cabinets
• Replacing plumbing fixtures (not including relocating)

Booking Your Inspection

The required inspections for your project are listed on your building permit and can be discussed with the building department at any time if you are unsure when to book.

The permit holder is responsible to ensure all inspections are requested, the request can be made by the contractor or the permit holder. All requests must be sent by email to the Building Department and at least 48 hours notice is required. Inspections times tend to book up quickly so the more notice you give the more likely you are to have your inspection booked on the day you would prefer.

When requesting a building inspection please email the Building Department with the following information:

• Your name
• Permit number
• Address of construction
• Inspection being requested
• Preferred date and time (either morning or afternoon)

Note that inspection times are approximate and morning inspections are sometime between 8:30 am and 11:30 am and afternoon inspections are between 1:15p.m. and 3:30p.m. No one is required to be present for inspections that are not inside a residence.

If you need to cancel a scheduled inspection please email the Building Department as soon as possible. According to By-Law 1-2016 a $100 reinspection fee may be imposed for inspections that are booked and not ready at the time of inspection. This does not typically apply if the inspection was thought to be ready but did not pass, the reinspection fee is more so related to inspections that were booked but not cancelled and not ready.

Addition to a Residential Building

Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a new building, an addition, or alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square meters (approximately 108 square feet).

Here are examples of additions:

• Sunrooms
• Solariums
• Attached Garages
• Porches
• One and two-storey additions

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
• One set of construction plans and specifications;
• Detailed site plan;
• Approved water and sewer allocation form, if the addition is serviced by Public Utilities and an additional dwelling unit is being proposed;
• Completed Mechanical Ventilation Summary sheet;
• Septic permit from South Nation Conservation for a private sewage system if there are any additional bedrooms being added or if any plumbing is being added;
• South Nation Conservation Approval if proposed construction occurs near a water course.
• Septic permit from South Nation Conservation for a private sewage system (if applicable). 

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building or Zoning Departments.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall. If any plumbing is being added to the building and you are serviced by a private septic system approval from South Nation Conservation is also required.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
6. Call to book your inspections. Your project must be inspected at different stages. These are explained on your building permit.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building permit fees for an addition to a residential building are $375 for 500 square feet plus $0.70 per square feet after the first 500 square feet.

A refundable fee is based on the value of the project:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $99,999 = $500 refundable fee
• Construction value between $100,000 - $299,999 = $1000 refundable fee

Inspections

Decks

• Regardless of the deck's walking surface area, if the deck is adjacent to or attached to the house and its walking surface is more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the adjacent grade, a permit is required.
• Regardless of the deck's walking surface area, if the deck is providing principal access to a building, a permit is required.
• If the deck is independent from the house (not attached to the house or any other structure attached to the house) and its walking surface is less than 600 millimeters (24 inches) above the adjacent grade, a permit is not required.

The Ontario Building Code outlines the minimum requirements for various elements, such as joist size, beam size, foundation requirements, guard requirements.

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
• One set of deck construction plans and specifications;
• A detailed site plan;
• South Nation Conservation Authority Approval, if your proposed project is near a water course;
• Engineering approval for techno metal post foundation systems or similar.

Construction plans for a deck must be detailed enough that someone else could take them and build the deck without consulting with you. They can be done by a homeowner as long as all of the required information is on the plans. Deck plans must include information such as: what is the foundation system, size and spacing of foundation system, size and spacing of framing members, stairs, railings, guards, deck height, deck size etc. Some homeowners have used deck designer programs from retail stores or online programs and we can accept those plans for application submissions as well.

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building Department.

2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall.
3. Wait. The review process will take 3 to 6 weeks depending on the project and on the current workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
6. Call to book your inspections. Your project must be inspected at different stages. These are explained on your building permit.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building permit fees for a deck are $170 for 300 square feet plus $0.45/square feet after the first 300 square feet. A refundable fee is based on the value of construction:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $50,000 = $500 refundable fee

Inspections 

Demolitions

You need to obtain a building permit to relocate or demolish an existing building or structure. Your demolition application will be reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable law, including the Ontario Heritage Act and the Zoning By-Law.

The demolition of certain building types (silos, and barns) and non-load bearing interior partitions do not require a demolition permit.

Document Checklist

1. Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
2. Site plan indicating the location of the building being demolished;
3. Engineer approval if the permit is to remove a structural supporting wall.

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building or Zoning Departments.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, you have verified with any and all possible services implicated by the demolition, the demolition can begin.
   6. Call to book your inspections. Your project may require a pre-demolition permit and a final inspection once the building has been removed.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building permit fees for the demolition of a residential building is $160. Building permit fees for the demolition of a non residential building is $315.

A refundable fee is based on the value of the project:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $99,999 = $500 refundable fee

Inspections

Fence

You do not require a permit to build a fence on your property. Visit our Fences page for general rules to follow when installing a fence.

Finishing Your Basement or Renovating

If you are planning on finishing your basement you may require a building permit. No permit is required to install drywall to finish a recreation room or space other than for a bedroom. If a bathroom is being added or completed (even if the underground plumbing was already installed and inspected at the time of original construction) a building permit is required. A building permit is required to add a bedroom to your basement.

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
• One sets of construction plans and specifications including room sizes, room uses and window and door sizes. Window “glazed” area must also be included on the plan;
• A septic permit from South Nation Conservation for a private sewage system (if applicable).

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building Department.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall. If any plumbing is being added to the building and you are serviced by a private septic system approval from South Nation Conservation is also required.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
6. Call to book your inspections. Your project must be inspected at different stages. These are explained on your building permit.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building permit fees to renovate or finish your basement are $170 for 300 square feet plus $0.45/square foot after the first 300 square feet. A plumbing permit will cost $110 for ten fixtures (a fixture is a toilet, a sink or a tub, and so on.)

A refundable fee is based on the value of the project:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $99,999 = $500 refundable fee
• Construction value between $100,000 - $299,999 = $1000 refundable fee

Inspections

Garage or Accessory Building

Construction of an accessory building (detached garages and garden sheds), including prefabricated buildings, occupying an area greater than 15 square meters (161 square feet) requires a building permit. Prefabricated garages and sheds do require the same documents listed below. Ensure that the company you are purchasing the building from can provide detailed construction plans before you purchase the building.

Document Checklist

1. Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
2. One complete set of construction plans and specifications. If any plumbing is being added to the building and you are serviced by a private septic system approval from South Nation Conservation is also required.
3. Layout from truss manufacturer for roof trusses;
4. A detailed site plan;
5. South Nation Conservation Authority Approval if proposed construction occurs near a water course
6. A septic permit from South Nation Conservation for a private sewage system (if applicable).

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building or Zoning Departments.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
6. Call to book your inspections. Your project must be inspected at different stages. These are explained on your building permit.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building permit fees for a garage or accessory building are $170 for 300 square feet plus $0.50/square foot after the first 300 square feet. A refundable fee is based on the value of construction:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $99,999 = $500 refundable fee
• Construction value between $100,000 - $299,999 = $1000 refundable fee

Inspections

New Home

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
• Schedule 1: Designer information form prepared by the designer;
• One set of construction plans and specifications;
• A copy of a detailed site plan or Survey;
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS), completed by the Designer;
• Copy of the Deed of Land establishing title of the property;
• TARION new home warranty program enrolment number (where required);
• Completed Mechanical Ventilation Summary sheet;
• Civic address application form, if not part of a subdivision;
• Septic permit from South Nation Conservation for a private sewage system;
• Approved water and sewer allocation if construction is serviced by Public Utilities;
• Detailed grading plan for properties of less than one acre in area. May also be required at the discretion of the Chief Building;
• South Nation Conservation Authority Approval if proposed construction occurs near a water course;
• Entrance permit (culvert) from Public Works department (or the United Counties of Prescott and Russell when bordering a county road).

Only complete applications will be accepted, and we may ask for more information once we start reviewing your application.

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building or Zoning Departments.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
6. Call to book your inspections. Your project must be inspected at different stages. These are explained on your building permit.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building Permit fees for a New Single Family Home are $1,800 for 3,000 square feet plus $0.70 per square feet after the first 3,000 square feet. If you are building a multi unit dwelling such as a semi detached or townhouse, the cost is $1,600 per unit.

There are also fees for the following:

• Plumbing - $110 for 10 fixtures plus $11 per additional fixture
• Attached garage – $170 for 300 square feet plus $0.50/square foot after the first 300 square feet.
• Deck – $170 for 300 square feet plus $0.45/square foot after the first 300 square feet.
• Civic address post (if applicable) – $130
• Municipal water connection fees – $175
• Municipal sewer connection fees – $65
• Water meter (5/8”) – $307.65

A refundable fee is based on the value of the project:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $99,999 = $500 refundable fee
• Construction value between $100,000 - $299,999 = $1000 refundable fee
• Construction value between $300,000 - $599,999 = $2000 refundable fee
• Construction value greater than $600,000 = $5000 refundable fee

A refundable fee will be returned in full to the permit holder if the file is closed within one year of permit issuance date. For each year that passes after the first year the refundable fee will be reduced by 25% except for $5000 refundable fees, those refundable fees have two years before the 25% reduction in fees occurs.

Additional fees that will typically apply for a new home are development charges , which vary depending on the location of the property.

Inspections

Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub

A Swimming Pool Permit is required before you install a pool, spa, or hot tub on your property. See our Pool and Spa Permits page for the application process and requirements.

Secondary Dwelling Units (Adding an Apartment)

Adding a single, self-contained rental apartment to your home provides your family with an additional source of income and provides your community (or a member of your family) with another source of affordable housing. Even an “in-law suite” for your family members would require a building permit to ensure Ontario Building Code compliance.

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;

• Schedule 1: Designer information form prepared by the designer;
• One set of construction plans and specifications;
• A copy of a detailed site plan or Survey if an addition to the building is being proposed;
• Septic permit from South Nation Conservation for a private sewage system that will have additional load due to the additional dwelling unit (1-877-984-2948 irwww.nation.on.ca);
• Approved water and sewer allocation if construction is serviced by Public Utilities;

Only complete applications will be accepted, and we may ask for more information once we start reviewing your application.

Application Process

1. Email or call the Building or Zoning Departments.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application and other required documents by email or in person at Town Hall.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive the results of your permit review. If your project is within building and zoning regulations, you will receive a permit. If your application is denied, you can make the needed changes to your application and resubmit.
5. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, construction can begin according to revised plans.
6. Call to book your inspections. Your project must be inspected at different stages. These are explained on your building permit.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

Building Permit fees for an additional dwelling unit being added to an existing dwelling are $1,600 flat fee per unit.

A refundable fee is based on the value of the project:

• Construction value between 0-$24,999 = $100 refundable fee
• Construction value between $25,000 - $99,999 = $500 refundable fee
• Construction value between $100,000 - $299,999 = $1000 refundable fee
• Construction value between $300,000 - $599,999 = $2000 refundable fee
• Construction value greater than $600,000 = $5000 refundable fee

A refundable fee will be returned in full to the permit holder if the file is closed within one year of permit issuance date. For each year that passes after the first year the refundable fee will be reduced by 25% except for $5000 refundable fees, those refundable fees have two years before the 25% reduction in fees occurs.

Development charges do not apply to an accessory dwelling unit (an apartment) that is being added to a home that is older than 5 years old. Additional fees that will typically apply for a new home are development charges , which vary depending on the location of the property.

Inspections

Septic System

Property owners are responsible for all installation, maintenance, and repairs of the private well and septic tank on their land. Please refer to our Septic Tanks and Private Wells page for more information.

Woodburning Appliances and Wood Stoves

A building permit is required for the installation of a:

• Masonry fireplace /masonry chimney
• Woodstove and chimney
• Pellet stove (wood, corn, grain, etc.)
• Fireplace insert /chimney liner
• Pre-manufactured fireplace and chimney

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application Form;
• Manufacture's specifications of the proposed unit;
• Sketch of where in the building the appliance will be installed.

Application Process 

1. Email or call the Building Department.
2. Submit your Building Permit Application, a layout of the space showing the location of the new appliance and the manufacture’s specifications on the product you would like to install by email or in person at Town Hall.
3. Wait. The review process will take a few weeks depending on the project and on the workload.
4. Receive your permit. Once the fees are paid, installation can begin according to submitted plan and specifications.
5. Have your new wood burning appliance inspected by someone who is WETT Certified and ensure you receive a letter of compliance. Provide a copy of this letter to the building department by email to the Building Department or in person at Town Hall. Once the compliance letter is provided your file will be closed and the $100 refundable fee will be returned to you.

Permit Fees

Fees are subject to change.

There is no cost for a building permit for woodburning appliances and wood stoves. There is a $100 refundable fee that is charged for each permit. A letter from a WETT Certified installer, certifying that the install meets all requirements will be required to close your file and get your $100 refund if the file is closed within one year of permit issuance.

Inspections

There are no inspections required by the Township of Russell, however, an inspection by a WETT Certified person is required. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to obtain the required compliance report.

What is a Construction Plan?

Construction Plans

To submit construction plans, you need to include:

• All structural framing (walls and materials), floor system layout (beams, joists, etc);
• Roof truss layout with all dimensions and specifications;
• Elevations of all facades (Front, Rear, Right, Left);
• Exterior finishes, windows, door type, roof slope and finish, stairs, landings, guards & handrails;
• Footings and foundation wall details. Specifications of all floors, wall and roof assemblies. Typical cross sections;
• Engineers approval may be required;
• If the proposed on-ground slab is more than 50m2 (538ft2) engineering approval is necessary for the design;

Only complete applications will be accepted. We may need additional information once we start reviewing your application.

What is a Site Plan?

A site plan is a sketch of the property that shows the location of your project and how close it is to the property lines. If you have questions about your site plan, please contact the Planning Department.

What should the site plan include?

• Dimensions and area of the lot and its legal description of address
• Location of existing and proposed easements
• Location of road boundaries, private or public streets, and dimensions
• Location, dimensions and area of building in relation to the building lot
• Setbacks between each building and property lines
• Location of streams, ditches or substantial differences in grade on land
• Distance between all structures and septic tank and septic bed

The above list is only a guide to assist you to prepare your site plan. Please confirm with our Building and Planning Department before submitting your site plan.