Permits

A building permit gives you legal permission to start a construction project. A permit is required for most construction, renovation or demolition projects.

The Township requires building permits to help ensure projects meet zoning requirements, fire safety requirements and structural safety standards set out in the Ontario Building Code. This helps keep residents and the community safe.

Visit the Building Permit page

All dogs in the Township of Russell must be registered and wear a dog tag at all times.

Register your dog within 7 days of becoming a dog owner. Once registered, you will receive a lifetime identification tag that your dog must wear at all times.

Dog tag fees

• Dog tag: $20 per year (same tag for the life of the dog)
• Replacement tag: $2
• Late fee: $10 for renewals not paid by March 31 (applies as of April 1)

Renewals for homeowners

• No action is required to renew your dog tag
• A $20 renewal fee is added to your interim property tax bill each March
• The fee will continue to be added each year until the Township is notified that you no longer own the dog
• No late fee applies

Renewals for renters and non‑homeowners

• You must pay the $20 renewal fee by March 31 each year
• You will keep using your current dog tag
• A renewal reminder letter will be mailed to the address on file each year
• A $10 late fee applies starting April 1 if payment is not received

Payment options

Dog tags can be purchased or renewed:

• Online using the Online Dog Tag Registration system

(Note: Not compatible with cell phones. Tags are mailed when registering online)

• In person at Town Hall (717 Notre‑Dame Street) or 225 Industriel Street in Embrun
• By mail or outdoor dropbox at Town Hall using a printed registration form and payment

(Printed forms are available upon request from the Public Safety and Enforcement Department)

Purchase or renew a dog tag online

Questions

For more information, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department or 613-443-3066.

You do not need a permit from the Township to build a fence on your property. However, all fences must follow the rules in the Fence By‑law.

Read the Fence By‑law

Before building a fence, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department. We can help you understand which rules apply to your property, including whether your fence will be:

• On your property or on the property line
• Located in the front yard, side yard or back yard
• Installed on a corner lot
• Surrounding a pool or spa
• Subject to other requirements

Fences around pools and spas

Pools and spas have additional fence and safety requirements. Before starting your project, review the Pool and Spa Permit section for specific rules.

Who is responsible for a fence?

If you are unsure who is responsible for a fence near your property, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department or 613-443-3066 for guidance.

You need a fire permit if you plan to burn wood materials outdoors (open‑air burning).

Campfires do not require a permit but must follow the Fire By‑law.

Read the Fire By‑law

Fire bans

If a fire ban is in effect, no fires are allowed, even with a permit. It is your responsibility to check for fire bans before burning.

View current Fire Ban Notices.

To receive updates, visit and subscribe to the Fire Ban Notices page.

Fire permits

You must apply for a fire permit at least 24 hours before starting any open‑air burning.

• Permit fee: $40
• Payment options: In person at 225 Industriel Street in Embrun, or by phone at 613‑443‑3066

To apply, complete the Open‑Air Burning Permit Application Form or contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department.

Apply for an Open-Air Burning Permit

General rules for fire permits

• A permit is valid:
  • 3 days for properties smaller than 10 acres
  • 3 months for properties 10 acres or larger
• Permits are not valid during a fire ban
• Fire control equipment must be available on site
• A person at least 18 years old must supervise the fire at all times
• Fires must be fully extinguished before sunset
• Fire permits cannot be issued for properties located:
  • Within village limits
  • In a subdivision
  • In a built‑up area

What you can burn

Only wood and wood by‑products are allowed.

Fire size and location requirements

• Maximum fire size is 1 cubic metre, unless you are a farmer
• Fires must be:
  • At least 15 metres from all property lines
  • At least 30 metres from wooded areas, structures or combustible materials
• Fires must be contained in a drum, barrel or another suitable container

Questions

For more information, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department or 613-443-3066.

You need a permit before installing a pool, hot tub, spa or artificial pond on your property.

Apply for a permit

The cost of a pool or spa permit is $100.

To apply, you must submit:

• A completed Pool Permit Application Form
• A sketch of your property showing the location of the pool or spa, the equipment and the distance to all property lines

Download Pool Permit Application Form

Requirements

Pool and spa installations must meet the requirements set out in the Township’s Pool By‑law. If you have questions about how the rules apply to your property, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department.

Read the Pool By‑law

Common requirements include:

• Pools, spas and related equipment must be installed at least 1.5 metres from property lines.
• If there is no fence around the pool or spa, equipment must be located at least 1 metre away to prevent it from being used to access the water.
• Pools at least 1.22 metres high that are not inflatable and do not have diagonal bracing may not require a fence. Access method may still require fencing.
• Spas less than 1.22 metres high with a locking cover may not require a fence.
• Required fences must be at least 1.22 metres high with no gaps larger than 4 inches at the bottom or where the fence meets a structure.
• Gates must be 1.22 metres high and include a self‑closing, self‑latching mechanism installed on the inside of the fence at the top of the gate.

Temporary pools

• Temporary pools must follow the same rules as permanent pools.
• All inflatable pools and pools with diagonal bracing require a regulation fence.

Questions

For questions about pool and spa permits, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department or 613-443-3066.

A Registration of Death and Burial Permit is required before funeral and burial arrangements can take place.

Book an appointment

To book an appointment, contact the Clerk’s Department or 613-443-3066.

Fees

The fee for a Registration of Death and Burial Permit is:

• $35 for funeral homes within the Township of Russell
• $40 for funeral homes outside the Township

Required forms

Before the Clerk’s Department can issue a permit, the following forms must be submitted:

• Form 15 – Statement of Death (completed by the funeral director and informant)
• Form 16 – Medical Certificate of Death (completed by the attending physician or coroner)

More information

Find more information on what you need to know before arranging a funeral, burial, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or scattering service, visit Ontario.ca.

Apply for a Sign Permit before installing or replacing a sign.

All new and existing businesses in the Township of Russell must follow the Sign By‑law.

Before purchasing or installing a sign, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department or 613-443-3066. Staff will review your project and help you determine whether a permit is required and how to apply.

Signs that usually require a permit include:

• Accommodation signs
• Identification signs
• Real estate signs
• Community signs
• Construction signs
• Election signs
• Prohibition signs
• Promotional signs
• Directional signs
• Group signs

If your sign type is not listed above, contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department for guidance.

For full requirements, rules and exemptions, review the Township’s Sign By‑law or contact Public Safety and Enforcement for more information.