HOME RENOVATION AND BUILDING

The Municipality of Port Hope Building Section, which operates under the Planning Services Department, reviews permit applications, issues permits, and conducts inspections in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, the Municipality of Port Hope Zoning By-law as well as, other applicable laws and regulations to ensure the standards for construction and plumbing are consistent throughout the Province.

Building Permits regulate the type of construction allowed in our Community and ensure that building standards are met. The objective of a building permit is to protect the homeowner as well as the community by ensuring that any structural change is safe, legal, and sound.

When Do I Need a Building Permit?

You must obtain a building permit before you do any of the following (not limited to list):

• construct a new building larger than 108 square feet
• 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 108 ft2 (10 m2)
• 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 heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and woodstoves
• install kitchen or bathroom cupboards with plumbing
• reconstruct a chimney
• build a roofless deck over two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached to a building
• to finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
• to install a pool or hot tub
• erect signage

Along with a completed *Building Permit Application Form you will also need to provide two hard copies of all applicable drawings, including but not limited to:

1. Site Plan
2. Floor Plans
3. Elevations
4. Sections
5. Details
6. Heating system specifications and floor plans
7. Plumbing detail. (For simple projects, schematics including connections to existing services can be included on your floor plan.)

* Building Permit Application Forms are available at the Planning Services Department located at Town Hall.

You Do Not Need a 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)
• reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
• install eavestroughs, 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)
• electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)

You can make an application for a building permit, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Municipality of Port Hope, Planning Services Department located at 56 Queen Street, Port Hope. A telephone inquiry can be made at (905) 885-2415.

The Municipality of Port Hope Building and Division is also responsible for By-law enforcement in respect to:

• Property Standards
• Fences and Pools
• Display Signage and Signs
• Kennels
• Outdoor Stoves
• Bed and Breakfast Establishments
• Salvage Yard
• Development Charges