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Building Permits

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Frame of a house

The Building Services Division is the authority having jurisdiction over the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code. Our team of Building Officials issues building permits to help create safe, accessible, and sustainable buildings in the Municipality of Port Hope.

Permit process
The property owner is responsible for ensuring work does not proceed unless the required permits have been issued. Building and demolishing without a permit can result in fines and penalties as set out in the Building Code Act. Follow these steps to obtaining a permit for your project:
Review your project with the Planning Division

The Planning Division is required to review proposals for most projects, including, but not limited to, new construction, additions, accessory structures (such as a shed or detached garage), and decks. The process ensures your project meets the requirements of the Zoning-By-law. Additional applications and requirements may be identified.

The planning review can be completed with your building permit application. Ensure your site plan drawing is included with your submission.

Apply for your planning review
If you require assistance with your planning review application, please contact the Planning Division.

Review the building permit requirements

To submit a complete application, requirements must be met according to the Ontario Building Code. This varies from project to project.

Basic requirements

All projects require an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish. This form must have all applicable fields and schedules completed and attached. The applicant must be the legal property owner, or an authorized agent of the owner.

 Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

Drawings

Provide the required building drawings and specifications as outlined in the Municipality of Port Hope Building By-law. Drawings can be prepared by the property owner for construction related to a house. A BCIN Designer, Architect or Engineer can prepare drawings for projects within their qualifications.

Complete any additional forms and items

Depending on the scope of work and circumstances, additional forms, drawings and/or documents may be required. 

 Agent Authorization Form
If the applicant is not the legal property owner, an Agent Authorization form is required. This applies when:
  • you are acting on behalf of the legal property owner
  • you, as the legal property owner, will have someone act on your behalf

Complete the form and include it with the permit application.

Download agent authorization form

 Plumbing Permit

A plumbing permit is required when fixtures are added or relocated, and for new and repaired connections. If this work is part of your building project, the plumbing portion is included. If only plumbing work is being completed, the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish is required.

Please be advised that plumbing services now fall under the responsibility of Northumberland County. All plumbing inspections are booked through County staff.

 Demolition Sign-off

Additional information about the project is required for residential and non-residential demolitions. Complete the Demolition Sign Off sheet and include it with the permit application.

Download demolition sign off sheet

 Other
Refer to the Ontario Building Code to determine if the application should be accompanied by any of these prescribed forms:
  • Commitment to General Review
  • Energy Efficiency Design Summary – Performance
  • Energy Efficiency Design Summary – Prescriptive

Additional considerations for the permit application may include:

Electrical work
If the project includes electrical work, contract the Electrical Safety Authority to apply for an electrical permit or book an inspection.
 Entrance permit
An entrance permit is issued to designate a portion of the property as a driveway and provide access from the road. The permit is obtained from the appropriate Roads Department with jurisdiction over the road where access is being requested.
  • Municipal roads permits
  • Northumberland County road permits
 Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

The Port Hope Area Initiative involves the clean up of historic low-level radioactive waste. If the property is located within the Urban Area (Ward 1) of Port Hope, enrollment into the PHAI Construction Monitoring Program is strongly encouraged.

25 Henderson Street
Port Hope ON, L1A 0C6
Phone: 905-885-0291
Email: info@phai.ca

Download the CMP Fact Sheet and Consent form

Setback permit (Northumberland County roads)

If the project involves construction adjacent to a Northumberland County roadway, a setback permit is required.

Northumberland County road permits

Submit your application

We have two options on how to submit your application:

  1. Email us all the required drawings, documents and forms
  2. Deliver legible hardcopies in-person to the Development Team Office at 5 Mill St. S Port Hope, ON L1A 2S6. Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Drawings are appreciated in electronic format to provide the best resolution for review. PDF is preferred.

Pay the associated fees

Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an invoice by email and payment can be made. Visit our fees and charges webpage for a breakdown of the permit fees in Port Hope. 

New construction and some non-residential additions are also subject to Development Charges as prescribed by the Municipality of Port Hope and Northumberland County.

To make a payment you can:

  • Pay in-person by cash, cheque or debit at:
    • Development Team Office, 5 Mill St. S. Port Hope, ON L1A 2S6
    • Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • Pay cheque by mail:
    • Canada Post: 
      Building Services
      Municipality of Port Hope
      56 Queen St
      Port Hope, ON L1A 3Z9
    • By Courier
      Building Services
      Municipality of Port Hope
      5 Mill St S
      Port Hope, ON L1A 2S6

If paying by cheque, make payable to the Municipality of Port Hope. Please note there is a $30 charge for NSF cheques.

For assistance, contact the Building Services Division at 905-885-2431 or email us.

Wait for the permit card

The Building Services team will complete a final review of your complete application before your permit is issued. If anything is outstanding, the applicant will be notified. Work is not permitted to begin until the permit has been issued.

With a complete application and all deficiencies addressed, the official permit card will be emailed bearing signature. This document is to be posted on the property in a visible location, typically on the front door or window. Ensure the project drawings are on-site for viewing as well. The project can begin with these requirements met.

If you're planning any project that requires digging, you're responsible for getting locates on all utilities and services before digging. Don't forget, you must click before you dig!

 Schedule the inspections

Your permit card also acts as an inspection checklist:

  • Readiness to pour footings
  • Structural framing
  • HVAC systems/hydronic systems
  • Plumbing occupancy
  • Prior to backfill
  • Insulation and vapor barrier
  • Occupancy

Note: Your list may not be exhaustive, and additional inspections may be required.

You can request a building inspection online, or contact us at 905-885-2431 or by email. Results are sent to the applicant.

Northumberland County is responsible for plumbing inspections in the Municipality of Port Hope.

 Enjoy your finished project
 

If you have any questions or need an accessible version of one of the PDFs on this page, please contact us by phone at 905-885-2431 or by email.

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