Application Guides

Application Guides

Residential

Residential buildings include houses, townhouses, and apartment buildings, as well as related accessory structures such as sheds and decks.

Housing includes detached houses, semi-detached houses, and townhouses (up to 3 storeys) with no more than two dwelling units. A housing permit applies to these structures, as well as any accessory buildings related to them. This can include new construction or additions to existing buildings. 

Examples of housing permits include: Custom homes, detached garages, unenclosed porches and non-stacked townhouse blocks.

Required Forms

Required Documentation

  • Approval Documents required by applicable law agencies such as conservation authorities, planning approvals, Ministry of Transportation etc.
  • Zoning Approval - Town of Grimsby Planning Division 905.309.2019

Required Drawings

  • Site Plan / Grading  
    • Zoning Summary (permitted / proposed)
    • Property lines referenced to a current survey
    • Location of all proposed & existing buildings 
    • Location of all proposed & existing services i.e hydro, water sewer
    • Overall dimensions of all buildings (width / length)
    • Proposed finished first floor & basement elevations
    • Direction of surface drainage and location of all swales 
    • Details of swales 
      • Slopes
      • Depth
      • Side slopes
      • Flow direction
    • Downspout locations and method of roof drainage discharge 
    • Identification of legal drainage outlet (street, storm sewar, ditch, etc.)
  • Architectural Plans
    • Existing floor plans (required for all additions and alterations)
    • Floor plans of every floor level (specify rooms)
    • Building elevations with limiting distance calculations (for new buildings, additions, or when existing exterior walls are altered)
    • Stair, landings, deck, guards and handrail details
    • Details and construction notes / specifications
  • Structural (may be incorporated into Architectural Plans)
    • Footing / Foundation design
    • Floor framing plan (including posts, beams, joists, lintels)
    • Roof framing plan (including posts, beams, joists, lintels)
    • Shop drawings for pre-engineered floor systems
      • Framing Plan (stamped by BCIN or P.Eng)
      • Beam calculation sheets (sealed by a P.Eng)
    • Shop drawings for prefabricated roof trusses
      • Framing plan (stamped by BCIN or P.Eng)
      • Truss calculations sheets (sealed by a P.Eng)
  • Mechanical (HVAC) Plans
    • Mechanical Ventilation Design Summary
    • Heat loss / heat gain / duct calculations

RESOURCES:

Example Drawings                                    Checklist / Guides
HVAC Plan                                                    House checklist
Truss Layout                                                 Grading Guideline 
Truss Spec
Sample Application/House Plan 
Grading Plan   

A secondary suite is a self-contained secondary living space built within a dwelling unit. It can be located in various parts of the house, such as the basement or above a garage.

A guide to secondary suites provides detailed information on the process and requirements for obtaining a building permit to create an accessory dwelling unit.

Required Forms

Required Documentation

  • Approval Documents required by applicable law agencies such as conservation authorities, planning approvals, Ministry of Transportation etc.)
  • Zoning Approval - Town of Grimsby Planning Division 905.309.2019

Required Drawings

  • Site plan
    • Zoning Summary (permitted / proposed)
    • Property lines referenced to a current survey
    • Location of all proposed & existing buildings
    • Overall dimensions of all buildings (width / length)
    • Proposed finished first floor & basement elevations)
  • Architectural Plans
    • Existing floor plans (required for alterations)
    • Floor plans of every floor level (specify rooms)
        • Label use of each space, provide dimensions, ceiling height
        • Show window and door location and sizes
        • Indicate location of fire separations
    • Show electrical lighting, control switches and outlets, interconnected smoke alarms, and when required, the location of battery powered emergency lighting units.
    • Building elevations showing Second Unit Entrance and Egress/Exit Windows. Include limiting distance calculations (for new buildings, additions, or when existing exterior walls are altered)
    • Sections and Wall / Ceiling / Fire Separation Construction Details
    • Construction Details of Egress Windows
    • Details and construction notes / specifications
  • Structural (may be incorporated into Architectural Plans)
    • Footing / Foundation design
    • Floor framing plan (including posts, beams, joists, lintels)
    • Roof framing plan (including posts, beams, joists, lintels)
  • Mechanical (HVAC/Plumbing) Plans (may be incorporated into Architectural Plans)
    • location of all heating supply outlets and return air grilles, exhaust air intakes, duct-type smoke detectors
    • Provide exhaust fans over ranges, within bathrooms and all rooms not equipped with a window providing natural ventilation to the outdoors
    • Show location of plumbing fixtures

RESOURCES:

Basement Apartment Example Drawing

MMAH Guide

Housing renovations typically include: 

  • Adding or removing walls (i.e., changing room sizes and/or uses)
  • New windows or doors where there were none before
  • Enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors
  • Finishing basement (other than adding secondary suite)

If the project is limited to plumbing only, then a plumbing permit should be applied for.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Schedule 1: Designer Information (for BCIN Designers)(Owner can give access to the permit applicant in Cloudpermit)

Required Documentation:

  • Zoning Approval - Town of Grimsby Planning Division 905.309.2019

Required Drawings:

  • Architectural Plans
    • Existing floor plans 
    • Floor plans of every floor level (specify rooms)
    • Building elevations with limiting distance calculations (only when existing exterior walls are altered)
    • Stair, landings, guards and handrail details
    • Details and construction notes / specifications
  • Structural (only where structural alterations proposed)
    • Footing / Foundation design
    • Floor framing plan (including posts, beams, joists, lintels)
    • Roof framing plan (including posts, beams, joists, lintels)
    • Shop drawings for pre-engineered floor systems
      • Framing Plan (stamped by BCIN or P.Eng)
      • Beam calculation sheets (sealed by a P.Eng)
    • Shop drawings for prefabricated roof trusses
      • Framing plan (stamped by BCIN or P.Eng)
      • Truss calculations sheets (sealed by a P.Eng)
  • Mechanical (HVAC) Plans for major HVAC alterations (minor branch relocating exempt)
    • Mechanical Ventilation Design Summary
    • Heat loss / heat gain / duct calculations

 

 

A building permit is required for the construction of a shed when your structure consists of an area greater than 10m2 (15m2 for sheds used for storage purposes only). If the shed is less than 10m2 but contains plumbing, the structure will require a permit. All sheds that require a building permit must also comply to local zoning by-laws, and may therefore be restricted by height, area, setback and etc.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Schedule 1: Designer Information (for BCIN Designers)(Fill out and submit this form in Cloudpermit)

Required Drawings:

  • Site Plan:
    • Location of shed and of any existing buildings
    • Property lines and dimensions in relation to the shed
    • Basic lot features such as septic systems, swales, retaining walls, etc.
  • Foundation Plan:
    • Show all proposed footing locations with dimensions, sizes and footing depths
  • Construction Drawings:
    • Plan view:
      • Include window & door sizes
      • Floor, wall and roof connections
    • Side Views:
      • Height of structure
      • Exterior materials used, sheathing
    • Section Cut:
      • Cross Section
      • Wall Section, including details of wall assemble

Resources:

Shed Checklist

A building permit is required for the construction of a deck or porch when the deck is greater than 10m2 or greater than 0.6m in height. You will also be required to apply for a building permit if the proposed structure is attached to a building or serves as a primary entrance to the house. Always check with your local building department for specific requirements.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Schedule 1: Designer Information (for BCIN Designers)(Fill out and submit this form in Cloudpermit)

Required Drawings:

  • Site Plan: 
    • Location and dimensions of the deck in relation to existing buildings and provide setbacks from property line
    • Lot grading characteristics such as swales, retaining walls and drainage works.
  • Foundation Plan:
    • All proposed footing locations with dimensions, sizes and footing depths
    • If using helical piers, supported engineering and CCMC approval will be required
  • Construction Drawings:
    • Deck dimensions, include sizes and material of stairs, column, beams, joists and decking
  • Cross Section:
    • Framing, footing and guardrail connections
    • Height of guardrail
    • Attachment between deck & building, deck & beams, and post & beams
    • Depth and size of piers below grade

Resources: 

Deck Checklist

A repeat housing permit is a permit application for a new building where a previously approved Certified Model is being constructed.

Examples of repeat permits: single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, detached garage, semi-detached garages.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Applicable Law Checklist (Complete in Cloudpermit)

Required Documentation:

  • Approval Documents required by Applicable Law

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan / Grading Plan
    • Zoning Summary (permitted / proposed)
    • Property lines referenced to a current survey
    • Location of all proposed & existing buildings
    • Overall dimensions of all buildings (width / length)
    • Proposed finished first floor & basement elevations)
    • Stamped by a grading engineer, confirming that it complies with the approved grading plan for the subdivision
    • Indicate name of Model, Elevation and Standard or Reversed
    • If the model contains an Accessory Dwelling Unit, the accessory dwelling unit must be noted on the siting plan.

A plumbing permit is a required for any plumbing work located within a building or on private property. 

Examples of plumbing permits include: site servicing, pre-servicing connection, fixture installation with no other construction, backflow preventer installation.

Required Forms:

Required Documentation:

  • Approval Documents required by Applicable Law
  • Cross-connection survey (for backflow preventer installations)

Required Drawings:

  • Draft plan of Subdivision (for pre-servicing connections)
  • Floor Plan with fixture locations (for fixture installations in existing single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or non-stacked townhouse units)
  • Plumbing Plans (for fixture installations in multi-residential or non-residential buildings)
    • Plumbing drawings (fixtures, water, drains, venting)
    • Plumbing riser diagrams
  • Site Servicing / Grading (for site servicing applications)
    • Municipally approved site grading plan
    • Municipally approved site servicing plan
    • Architectural site plan including locations of fire hydrants
  • On-site Sewage System (for properties served by private systems)
    • System drawings & details
    • Statement of Design

Before demolishing all or part of a building, you must apply for a demolition permit from your local municipality. The process is similar to applying for a building permit, although certain special circumstances may impact your application.

You may need separate heritage approval from the municipality or the Ontario Heritage Trust, including approval for demolishing a building or structure on the property, if your property is:

  • Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act,
  • Located in a heritage conservation district, or
  • Subject to a heritage conservation easement (a legal agreement protecting heritage elements, applicable to any landowner).

If your property is not designated but is listed on a municipal heritage register, the Ontario Heritage Act requires the property owner to provide municipal council with 60 days notice before demolishing or removing a building or structure on the property.

The property owner is responsible for notifying all relevant authorities, including utility services, applicable law agencies, and the Ministry of Labour about the proposed demolition before work begins. The Town of Grimsby building division is not responsible for informing these authorities or for issuing their approvals.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Applicable Law Checklist (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Commitment to General Review (If required, view below)

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan
    • Identify building to be demolished and the decommissioning plan for existing services.
    • Area of excavation, proposed depth of excavation and the location of foundation walls for the new custom home (for infill projects only)
    • Property lines and lot area referenced to a current survey
  • Temporary shoring plan required for infill housing projects where:
    • New foundation walls will be 1.8m or less from an adjacent property line, or
    • Excavation will be within 1.2m of a property line

Additional Requirements:

If the building is more than 3 stories tall, exceeds 600m2 in area, includes pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members, involves demolition below the footing level of an adjacent building, or plans to use explosives or lasers for demolition, the following additional items must be submitted with the permit application:

This applies to the installation of required fencing around in-ground and above-ground pools installed on residential properties. the permit must be obtained prior to the construction of the pool.

Detailed criteria for the design of the pool enclosure are outlined in Markham's Swimming Pool By-law.

Required Forms:

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan prepared using a current survey
    • Location of property lines, existing buildings and proposed pool
    • Details of the proposed fence (height, type of material, location)
    • Gate location and details (must be self-closing and self-latching)
    • Location of septic system (for properties with a private on-site sewage system)

Resources:

Pool Enclosure Checklist

Application Guides

Industrial Commercial Institutional

I.C.I. buildings cover non-residential construction such as, warehouses, shopping centers, schools, hospitals and sports arenas, in addition, signage, storage facilities, and communication towers. 

A non-housing permit pertains to the construction or expansion of any commercial, institutional or industrial building.

Required Forms:

Required Documentation:

  • Approval Documents required by Applicable Law

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan / Grading Plan
    • Zoning Summary (permitted / proposed)
    • Property lines and lot area referenced to a current survey
    • Location of all proposed & existing buildings
    • Overall dimensions of all buildings (width / length)
    • Direction of surface drainage and location of all swales 
    • Details of swales 
      • Slopes
      • Depth
      • Side slopes
      • Flow direction
    • Downspout locations and method of roof drainage discharge 
    • Identification of legal drainage outlet (street, storm sewar, ditch, etc.)
    • Click Here for Grading Guidelines 
  • On-site Sewage System (for properties served by private systems)
    • System drawings & details
    • Statement of Design
  • Architectural Plans
    • Ontario Building Code Data Matrix
    • Existing floor / mezzanine plans (required for all additions and alterations / change of use)
    • Proposed floor / mezzanine plans
    • Fire separation locations
    • Building elevations with limiting distance calculations (for new buildings, additions, or when existing exterior walls are altered)
    • Stair and ramp details (including guard and handrail details)
    • Room Finish and Door schedules
    • Sections, details and construction notes / specifications
  • Structural Plans
    • Footing / Foundation plans (including design loads)
    • Floor framing plans (including design loads)
    • Roof framing plans (including design loads)
    • Column and beam schedules
    • Sections and details
    • Geotechnical Investigation Report including Hydrogeological assessment
    • Seismic calculation with soil class
  • Mechanical (HVAC & Plumbing) Plans
    • HVAC drawings
    • Fire protection systems (sprinkler, standpipe)
    • Plumbing drawings (fixtures, water, drains, venting)
    • Plumbing riser diagrams
  • Electrical & Fire Protection plans
    • Electrical supply & distribution plans
    • Fire protection plans
    • Riser diagrams and fire alarm zoning information
  • Site Servicing
    • Municipally approved site servicing plan

This applies to the installation of permanent signs such as: wall signs, ground signs and projecting signs. It also applies to specific types of temporary signs, including: real estate development signs, subdivision development signs and hoarding signs.

Required Forms:

  • Sign Permit Application (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Applicable Law Checklist (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Commitment to General Review (Fill out and submit in Cloudpermit)

Where the proposed sign is unable to conform to the Town of Grimsby Sign By-Law a sign variance may be applied for.

Required Documentation:

  • Approval Documents required by Applicable Law

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan identifying location of the sign
  • Building elevation drawings
    • Position of the sign
    • Dimensions of the sign face
    • Length / height of the wall
  • Sign drawings
    • Sign dimensions
    • Wording of the sign face
    • Lighting
    • Structural details (e.g., mounting, weight of fascia signs, foundations)
    • Support structures (for ground signs)

Note: The drawings must be prepared by an Architect or Professional Engineer where the sign is a wall sign weighing more than 115kg, a roof sign with a face greater than 10m2, or a projecting sign on a parapet wall.

A building permit is required for a temporary tents or group of tents that meets any of the following conditions:

  • A single tent with an area of 60m2 or more,
  • A group of tents with an aggregate area of 60m2 or more,
  • A tent of any size that is attached to a building, or
  • One or more tents that are less than 3m from adjacent structures.

A demountable stage consists of one or more platforms together with any wall, roof or other structure attached to or located on any of the platforms. A building permit is required for a temporary stage that meets any of the following conditions:

  • The platform(s) has an aggregate area more than 60m2 and any part of the platform(s) is more than 3m in height above adjacent ground level,
  • The platform(s) has an aggregate area more than 225m2, or
  • Any part of the platform(s) or any roof, wall or structure attached to or located on any platforms is 5m or more in height above adjacent ground level.

A demountable support structure is a structure that is not attached to or located on a stage and is capable of supporting banners, stage sets, props, sound equipment, lighting equipment or other equipment. A building permit is required for a demountable support structure under the following conditions:

  • The demountable support structure is more than 3m in height above adjacent ground level, or
  • The demountable support structure is designed to carry a superimposed specified load greater than 115kg, or
  • The demountable support structure would create a hazard to the public.

Note: In order to ensure there is sufficient time to process your application, the application is to be made least 6 weeks before the event.

Required Forms:

Required Documentation:

  • Approval Documents required by Applicable Law
  • Shop Drawings
    • Dimensioned plans
    • Elevations, sections
    • Construction details and notes
  • Document confirming the flame spread rating of tent material.

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan identifying the location of all temporary and permanent structure(s), dimensions of proposed temporary structures, and clearances to adjacent structures.

A plumbing permit is a required for any plumbing work located within a building or on private property. 

Examples of plumbing permits include: site servicing, pre-servicing connection, fixture installation with no other construction or backflow preventer installation.

Required Forms:

Required Documentation:

  • Approval Documents required by Applicable Law
  • Cross-connection survey (for backflow preventer installations)

Required Drawings:

  • Draft plan of Subdivision (for pre-servicing connections)
  • Floor Plan with fixture locations (for fixture installations in existing single-detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling or non-stacked townhouse units)
  • Plumbing Plans (for fixture installations in multi-residential or non-residential buildings )
    • Plumbing drawings (fixtures, water, drains, venting)
    • Plumbing riser diagrams
  • Site Servicing / Grading (for site servicing applications)
    • Municipally approved site grading plan
    • Municipally approved site servicing plan
    • Architectural site plan including locations of fire hydrants
  • On-site Sewage System (for properties served by private systems)
    • System drawings & details
    • Statement of Design

Before demolishing all or part of a building, you must apply for a demolition permit from your local municipality. The process is similar to applying for a building permit, although certain special circumstances may impact your application.

You may need a separate heritage approval from the municipality or the Ontario Heritage Trust, including approval for demolishing a building or structure on the property, if your property is:

  • Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act,
  • Located in a heritage conservation district, or
  • Subject to a heritage conservation easement (a legal agreement protecting heritage elements, applicable to any landowner).

If your property is not designated but is listed on a municipal heritage register, the Ontario Heritage Act requires the property owner to provide municipal council with 60 days' notice before demolishing or removing a building or structure on the property.

The property owner is responsible for notifying all relevant authorities, including utility services, applicable law agencies, and the Ministry of Labour, about the proposed demolition before work begins. The Town of Grimsby building division is not responsible for informing these authorities or for issuing their approvals.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Applicable Law Checklist (Complete in CLoudpermit) 
  • Commitment to General Review (If required, view below)

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan
    • Identify building to be demolished and the decommissioning plan for existing services.
    • Identify area of excavation, proposed depth of excavation and the location of foundation walls for the new custom home (for infill projects only)
    • Property lines and lot area referenced to a current survey
  • Temporary shoring plan required for infill housing projects where:
    • New foundation walls will be 1.8m or less from an adjacent property line, or
    • Excavation will be within 1.2m of a property line

Additional Requirements:

If the building is more than 3 stories tall, exceeds 600m2 in area, includes pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members, involves demolition below the footing level of an adjacent building, or plans to use explosives or lasers for demolition, the following additional items must be submitted with the permit application:

Application Guide

Agriculture

Agricultural buildings include livestock houses, storage facilities and processing facilities, as well as, grain bins, greenhouses, and silos. 

Farm buildings must meet the definition of a farm building in the Ontario Building Code and the Grimsby Zoning By-law. Buildings for the storage of personal items/vehicles, workshops, or other accessory structures not used for farm purposes are not considered farm buildings and need to be designed according to the requirements of the Ontario Building Code for their defined use.

Farm building means all or part of a building that:

  • Does not contain any area used for residential occupancy,
  • Is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming,
  • Is used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock or the production, storage, or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds.

When proposing to house farm animals or store nutrients it's important to note that an approved Nutrient Management Plan by OMAFRA may be required along with minimum distance calculations.

Required Forms:

  • Building Permit Application Form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Applicable Law Checklist (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Schedule 1: Designer Information (for BCIN Designers)(Fill out and submit this form in Cloudpermit)
  • Commitment to General Review  - This form is required when the farm building,
      • Is more than 600m2 (6458ft2),
      • Falls out side the prescriptive provisions of the National Farm Building Code on the standard requirements of SB-11,
      • Is a liquid manure storage tank

Required Drawings:

  • Site Plan 
    • Lot lines including dimensions
    • Measurements from the proposed farm building in relation to lot lines and all structures located on the property
    • Lot area, proposed building area, and area of all other structures
    • Proposed building height
    • Location of septic systems and the distances to the farm building (if applicable)
    • North arrow and Municipal address
  • Foundation Plan
    • Footings and foundation walls
    • Slab-on-ground
    • Post and base details
  • Floor Plan
    • One floor plan for each floor level proposed
    • Wall location and thickness
    • Window and door locations including sizes and lintels
    • Roof construction including beams, rafters, joists or trusses, sizes and direction.
  • Elevation Plan
    • The general appearance of the farm building
    • Windows and doors
    • Exterior wall finish (e.g. siding)
  • Cross Section Plan
    • Footing sizes and depths
    • Foundation construction
    • Floor construction
    • Wall construction details
    • Roof construction including roof pitch
    • Roof ventilation (if required)
    • Height from grade to roof peak
  • Additional Information
    • Truss drawings and truss layout as supplied from the truss manufacturer required for roofs constructed of pre-engineered roof trusses
    • The floor joist layout as supplied from the manufacturer is required when pre-engineered floor joists are used
    • Pre-manufactured building shop drawings

Application Guide

Sewage System

A permit is required for the installation of a new sewage system, when an existing septic tank is replaced while retaining the existing leaching bed or when an existing leaching bed is replaced or reconstructed. 

Required Forms:

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan
    • Proposed system
    • Property features
  • Sewage system design
    • prepared by a qualified person, including soil and site information, as applicable
  • Cross-sectional drawing
    • Proposed elevations

New or Replacement Sewage System Checklist

A residential or commercial building shall not be altered if any of the components of the sewage system cannot meet the new daily design sewage flow rate of the proposed renovation or change of use. A Permit is required if an existing building that uses an sewage system is being renovated or is changing its use.

Required Forms:

  • Building permit application form (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Change of use form (Complete and submit in Cloudpermit)

Required Documentation:

  • Engineer report confirming existing system compliance prior to any alterations

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan (Drawn to scale)
    • Well
    • existing buildings
    • existing system
  • Building plans
    • Changes/additions as proposed

Sewage System Renovation or Change of Use Checklist

A building permit is required for eligible repairs to an existing sewage system that do not involve a complete system or leaching bed replacement

Required Forms:

  • Building permit application form (Complete in Cloudpermit)

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan
    • Location of the work
    • Proposed alterations or repairs
    • Any supporting plans or technical details

Sewage System Minor Alterations or Repair Checklist

A building permit is required for the installation or replacement of a septic holding tank. 

Required Forms:

Required Documents:

  • Tank specifications, and
  • Supporting design information, as applicable

Required Drawings:

  • Site plan
    • Proposed tank location
    • Access for servicing

Holding Tank Checklist

If you require further assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. You can email building@grimsby.ca, or call 905.309.2022 to speak with a Building Technician, who will be happy to offer guidance. 

Contact Us

Town of Grimsby
160 Livingston Avenue
Grimsby ON, L3M 0J5
Phone: 905-945-9634
Fax: 905-945-5010

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