Applying For a Building Permit

Information on this page will guide you to navigate the building permit process. Use the dropdowns and icons below for direct access to essential steps and information, ensuring you understand requirements, stay compliant, and keep your building project on track.

*NEW* Online Building Permit Applications

The Town of Grimsby is excited to introduce Cloudpermit for 2026, a community development software that allows for the online submission and issuance of building permits. Cloudpermit offers a user-friendly and efficient online application process, along with self-service features for individuals to check the status of their building permits.

The Town of Grimsby uses Cloudpermit, an online system that allows residents, builders, and businesses to conveniently apply for permits and track their status anytime, from anywhere. Through this paperless, 24/7 platform, you can start an application, save your progress, return later, and receive email updates as your file moves through the process.

You can also come into Town Hall between 830 and 430 and come use our kiosk with a representative from building to help get you access to Coudpermit.

This system improves efficiency, communication, and file management for both the community and municipal staff.

Getting Started

If you’re new to Cloudpermit, create an account to begin. Returning users can simply log in.

A step-by-step walkthrough is available in the “How to Submit a New Application” video, which applies to both building permits and STR applications.

Resources and Support

Visit Cloudpermit Support for quick, introductory tutorials. You can also find detailed guidance in the Cloudpermit User Guide, along with instructional videos that walk you through key features and navigation.

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 and ask to speak with a Building Technician, who will be happy to offer guidance or clarify any aspects of the application process. 

 

 

 

 

Click here to apply online

Building Permit Application Guides

There are various types of building permit applications. In this section, you will find information about project-specific application types, along with the forms, drawings, and documents needed for each.

Residential

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

Click Here.

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. 

Click Here.

Agricultural

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

Click Here.

Revise, Transfer, or Cancel Your Permit

These dropdowns provides detailed information on the processes for revising, transferring, or canceling a permit application. It outlines the steps you need to follow for each action, including any required forms, documentation, and contact information. Whether you need to make changes to an existing permit, transfer it to another party, or cancel it altogether, these dropdowns will guide you through the necessary procedures to ensure your request is handled efficiently and in accordance with regulations.

Revise Permit:

If you have been issued a building permit but need to make changes to the scope of your work, you will be required to submit either a "field revision" or a formal "revision application."

Formal Revision Submission:

All formal revision applications are required to be submitted through Cloudpermit. Applicants must log in to their Cloudpermit account and select the permit for which a revision is being requested. Begin by clicking “More Actions” in the top-right corner of the screen, then choose “Apply for Plans Resubmission” from the dropdown menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit the form. Please note that additional fees will apply.

The following documents are required:

  • A request form listing all the changes (Complete in Cloudpermit)
  • Updated drawings and/or documents that reflect the revised work. You are only required to submit the updated files that show the changes, not all of your original drawings.

Revision fees for 2026:

Major Revision up to 3 hours review time $264.00

Major Revision for each hour after 3 hours review $132.00

Minor Revision $53.00

Click Here to Make Revisions 

It’s important to speak with your inspector to determine the specific type of revision you need, as the process may vary based on the nature of the change. If you're unsure who your inspector is or how to contact them, please don't hesitate to call 905-309-2022 for assistance.

Transfer of Issued Permit:

If you wish to transfer an issued building permit to a new owner,

Click Here.

You may be asked to provide:

  • A revised copy of the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish with the new owners information (complete in Cloudpermit)
  • A Permit Transfer Application form (Complete in Cloudpermit) 

The cost to transfer an issued permit is $132.

To obtain a copy of the approved drawings, you will need to submit a Freedom of Information request or coordinate with the applicant.

 

Cancel Permit:

If you no longer wish to proceed with your construction project, please complete the Cancellation Request Form and email to building@grimsby.ca

An inspection may be required prior to cancellation.

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 and ask to speak with a Building Technician, who will be happy to offer guidance or clarify any aspects of the application process.

Building permit process maps

This overview of the Building Permit process outlines the key steps, from submitting your application to receiving approval. It guides you through the necessary requirements and helps you understand the typical project timeline. Following these steps will ensure your application is complete and meets all regulations.

A minor construction project such as interior alterations, additions or even some new houses is an exciting endeavor, but before you start construction, there's an essential step you need to take: obtaining a building permit. In Ontario, this process ensures that your construction adheres to all safety and zoning regulations. Here are eleven crucial points to help you navigate the permit process smoothly and get your project off to a great start.

Click Here For Step-by-Step Process

A major construction project such as a new industrial, institutional, commercial building, subdivision developments and even a large addition involves a few more considerations shown in Step #3 and #4 compared to ‘minor construction projects.’ Here are ten crucial points to help you navigate the building permit process smoothly and get your project off to a great start.

Click Here For Step-by-Step Process 

 

If your application is considered complete, the initial review time will be:

  • Residential applications: 10 business days
  • Second unit applications: 15 business days
  • Non-residential applications: 20 business days

Applications that are incomplete will not adhere to the above timelines.

For resubmitted revised drawings, there is no guaranteed review time, as these do not fall under the legislated timeframes mentioned. Each resubmission could potentially extend the review period by two or more weeks.

The total duration for obtaining a permit can vary based on the submission quality and your responsiveness as an applicant. Any request for additional information due to an incomplete application will prolong the review process.

Here are the average processing times for permits:

  • New residential (detached, semi): 13 weeks
  • Residential alterations (detached, semi): 7 weeks
  • Second unit: 10 weeks
  • New non-residential: 12 weeks
  • Non-residential alterations: 9 weeks

We advise applying for your building permit well before your planned construction date.

Building Permit Fees

When submitting your Building Permit application, you must pay the required permit fees, which are outlined in Grimsby’s Fee Schedule. Fees vary depending on the project’s nature and scope. For detailed information on fees, requirements, and refund policies, refer to Grimsby’s By-law on building permits, which provides comprehensive guidelines on the permit process.

Calculated based on the work you propose in your application, the Building Permit fee schedule lists the fee rates charged for each type of work proposed. 

Permit fees shall be calculated based on the formula given below unless otherwise specified in this schedule:

Minimum fee of $185.00 (2024) shall be charged for all work.

Fee Calculation Formula:

  • Permit fee = SI x A
  • SI = Service Index for classification of proposed work
  • A = Floor area in m2 of work involved of work involved

Click link below to view applicable rates:

Building Permit Fee Schedule

 

Various types of construction projects may be subject to additional fees payable at time of permit issuance. These fees are separate from building permit fees, and are regulated by varying governing bodies. If you have any clarifying questions related to the fees mentioned below please contact the individual departments listed.

These fees include but are not limited to:

 

Development Charges

The Niagara Region and the Town of Grimsby require developers to contribute to the capital costs of municipal services (such as roads, water, and sewers) needed to support new developments, based on the idea that "growth should finance growth."

Niagara Region Finance -  905-980-6000 ext. 3528

Town of Grimsby Finance - 905-945-9634 ext. 2169

 

Parkland Dedication Charges

Parkland dedication fees, or cash-in-lieu of parkland, are charges imposed by municipalities on developers as part of the development or redevelopment process, intended to support the purchase and enhancement of parkland and public recreational spaces.

Town of Grimsby Planning -  905-945-9634 ext. 2128

 

Community Benefit Charges

Community Benefits Charges (CBCs) are a recent financial mechanism introduced under the Ontario Planning Act, enabling municipalities to impose fees on high-density residential developments (5+ storeys, 10+ units) to cover growth-related capital expenses, provided these costs are not already addressed by development charges or parkland requirements.

Town of Grimsby Planning -  905-945-9634 ext. 2128

 

Development Engineering Fees

Development Engineering is a branch within the Planning Division, tasked with conducting detailed technical engineering reviews of development projects. From start to finish, the Development Engineering Team collaborates with the Planning Services team and Public Works team to ensure that developments align with plans, policies, standards, and regulations.

                                                        Development Engineering Purview
Grading securities Damage deposits Lot grading reviews
Public Works inspections Pool bond release inspection  Water meter cost and process
Curb cuts Road cuts Water service pipe installs
Water on-off service Servicing connection  Construction water usage 
Site alteration  Culvert permit  Road entrance permit 
Tree hoarding  Silt fencing  Temporary construction entrance
Road occupancy permit Outdoor patio permit

Storm Water Management

Town of Grimsby Public Works  905-945-9634 ext. 2014

Contact Us

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

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