Building Permits
Below are permits forms required by the Town of Grimsby.
Permit fees are calculated based on the work proposed and the floor area in square metres of work involved. Forms will not be processed until formally reviewed and payment has been received.
Please print and complete the required form and bring it to Town Hall. We are committed to providing accessible services as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act, 2005. If you require documents in a format other than those provided, these materials are in an alternate format, upon request.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC SERVICE UPDATE - Applying for a Building Permit |
Here at the Town of Grimsby, the health and safety of our residents, clients and staff remains our top priority. Following the recommendations of health officials we have encouraged staff to practice social distancing within their day to day processes. In order to do our part to help prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus the Town of Grimsby’s Building Department is requiring all building permit applications to be couriered in or dropped off at our Town Halls mail slot. Where the mail slot is not large enough to receive submissions, please call 905-309-2022 to make arrangements for a time to drop off the documents at Town Hall - 190 Livingston Ave. Grimsby, Ontario L3M 4G3.
A Building Permit Application must be completed, along with two sets of complete construction drawings, drawn to scale and accompanied with a cheque payable to the Town of Grimsby. Please contact our general building line to help you in determining your Permit Application cost at 905-309-2022 or email building@grimsby.ca
It is very important to ensure that all forms, drawings and associated documents that are submitted are complete, legible and scaled. Providing a complete and accurate application submission will allow us to provide the best customer service possible. Please refer to our Building By-Law in regards to Plans, Specifications and Information.
Contact information:
Building Permit inquiries: 905-945-9634 Ext.2022 Zoning By-Law inquiries: 905-945-9634 Ext.2129
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Building |
Before any construction occurs, an application for a building permit must be completed, fees paid, reviewed and approved by the Town of Grimsby. Applications are also available at the Town Hall. By-Law No. 1993-062 outlines inspections and permits for construction, demolition and change of use. If you require a Accessible application please contact Building Department at 905-309-2022. Obtaining a building permitAny building that is started before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as per the Fees and Charges By-law. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance. Verify your planContact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law. Sheds under 10 square meters (108ft²) do not require a permit. Although a building permit may not be required, compliance with the requirements of the Grimsby Zoning By-Law must be maintained. Application reviewCompleted applications are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Grimsby's Zoning By-Law, other applicable laws and municipal regulations. Permit requirements
Any individual other than the homeowner who has prepared drawings for an application and is taking responsibility for the designs must be qualified and possess a Building Code Identification Number (B.C.I.N.). Architects and Engineers are exempt from these qualifications as they are qualified and registered by their own Associations. Depending on the nature of your project the following permits, approvals and documentation, as applicable, may also be required at time of submission:
Call before you dig |
Chimney/Fireplace |
Applications for a Chimney/Fireplace Permit are available at the Town Hall. A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Additional details may be required prior to permit issuance. ChimneysMasonry chimneys should be built on a concrete footing, properly proportioned to support the load. Your application must include:
FireplacesA fireplace that draws properly can be assured by applying proper principles of design. The fireplace flue should be lined, its size depends on the size of the fireplace opening. Your application must include:
Wood-burning stoveFree standing wood stoves must conform to ULC 5611-1976 "factory-built free-standing fireplaces" and should be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A wood stove should not be connected to a fireplace chimney unless certified for this type of installation. Your application must include:
*Note: If any of the above clearances pertain to combustible materials, you will have to specify method of protection. |
Demolition |
Application for Demolition Permits are available at Town Hall. You must obtain a building permit before you start.A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Permits are required for any structure larger than 10 square metres (108ft²) being demolished. Any action that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to a non-compliance fee. Verify your planContact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law. Although a demolition permit may not be required for a structure under 10 square metres, compliance with the requirements of the Grimsby Zoning By-Law must be maintained. Safety and by-law informationIt is your responsibility to ensure that the requirements of By-Law No. 1993-062 respecting demolition, The Construction Safety Act (if applicable) and The Building Code Act are complied with. Before demolition commences, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the appropriate authority to ensure that all services to the building have been removed or disconnected to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. Some service may be, but not limited to:
One Locate can mark underground pipes and utility lines at no cost. Change to property taxesPlease contact the Tax Department, for an Application to Council 357 for the possible adjustment of taxes regarding this demolition. |
Plumbing |
Application for a Plumbing Permit is available at Town Hall. You must obtain a building permit before you start.A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Permits are required to install any new plumbing or alter existing plumbing. Any action that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law which is updated annually. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance. Responsibility and by-law informationIt is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the requirements of By-Law No. 1993-062 are complied with. Sewer pipesIf a sewer pipe needs to be replaced on private property it is the owner's responsibility to arrange for a permit and for all costs associated with the work. If the sewer pipe on Town property also requires replacement, the work will be undertaken by the Town at no cost to the owner. Please contact the Public Works Department to confirm ownership of the sewer pipe. Private sewage systemsPrivate sewage systems, approvals and inspections, must be completed by Niagara Region Public Works Department
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Sign |
Applications for a Sign Permit are available at Town Hall. The Town of Grimsby does not allow third party signs. You must obtain a sign permit before you install a signA permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to the erection or placement of any portable sign, permanent sign or advertising device. Any sign erected or placed prior to obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance. Verify your locationNo signs are allowed on lands zoned residential or rural. Contact the Planning Department to verify your zone and ensure compliance with the current Zoning By-law [link to by-law]. Depending on the location of your sign, approval from the Niagara Region or the Ministry of Transportation may be required. Approval from these agencies is required prior to issuance of the Town permit. If you are planning to erect or alter a sign or advertising device on a property within 400m (¼ mile) of any Provincial Highway Right-of-Way, you may require a permit from Ministry of Transportation. There are certain restrictions as to setback, size and location, which you should be familiar with before proceeding. By-law informationBy-law 1997-045 ensures that signs are constructed in a safe manner and that streetscapes and building facades are maintained in an orderly manner free from unsightly clutter. Permits may allow portable signs for four (4) thirty-day periods on a property in any calendar year. The application fee for a portable sign is available in the Fees and Charges By-law. By-law information for handbills By-law 2007-007 regulates the time, place and manner of displaying temporary handbills and posters. |
Site Alteration - Please contact the Town Hall prior to any applications - 905-945-9634 |
All inquiries should be directed to the Public Works Department. For detailed information and direction, please review the Site Alteration By-law. The By-law document is available in alternate format upon request. |
Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit |
Applications for Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit are available at Town Hall. You must have a permit before you startA permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to the commencement of installation of pools of water for swimming, bathing or wading which is capable of retaining a water depth equal to or greater than 600mm (23 5/8") at any point. Any pool construction that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance. If a deposit is required it is refunded, subject to any deductions for damage to Town property, non-compliance to grading and landscaping to Town requirements. Verify the locationIn addition to the construction requirements of the pool enclosure we need to confirm that the location of the pool itself and its related mechanical equipment conforms to our zoning by-law and site alteration by-law. The zoning by-law requires minimum distances from property lines while the site alteration by-law does not allow any negative impacts created by changes in grading.
When applying for your pool enclosure permit a drawing is required illustrating a few key items including but not limited to :
Contact our Zoning Examiner at 905.945.9634 Ext# 2128 or by email at planning@grimsby.ca to verify that your plans comply with the current Zoning By-law.
When applying for your pool enclosure permit a drawing is required illustrating the
By-law and Safety – no water before inspectionIt is the responsibility of the owner to make sure that no person fills the pool with water until the pool fence enclosure has been erected according to the Pool Fence By-Law 08-59 and has been inspected to the satisfaction of the Town of Grimsby. |
Tent |
Applications for a Tent Permit/Building Permit are available at the Town Hall. You must have a permit before you startA permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit. Any action that is commenced before obtaining a permit is subject to, but not limited to, a non-compliance fee as dictated in the Fees and Charges By-law which is updated annually. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance. Do I need a permit?A permit is required for a tent or group of tents that cover an area larger than 60 square meters (645sq ft). Tents that cover an area less than 60 square meters (645sq ft) do not require a permit. Although a tent/building permit may not be required, compliance with the requirements of the Grimsby Zoning By-Law must be maintained. Verify the locationContact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law. By-law and application requirementsBy-Law No. 1993-062 outlines inspections and permits for construction. On the application form under “purpose of application” include the dimensions of the temporary tent and the duration of time for which the tent is to remain on site. Include with your completed tent/building permit application form, the applicable fees defined in the Fees & Charges By-law and:
For large tents, additional information concerning fire alarm systems, construction of bleachers, means of egress and sanitary facilities may be required for compliance with the Ontario Building Code. |
Inspections and property reports
Inspections |
Send your inspection requests by: Email us building@grimsby.ca and we will confirm by return email and schedule subject to availability. PhonePhone requests must be made 24 hours in advance of the requested inspection and can be made by the owner, contractor or authorized agent to the Building Department at 905-309-2022. Inspections are booked in 3 hour windows from 9-12pm and 1-4pm. ChargesRe-inspections will be booked at the discretion of the inspection schedule and invoiced at $80.00 per inspection. Where an inspection request is premature and the inspector must re-attend the site to complete the necessary inspection an additional fee may apply. Inspections required of workOutside Sewer & Water The completion of the initial water and sewer connections to municipal lines. Footings The completion of the excavation and readiness to construct footings (footing forms installed) Backfill The completion of the foundation/drainage layer, weeping tile and stone cover (if required) and the readiness for backfill Plumbing Rough-in The completion of the interior drainage, vent system, and hot/cold supply lines all under test. Framing The completion of the structural framing interior and exterior after all mechanical systems have been installed where they will interrupt the framing system. Insulation The completion of the insulation and vapour barrier system and the readiness to apply interior finishes. All penetrations in vapour barrier sealed as required. Occupancy The completion of all items required by the Ontario Building Code in order for occupancy. |
Property Report |
A Property Information Report Request offers details on active building permits, violations, work orders and the zoning designation that may apply to a property. The request is not considered received until payment is made. For applicable fees please refer to the Fees & Charges By-law. The report is often a requirement before a property transfer can take place and are typically requested as a result of a possible sale or refinancing of a building or property. |
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