Town of Grimsby

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.2122

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 permit 

Any 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 plan

Contact 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 review

Completed applications are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Grimsby's Zoning By-Law, other applicable laws and municipal regulations.

Permit requirements

• Two copies of all plans, drawings and documents shall be submitted with each completed permit application
• The applicable fee. Please refer to Consolidated Fees & Charges By-law schedule "C" for appropriate fee.
• Schedule 1: Designer Information Sheet.

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:

• Septic tank permit from the Niagara Region Public Works Department, where sewers are not available
• Sewer connection permit from the Town of Grimsby Public Works Department 
• Water connection permit from the Town of Grimsby Public Works Department, where municipal water is available
• Entrance or access permit from the Town of Grimsby, Region of Niagara, Ministry of Transportation & Communications
• Land use permit from the Ministry of Transportation & Communications for all land within 45 metres of the QEW or Service Roads
• Development permit for lands under the jurisdiction of the Niagara escarpment Commission 
• Registration by Tarion (New Home Warranty Program) of any builder of dwelling units for re-sale, the Tarion registration number must be shown on the application

Call before you dig
One locate - Locate pipes and utility lines at no cost.

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.

Chimneys

Masonry chimneys should be built on a concrete footing, properly proportioned to support the load.

Your application must include:

• Size of Flue and/or Diameter (Circular Flue).
• Site location information such as-Interior Wall, Exterior Wall, Distance at Exterior Lot Line.
• If Factory Built, the CSA# or the ULC#.
• The clearance from combustible materials.
• Confirmation that the application meets all the requirements of Section 9.21 of The Building Code Act.
• A sketch showing a section through the full height with applicable measurements.

Fireplaces

A 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:

• Site location information showing a section through the full height with applicable measurements.
• If Factory Built, the CSA# or the ULC# (for metal liners).
• Confirmation that the application meets all the requirements of Section 9.22 of The Building Code Act.

Wood-burning stove

Free 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:

• Details of support pad.
• If Factory Built, the CSA# or the ULC#.
• Clearances from back, both sides, front and ceiling.

*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 plan

Contact 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 information

It 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:

• Bell
• Gas
• Hydro
• Sewer
• Water

One Locate can mark underground pipes and utility lines at no cost.

Change to property taxes

Please 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 information

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the requirements of By-Law No. 1993-062 are complied with.

Sewer pipes

If 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 systems

Private sewage systems, approvals and inspections, must be completed by Niagara Region Public Works Department

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 sign

A 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 location

No 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 information

By-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

No permits will be issued under this by-law - 

Application for a Site Alteration Permit are available at the Town Hall. A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any action approved by the permit.

Do you need the permit?

• Are you proposing an alteration greater than 1000 cubic metres and /or where the proposed elevation will be greater than 1 metre above or below the originally existing grades?
• Are you proposing to alter the grade on your property within 3m of any property line and/or alter the grade by more than .5m of any part of the lot?
• Are you proposing to place fill that has a lower permeability than the existing underlying native sole in the receiving site?
• Are you proposing to install a retaining wall on your property?
• Are you proposing to remove topsoil on a site greater than 0.2 ha (0.5 acres) in area (approximate dimension of 20m x 100m)?
• Are you proposing to remove vegetative cover on a site greater than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) in area?
• Are you proposing to alter the grade on a property that is next to a watercourse, wetland, pond, Lake Ontario?
• Are you proposing to place fill or topsoil or alter the grade of land in or within 120m of Provincially Significant Wetlands?

You must obtain a permit before you start.

A permit is required for alteration of property grades, the placing or dumping of fill and the removal of topsoil. 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. Other penalties may apply for non-compliance.

Verify your location

Depending on the location of the proposed site, a number of outside agencies may be required to comment, provide approval and/or further restrictions. Please contact the Planning Department to verify your zone, if the site is within the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Area (NPCA) or the Niagara escarpment Commission (NEC) and ensure compliance with the current Zoning By-law [link to by-law]. It is the responsibility of the owner to complete the work undertaken and agreements entered into to the satisfaction of the Town of Grimsby.

By-law information and requirements

By-law 2019-34 prohibits and regulates the alteration of property grades, the placing or dumping of fill and the removal of topsoil.  Large scale site alterations defined as , will be required to provide plans and enter into a Site Alteration Agreement at the descretion of the Director and approval of Council.

Permit requirements are a Control Plan prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor or a Professional Engineer showing the following:

• A key Map showing the location of the site including 30 metres beyond the site;
• The number of hectares of the site including site boundaries;
• Site specifics including buildings and use in the subject property and surrounding lands;
• Location of all streams, wetlands, channels, ditches or other water courses on the site and within 30 metres beyond the site boundaries;
• Location of predominant soil types;
• Species and diameters of all trees;
• All easements;
• The location of existing storm water drainage systems and natural drainage patterns on the site and within 30 metres of the site boundaries;
• Location of all utilities, structures, roads, and highways including location, size and inverts of all existing drainage pipes, culverts and inlet chambers;
• The existing site topography at a contour interval on to exceed 1 metre and to extend a minimum of 30 metres beyond the site boundaries;
• The proposed grade and drainage system to be used upon completion of the work;
• Location and dimension of all proposed work;
• Location and dimensions of proposed temporary topsoil or fill stockpiles;
• Schedule of anticipated starting and completion dates of all proposed work;
• Provision for site control measures (siltation control, dust control);
• A description and volume of the proposed fill including the location of origin;
• Scale of the drawing; and
• Section 7 of the by-law lists further requirements of a Large Scale Site Alteration.

Upon receipt of the submission a review of the information for compliance will be required along with outside approvals and permits required by the Town, prior to the issue of a Permit for Site Alteration.

Swimming Pool Fence

Applications for Swimming Pool Fence Permit are available at Town Hall.

You must have a permit before you start

A 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 or greater than 600mm (23 5/8") at any point. Any pool 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 location

Approval for the location and setback requirements of a pool and related equip.m.ent from property lines is obtained from the Planning Department. Contact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law.

By-law and Safety – no water before inspection

It 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 start

A 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 location

Contact the Planning Department to verify your plan complies with the current Zoning By-law.

By-law and application requirements

By-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:

• 2 copies of plans;
• site plan-indicate location of all existing buildings, dimensions of the tent, setbacks from property lines and existing buildings and location of any designated fire routes on the property;
• manufacturer's specifications providing verification that the tent conforms to CAN/ULC S-109M, standard for flame tests of flame resistant fabrics and films or NFPA 701, standard method of fire tests for flame-resistant textiles and films;
• specifications stamped by a professional engineer shall be provided for the supporting framing structure and anchorage system for all tents;
• occupant load-the maximum number of people permitted to occupy the tent;
• seating-if seating is provided show the number and arrangement of seats;
• exits-indicate the number of sides of the tent to be left open. If all sides are closed show the location and width of exits; 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.

Complaints are not accepted anonymously and can be made by phone, email or at Town Hall.

While every effort is made to protect the anonymity of persons filing the complaint, the Town of Grimsby cannot guarantee that such will always be the case. Should the Town of Grimsby proceed with legal action you may be required to give evidence and failing that, may be subpoenaed to appear in court.

Investigation

Municipal law enforcement officers investigate all complaints to determine if there is a by-law violation. If no violation is found, the file is closed.

If a violation is found, the officer posts or mails an Order to Comply. The Order or Notice to Comply includes:

1. a list of the violations;
2. what needs to be done by the property owner and/or occupants to correct the violation;
3. specific time frame for work to be completed; and
4. name and contact information of the investigating officer.

The officer will conduct another inspection after the deadline listed on the Order or Notice to Comply. If no action has been taken, the Officer may:

1. Issue a ticket to either the property owner(s) or occupant(s);
2. Charge a fee for Inspection. The property owner is responsible for this fee, that could be added to the property tax, and collected as property taxes; and/or
3. Send a contractor, working on behalf of the Town of Grimsby, to bring the property into compliance. The property owner is responsible for these costs that are added to the property tax and collected as property taxes.

Costs, fees and fines

The property owner(s), occupant(s) and the officer named on the Order or Notice to Comply must have good communication to avoid costly fines. Administration charges may apply for enforcement of by-laws and can be found in the Fees & Charges By-law.

Apply and send your Inspection requests by:

Email

Email us building@grimsby.ca and we will confirm by return email and schedule subject to availability.

Phone

Phone 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.

Charges

Re-inspections will be booked at the discretion of the inspection schedule and invoiced at $60.00 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 work

Outside 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.

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.