Common Projects

The pre-application checklist is a new requirement for those seeking to build in the Township of Malahide. It is to be submitted prior to opening an application through Cloud Permit. It gives the client the opportunity to understand if a permit is required, provide a description of the work, provide proof of zoning compliance, provide special information related to the project, as well as download any applicable forms related to their permit. Upon submission to the building department, further instructions will be communicated to continue the process through Cloud Permit or in person.

The checklist covers basic information that will enhance the client’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements involved in seeking a building permit. The submission of the checklist will provide our Development Services department a better understanding of what the client intends to do. This is an improvement from a client simply registering for Cloud Permit and submitting items. This improvement in communication provides context that could otherwise be missed or overlooked.

Under the current Ontario Building Code Act, and the new 2024 Ontario Building Code Act **, you must have an approved building permit for the construction of a new building or addition, change of use, or if you are altering any building or structure with a building area of over 10m2.

The Ontario Building Code Act requires a building permit when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished. A building is defined as:

(a) a structure occupying an area greater than 10 m2 (107.6 ft2 ) consisting of a wall, roof, and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures, and service systems appurtenant thereto,

(b) a structure occupying an area of 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto,

(c) plumbing not located in a structure

(d) a sewage system; or

(e) structures designated in the building code

* Exemption on size requirements for a shed.  A permit for a shed is required when it is greater than 15sq/m.

**𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

Ontario has introduced a new Building Code aimed at easing regulations for the construction sector, enhancing building safety and quality, and simplifying housing development.

Here is a look at the Timing and Transition Period:

Until December 31 2024:

Permit applications must be submitted using the 2012 OBC.

January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025:

Permit applications may be submitted using the new 2024 OBC.

Permit applications may be submitted using the 2012 OBC if the applicant demonstrates that their working drawings were substantially complete by December 31, 2024.

Applicant must use either the 2012 or the 2024 OBC, designs are not permitted to combine the two code versions. Please ensure the plans specify which code is being referenced.

April 1, 2025:

Permit applications must be submitted using the 2024 Building Code.

For more information, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2024-ontario-building-code.

A building permit provides the means to review the project designs, to inspect the actual construction and to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the building are maintained. By reviewing and approving plans before any work is done ensures that construction within the Township of Malahide complies with the Ontario Building Code (which sets minimum standards for design and materials), the Township Zoning By-law (which controls building location, height, parking, etc. and uses that are suitable to the area) and other applicable laws. 

A building permit is a formal approval to construct, add to, or renovate a building on your property. Building permits allow the township to protect the interests of both individuals and the community as a whole.

Constructing or altering a structure without a permit can result in numerous problems including:

• not conforming with the Ontario Building Code
• putting yourself and your family at potential risk
• putting yourself at liability should an injury occur to someone while visiting your property as a result of a structure not conforming to the Ontario Building Code
• extra cost in having to reconstruct, replace, or remove the structure according to the Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code
• increased permit fees and possible fines
• insurance protection nullification
• difficulty selling the property
• complaints from neighbours

How do I find out the zoning of my property?

You need a permit for decks that are:

• Adjacent to or attached to the house, and its walking surface is more than 600 millimetres (24 inches) above the adjacent grade;
• Elevated and providing principal access to a building;
• Independent from the house and has a walking surface greater than 10 m2 (108 square feet) in area and its walking surface is more than 600 millimetres (24 inches) above the adjacent grade.

Do I need an Electrical Safety Permit?

If you are doing any electrical work, you will need an electrical safety permit from the Electrical Safety Authority.

What are some common projects that need a permit include?

(NOTE: This is a general list and is not intended to represent the complete list of possible projects.)

• Any structure over 10 m2 (107.6 ft2)
• Any addition to an existing structure, regardless of the size of the addition
• Demolition or removal of all or a portion of a building
• Interior alterations for residential units including, but not limited to, finishing a basement, creation of bedroom(s), converting a garage to living space, converting a seasonal room to year round use, or creating a new dwelling unit
• Interior or exterior alterations/renovations including, but not limited to, finishing a basement, replacement of insulation, removing interior walls, creation of bedroom(s), converting a garage to living space, creating a new dwelling unit, any structural changes or repairs
• Any installation or alteration of a plumbing, heating or ventilation system
• Installation of solid fuel appliances (i.e. woodstoves and fireplaces)
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Any change of use (i.e. office use to retail use)
• Signs installed on an exterior building face or roof
• Free standing signs
• Installing solar panels onto a building

• Adding a new, private on-site sewage system, including grey water systems and holding tanks
• Repairing or replacing a sewage system or leaching bed

• Livestock and equipment storage buildings
• Silos and grain bins
• Manure storage structures (excluding earthen structures)
• Fabric-type structures

(NOTE: This is a general list and is not intended to represent the complete list of possible projects.)

• A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure such as a gazebo or tool shed that measures an area of 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) or less. However, the location and height of all new structures must comply with The Township of Malahide Zoning By-law
• Installing replacement asphalt shingles on a roof
• Minor roof sheathing repairs
• Repointing of brick veneer
• Replacing siding or eavestrough
• Replacing doors or windows (provided they are in the same size or smaller opening)
• Kitchen or bathroom cabinets (not including plumbing)
• New flooring
• Installation of air conditioning units or heat pumps
• Boundary/Privacy Fences
• Pool heaters
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping
• Installing a free-standing solar panel

What size of detached accessory building can I build?

A demolition permit is required for all buildings that would normally require a building permit. The Ontario Building Code exempts farm buildings located on agriculture property.

Do I need a permit for a boundary/privacy fence?

Are you looking to build a deck or fence, put in a pool, or even do some landscaping?  Digging in the wrong spot could damage the underground network of utility lines thereby putting your property.  Call Ontario One Call before you dig – 1-800-400-2255. The services provided by ON1Call are free and are in place to protect you and your community from the loss of services and costly consequences that may occur.