Building Services

You must obtain a building permit before you do any of the following (not limited to this list):

• Construct a new building larger than 108 ft² (10 m²)
• Renovate, repair or add to a building
• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• Change a building's use
• Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
• Make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
• Build a garage, balcony or deck or enclose an existing deck
• Build a utility shed over 108 ft² (10 m²)
• Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
• Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinkler or standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems
• Install or modify heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and woodstoves
• Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards with plumbing
• Reconstruct a chimney
• Build a roofless deck over two feet (0.61 metres) in height that is not attached to a building
• Finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
• Install a pool or hot tub
• Erect signage

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 You Do Not Need a Building Permit To:

• Replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
• Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
• Build a utility shed under 108ft² (10 m²)
• Reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
• Install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
• Paint or decorate
• Reinstall/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Erect a fence (except swimming pools and outside hot tubs require permits)
• Electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)

If you are unsure if a Building Permit is required, please contact our office at 905.885.2431

 
1. Requirements for Building Permit - Urban and Rural

2. Requirements for Building Permit - Drawings

3. Requirements for Building Permit - Duplex Dwellings

4. Design Guide - Residential Dwelling

5. Design Guide - Decks

6. QA - EV - Requirements for Residential

7. QA - EV - Requirements for Non-Residential Buildings

 
Prior to Building Services involvement or permit application, documented project approval from the Municipal Planning Division is required. Municipal Planners must be contacted at the Development Team Office at 905.885.2431.

1.  Building Permit Application to Construct or Demolish
Required application for permission to begin the construction, demolition, addition or renovation. As part of the Building Permit process, staff must review your plans to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law.

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2. Building Permit Application for Sign, Patio, Pool
Required application for permission to install signage, patio, or above/in ground pools. As part of the Building Permit process, staff must review your plans to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law.

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3. Commitment to review by Architect and Engineer
An owner who constructs or arranges to have constructed certain buildings specified in the Ontario Building Code must by law retain an architect and/or professional engineers to carry out reviews during construction to determine whether the construction is in general conformity with the building permit documents.

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4. Agent Authorization Form
An individual can give someone the authorization letter to sign the important legal documents. An authorization letter can be handy when someone is not able to receive their package and thus is allowing another person on their behalf through an authorization letter to collect the relevant package.

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5. Schedule 1: Designer Information
Complete this form for each individual who reviews and takes responsibility for design activities with respect to your project.

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6. Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Information

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7. Plumbing Permit Application
Northumberland County is responsible for plumbing and sewage system inspections. For convenience, the Municipality of Port Hope issues plumbing permits for properties located within the Municipality’s boundaries. Complete the Plumbing Permit Application and submit to the Municipality of Port Hope Building Services Division. Please contact the Northumberland County Plumbing Inspector to schedule your inspection at 905.372.1929 or 1.800.354.7050 ext. 2551

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8. Energy Efficiency Design Summary (Prescriptive) Residential
This form is used by a designer to demonstrate that the energy efficiency design of a house complies with the Building Code using the prescriptive method.

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9. Energy Efficiency Design Summary (Performance) Residential

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10. Tent Pre-Permit Clearance Form
Tents installed within the Municipality of Port Hope which exceed 10m² require a Building Permit regardless of the length of time the tent will be installed. There is no charge to obtain a Building Permit for a tent. This form along with the required documentation must be submitted prior to a Building Permit being issued.

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11. Special Event Sign Notification Form
Required notification for temporary signage for Special Events within the Municipality of Port Hope. There is no fee for this application. Without proper documentation, signs may be impounded and a reclaiming fee may be charged.

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Payment is required prior to a Building Permit being issued. Payment can be made by cash, debit or cheque. Please see the 2020 Building Services Fees and Charges for the complete Fee Schedule.

Chief Building Official, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
Mark Perkin, Ext. 2509, mperkin@porthope.ca

Building Inspector, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
Steve White, Ext. 2510, swhite@porthope.ca

Building Inspector, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
David McGurrin, Ext. 2508, dmcgurrin@porthope.ca

Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
Pam Hohner, Ext. 2517, bylawenforcement@porthope.ca

Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
Joe Serrao, Ext. 2512, bylawenforcement@porthope.ca

Customer Service Assistant
Joanne Robichaud, Ext. 2500, jrobichaud@porthope.ca