Apply for your Building Permit online
The Municipality of Lakeshore is pleased to offer community members Cloudpermit – an online system to apply for and track your building permits.
The Cloudpermit building permit system allows you to apply for and to see the status of your application anywhere, any time. You can start an application and finish it later and receive email updates on the status of your permit application.
To get started, click the button below:
For questions, please contact 519-728-2700 or email Building@Lakeshore.ca.Need help with applying through Cloudpermit?
- 'Cloudpermit - How to Submit a Building Permit Application' - video
- 'How to Send a Message on Cloudpermit' - video
- 'How to Request Inspections' - video
- 'Applying for a Building Permit through Cloudpermit' - Document
Building Permit Fees
- Please refer to the current Municipality of Lakeshore's User Fee by-law for applicable building permit fees.
- Please refer to the current Municipality of Lakeshore Development Charges Bylaw.
Inspection Information
- Inspection information will be provided with all permits.
- Please ensure that inspection requests are made 24-48 hours in advance.
- To book your inspection, please call the office at 519-728-2700.
Timelines
Most permits require 10 business days to process. The Ontario Building Code stipulates timelines for permit issuance. Processing timelines commence once all required information is received (including ERCA / LTVCA / County Roads approvals).
Type of Permit | Timeline |
---|---|
Single Family Dwelling (SFD) House addition / Renovation Shed / Garage / Pole Barn |
10 Business days |
Pools / Decks / Fences |
10 Business days or better |
Commercial / Industrial / Institutional |
Please call our office for timeframes |
Residential Permits
Building permits are required for all new single-family dwellings.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) Form
- Site Plan (if located within a subdivision) OR a Grading Plan if located outside of a subdivision. Please note, a grading plan shall bear the signature and seal of an Ontario Land Surveyor. A site grading plan shows the location of the proposed house and the proposed grading of the site along with the proposed setbacks.
- Construction Plans including structural and architectural details.
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
- If you are located on a County Road, please consult the County of Essex as entrance and setback permits will be required through their office.
- If required, a new septic system should be applied for separately through Cloudpermit.
Building permits are required for all additions to residential buildings and most renovations. Renovations such as a finished basement require building permits.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) Form if applicable
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed addition, including setbacks to property lines and septic system (if applicable)
- Construction Plans
- Septic System Report (If Applicable)
- If required, a new septic system should be applied for separately through Cloudpermit.
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
- If you are located on a County Road, please consult the County of Essex as a setback permit may be required through their office.
All sewage systems require building permits for both new installations and repairs or replacement of existing systems.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Schedule 2 Form
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed septic system, including setbacks to property lines and all existing structures on the property
- Septic Calculation Report
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
Building permits are required for all accessory buildings (greater than 15 square metres) such as sheds, pool houses and detached garages.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed building, including setbacks to property lines and septic system (if applicable)
- Construction Plans including details pertaining to footing, framing, posts, beams, rafters, floor joists and building height.
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
- If you are located on a County Road, please consult the County of Essex as a setback permit may be required through their office.
Building permits are required for all accessory buildings (greater than 15 square metres) such as sheds, pool houses and detached garages.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed deck, including setbacks to property lines, wells, buildings and natural areas. See sample for required information: deck permit sample drawings.
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
Building permits are required for all swimming pools which are capable of holding more than 24” of water.
Forms and documents you will need at time of submission.
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Grading Plan - Include setbacks from edge of concrete apron around pool to property line, location of pool equipment and setback to property line and grade shots.
Building permits are required for all fence installation.
Forms and documents you will need at time of submission.
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Site Plan indicating location of fence on property
- Fence sketch (section of fence to indicate height and proposed materials)
Agricultural Permits
New and expanding livestock buildings and manure storages must comply with the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) formula provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
Prior to issuance of a building permit for a new or expanding operation or manure storage system, a letter of approval will be required from OMAFRA. Please contact OMAFRA for further information in this regard.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed building, including setbacks to property lines and septic system (if applicable)
- Construction drawings (designed by a professional engineer for buildings greater than 600 square metres and all manure storages) & truss drawings (stamped by a professional engineer)
- Letter of approval from OMAFRA
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
- If you are located on a County Road, please consult the County of Essex as a setback permit may be required through their office.
Building Permits are required for all farm buildings such as grain bins, silos and drive sheds.
Forms, documents, and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed building, including setbacks to property lines and septic system (if applicable)
- Construction drawings (designed by a professional engineer for buildings greater than 600 square metres and all manure storages) & truss drawings (stamped by a professional engineer)
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
- If you are located on a County Road, please consult the County of Essex as a setback permit may be required through their office.
Other Permits
Forms, Documents and Approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
The following are required documents you will need to attach to your Cloudpermit application:
- Schedule 1 Form
- Site Plan indicating the location of proposed sign, including setbacks to property lines.
- Construction drawings
- Approval from the Conservation Authority if your property is located within either the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) or Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) regulated areas.
- If you are located on a County Road, please consult the County of Essex as a setback permit may be required through their office.
Demolition permits are required prior to the demolition of any building with the exception of farm buildings.
Forms, documents and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
Prior to demolition, please ensure the following:
- Obtain Demolition Permit
- Disconnect all services (hydro, gas, telephone, cable, water, water etc.) Please note - demolition permit cannot be issued without gas sign off.
- Return water meter to Lakeshore Operations Centre
- Upon completion of demolition, owners are responsible to contact Building Services for inspection and the Revenue Division to request reassessment. Here is a link to the Tax Re-assessment Request Form.
- Site must be leveled and graded upon completion of demolition.
Tent permits are required prior to the installation of any tent larger than 60 m2 in area.
Forms, documents and approvals you will need at time of submission:
- Application through Cloudpermit.
Tents less than 60 m² in area
- Building Permit is not required.
- Please contact Lakeshore Fire Department for information about Ontario Fire Regulations.
Tents between 61 m² and 225 m² in area
- Must maintain 3m to property lines and other structures.
- Ground enclosed by tent must be clear of flammable material (grass cut short is acceptable).
- Access must be provided for firefighting (must be easily approachable by emergency personnel).
The following documents are required at time permit application is submitted:
- Permit Application
- Authorization Form signed by the homeowner
- Copy of flame resistance certification required – must state compliance with either NFPA 701 or CAN/ULC-S109
- On site plan, it must indicate setback from property line and other structures
- Please contact Lakeshore Fire Department for information about Ontario Fire Regulations.
- Please contact Lakeshore Fire Department for information about Ontario Fire Regulations.
- All requirements for tents 61 m² – 225 m² apply, as well as the following:
- Professional Engineer must design the supporting framing structure and anchorage system, sign a commitment to review form and inspect the tent after it is erected, but before it is put in use.
- Copy of engineer’s report is to be submitted along with application
- Sanitary facilities must be provided in compliance with the Ontario Building Code
- Please note - if a fire inspection is required, an inspection fee will be added to your building permit.
Additional Information
Please note, when building permits are finalized, the information of the improvement, construction or change to the property is provided to the Municipal Assessment Corporation (MPAC). This will result in an increase to the assessed value of the property. Information of this increase is provided to the Municipality and will result in supplementary bills being charged. Lakeshore offers pre-authorized payment options to assist with the future bills.
- Failure to obtain Building permits can result in costly construction delays or legal action.
- You must comply with the Ontario Building Code.
- Please note, 24-48 hours notice is required for all inspections.
- Reviewed drawings shall be made available on site to the inspector at all times.
- For electrical and natural gas related projects, please contact your utility provider for permitting requirements.
- In many cases, designers or contractors will obtain permits on your behalf. This requires you to complete and authorization form to allow the contractor to apply for permits. Regardless, as the building owner, you are responsible for complying with all building requirements. Some projects may require a letter of commitment from an Architect / Engineer.
- Please note - the applicant can invite you to the Cloudpermit application and sign off can be completed digitally.
When is a permit not required?
You do not require a Building Permit for the following:
- 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 roofless deck under 8" from ground that is not attached to a building
- Build a utility shed under 160 sq. feet
- Re-shingle a roof
- Dry-wall or plaster
- Paint or decorate
- Install kitchen cabinets / bathroom cabinets
Contact Us
Building Services
Town Hall
419 Notre Dame, Belle River
Ontario, Canada N8L 0P8
Phone 519-728-2700
Email Us
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