A building permit is formal approval from East Gwillimbury (EG) to construct, repair, alter, or renovate a building, install plumbing, or install, repair, or alter a private sewage system on your property.

A permit is required before starting most construction, renovation, or demolition projects. Contact Building to confirm if a permit is required for your project.

It is important to check the zoning of the property to understand if it allows the proposed project before submitting an application. The project must comply with the Zoning By-law, which includes guidance for things like setbacks, building size, and building height. It also outlines what businesses are allowed and where.

Check the zoning Apply for a building permit View the associated fees and charges

Projects Requiring a Building Permit
  • Any new building larger than 10 m² (108 ft²) not listed as exempt
  • Storage sheds larger than 15 m² (161 ft²)
  • Any new building with plumbing, regardless of size
  • Additions to existing buildings, regardless of size
  • Detached or attached garages and carports
  • Decks that are not exempt
  • Solariums or sunrooms
  • Dormer additions
  • Tents larger than 60 m² (645 ft²)
  • Changes to the use of a building
  • New or repaired septic systems
  • Full or partial building demolition
  • Signs regulated under the Ontario Building Code
Projects with Building Permit Exemptions
  • Detached building (structurally independent), 10 m2 (108 ft2) or less in aggregate area, and does not include any plumbing
  • A detached shed for storage under 15 m2 (161 ft2) or less in aggregate area, and does not include any plumbing
    • Wooden deck that meets all these conditions:
    • Completely uncovered (no roof)
    • Less than 600 mm (24”) above adjacent ground level around the entire perimeter of the deck, without artificial grade alteration within 1.2 m (4 ft) of any portion of the deck
    • Not adjacent to a required exit or emergency access
    • Does not serve a required ramp
  • Garden pergolas and gazebos without a solid roof
  • Fabric covered building(s) under 60 m2 (648 ft2) in aggregate area that are situated at least 3.0 m (9 ft) from another building
  • Repair or replacement of finishes applied to a non-load bearing interior wall, and floor or ceiling finishes, that do not form part of a required fire separation
  • Repairs to chimneys and porches
  • Repairs or replacement of deck boards, asphalt roof shingles
  • Repairs or replacement of windows and doors provided the size of the openings remain the same
  • Damp-proofing repairs to foundation walls where plumbing, shoring, and underpinning are not required to complete the work
  • Repair or replacement of a furnace or hot water tank provided the fuel source and heat output remain the same
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of an air conditioning unit or air-to-air heat pump
  • Repair or replacement of a plumbing fixture
  • Painting or decorating
  • Installing kitchen and bathroom cupboards, where no plumbing alterations are proposed
  • Planters, landscaping, and patio stone or concrete walkways not in the vicinity of a septic system
  • Playgrounds and playground structures, including treehouses, 10 m2 (108 ft2) or less in aggregate area that do not contain plumbing
  • Dish antenna or solar array less than 5 m2 (54 ft2) in aggregate area
  • Retaining walls not exceeding 1 m (39”) in exposed height throughout
  • Free standing wind turbines with a rated output not exceeding 3kW

Building Permit Process

Submit an application

  1. Apply for a building permit (more information is available on the Building Resources page or by emailing the Building department)
  2. A pre-screening review is conducted to confirm the project complies with submission standards
  3. Once the submission passes the pre-screening review, it becomes a permit application. The date of application is the date that pre-screening is approved

Application Review

  1. All plan reviews and required resubmissions are completed electronically
  2. Applicants will receive an email notification once reviews are complete or if additional information is required
  3. Applicants will work with the Town to submit revised plans and documents until the application is approved

Issuing Permits

  1. Applicants will receive an email notification once the Building Permit has been issued
  2. Applicants must print the permit card, permit, and one set of approved plans to keep on-site for the Building Inspector
  3. Once these items are in place, construction can begin

Inspections

Inspections are required at various stages of construction, as outlined in the documents provided with the building permit. Inspection timelines will be included in the permit documentation. To request an inspection, visit the online portal or email Building and include:

  • Permit number
  • Property address
  • Type of inspection required
  • Applicant’s name and contact phone number

Staff will attend the site within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Additional fees may apply for after-hours or emergency inspections.

Additional Requirements

Building permits cannot be issued if a project does not comply with the Applicable Laws outlined in the Ontario Building Code.

These requirements depend on the location of the property and the proposed use of the building. Approval may be required from other agencies that oversee specific regulations. Common examples include the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) for environmentally sensitive areas and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for properties located near highway corridors.

Additional permits may be required including a tree permit through the Parks, Recreation, and Culture department, or a sign permit through the By-law department.