Building Permits and Applications

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction or demolition of a building project according to approved drawings and specifications. Without one, you can face legal and financial consequences.

To help you with the permitting process we encourage you to review our Guide to Building Permit Applications. When you are familiar with the process, complete and submit a building permit application form:

A building permit is required for:

all new residential and commercial buildings
residential additions (e.g., bedrooms, family rooms, bathrooms etc.)
commercial additions/renovations and accessory buildings
residential work (e.g., decks, garages, sheds, accessory buildings)
residential renovations
electrical systems
plumbing and gas systems
heating ventilation and air conditioning systems
demolition of structures
fireplaces and wood burning appliances
tents (open or enclosed) larger than 60 sq metres
replacing furnaces or hot water tanks

This is a general list. Your project may require specific instructions. Please contact us before starting any construction or demolition project. Structures built without a permit may be subject to increased fees.

Building Permit Cost

Building permit fees are based on the value of your construction project and/or the square footage of the project. Projects valued at $50,000 and up require a refundable deposit of $560. An administration fee is also due when your application is submitted. On projects valued up to $30,000 an administration fee of $150 is required. On projects valued over $30,000 an administration fee of $600 is required.

All building permit fees are due when you pick up your permit. Other fees may apply based on the scope of the project. Fees are outlined in Schedule C of the General Rates and Fees Schedule.

Building Permit Applications should be accompanied by:

construction details
a detailed plot plan of the property
the administration fee

Review our Guide to Building Permit Applications for other requirements.

Building Permit Expiry

Building permits are valid for one year from the issue date.

If your project is not completed and finalized within the year, it is your responsibility to complete and submit a building permit renewal form, along with the applicable fee for every year the permit remains open.

Scheduling Site Inspections

Homeowners and builders are required to arrange site inspections with our Building department as outlined on the building permit. We require 48 hours notice and your Township approved plans must be at the building site during the inspection. For island inspections, you must provide a water taxi for the building official. Email the building department to set up your site inspection.

Additional Information and Resources

Energy Efficiency Requirements for Houses

Building an energy efficient house can save you money in heating and cooling costs.

House designers have four energy efficiency compliance options in the Ontario Building Code to choose from:

Comply with the SB-12 prescriptive design tables

Building must conform to package of thermal insulation, window and mechanical system efficiency requirements set out in Subsection 3.1.1 of SB-12. Energy efficiency design modeling and testing of the building is not required under this option.

3.1.1.2 A - Zone 1 Packages with AFUE > or equal to 92% (Metric and Imperial information provided)

3.1.1.2 B - Zone 1 Packages with AFUE 84% < or equal to 92% (Metric and Imperial information provided)

3.1.1.2 C - Zone 1 Packages for Electric Space Heating (Metric and Imperial information provided)

3.1.1 11 - Zone 1 Packages for Addition to Existing Building (Metric and Imperial information provided)

Use the SB-12 performance compliance method and model the design against the prescriptive standards

This refers to alternative method of compliance set out in Subsection 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 of SB-12.

Design to Energy Star standards (3.1.2.1)

Using this approach the designer must use recognized energy simulation software (such as HOT2000 V10.51 or newer), and submit documents which show that the annual energy use of the building is equal to a prescriptive package.
Houses must be designed to Energy Star requirements, 3.1.2.1 standards and be labelled on completion by
EnerQuality or other agency. The Energy Star BOP form must be submitted with the permit documents.

Other acceptable compliance methods (3.1.3.1)

A building shall be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of 3.1.3.1
- a) provided that the same performance level is achieved through technical requirements of NRCan "Energy Star for New Homes Standard Version 12.6 or
- b) the building meets the NRCan "2012 R2000 Standard".

View the energy efficiency design summary (prescriptive) form.

View the energy efficiency design summary (performance) form.

Building By-Law 13-028

Entranceway Permits

How long does it take to get a building permit

Applications are reviewed by the Chief Building Official within 10 business days and staff will contact applicant regarding status of the permit for these types of construction:

a detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse, or row house where no dwelling unit it located above another dwelling unit
a detached structure that serves a building described in clause (a) and does not exceed 55 m2 in building area
a tent to which Section 3.14 of Division B of the Ontario Building Code applies
a sign to which Section 3.15 of Division B of the Ontario Building Code applies

Other types of construction may require additional time for review as indicated under the Ontario Building Code.

Occupancy & Final Requirements for Houses

New builds must meet strict requirements before you are allowed to move in.

Once you meet the occupancy requirements, as regulated by the Ontario Building Code, you will receive your Occupancy Permit and can move in.

A Final Permit is issued when the project is 100% complete.

Schedule 3-Minimum Distance Separation Form

2024 Ontario Building Code Changes

The 2024 Ontario Building Code has been released and takes effect April 1, 2025. The Township has prepared a document to highlight the changes in the new Code which harmonizes the Ontario Building Code with the National Building Code of Canada. The changes are listed for each part of the Code. The code update also included new requirements regarding soil gas mitigation (Radon) during construction and the requirement to test during the first heating season. Please note that the Code is continuously changing and being updated and although we will strive to keep everybody informed it is recommended that practitioners obtain a copy of the new code and subscribe to the update service. Should you have question regarding any changes please contact Paul Nixon, Chief Building official at cbo@townshipleeds.on.ca or at 613-659-2415 Ext 210.

2024 Ontario Building Code Changes Summary

Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
1233 Prince St., P.O. Box 280
Lansdowne, ON K0E 1L0
Phone: 613-659-2415
Toll Free: 1-866-220-2327