Building and Renovating

When buying a new home, you should confirm with the Municipality that they approved and issued proper permits for all additions and renovations to the building. Contact the Building Department to access this information.

You should also confirm that the Zoning Administrator/CBO recognizes the use on the property as a legal use either permitted by the Zoning By-law or recognized as legal non-conforming.

Zoning By-law Consolidated - updated February 2020

West Perth Zoning Maps

Citizens' Guide 3 - Zoning By-laws by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides more information.

The Municipality of West Perth Building Official must inspect each major phase of a construction project to ensure the work follows the approved plans. Your Building Permit includes a list of inspections your project requires.

How to arrange an inspection

It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the Municipality to request an inspection at least 48 hours before work continues, from one inspection stage to the next. To arrange an inspection, contact the Building Inspector listed on your permit card. You need to provide your Building Permit number and address to book an inspection. 

Normal inspections include:

• Excavation - prior to placement of concrete
• Services - installation of sanitary, storm and water services
• Septic - after excavation of distribution piping bed and prior to system backfill
• Foundation - prior to backfill
• Underfloor drains - prior to covering
• Framing - prior to insulation
• Air Barrier - prior to starting exterior cladding
• HVAC - rough in
• Plumbing - rough in
• Insulation/Vapour barrier - prior to covering
• Occupancy - this must be obtained prior to occupancy
• Final plumbing inspection
• Final building inspection

Please note the Municipality does not review or inspect electrical work. Contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-421-2228 for electrical permits.

You need to apply for a building permit for most construction, renovations,  additions, as well as some repairs or plumbing work. You also need to apply for a building permit to demolish existing buildings and for rebuilding demolished structures.

You need to submit an application for a building permit if you want to:

• Construct a new building or structure;
• Repair, renovate, add to, or demolish an existing building;
• Install a swimming pool;
• Build a deck;
• Erect a sign;
• Alter most buildings and structures on your property;
• Install a new septic system.

All applications are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and Zoning By-law requirements.

How to Apply for a Building Permit

1. Complete an application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish using one of the following options:
1. Use our online e-permit system, Cloudpermit.
2. Fill out an online application.
3. Pick up a paper application at the Municipal Office.
2. Include site and construction plans with your completed application form
3. Submit your completed application form to the Municipal Office in person
   
   

Contact the Building Department with any questions for your upcoming project.

Book a Building Inspection 

Don't forget to arrange for building inspections! Contact building department staff to book your inspection. 

Forms and Fees 

Farm Occupation Questionnaire

Home Occupation Questionnaire

Wood Stove Inspection Items

Fees

Fee Schedule

The Building Services Department issues permits and conducts inspections within the Municipality of West Perth on:

• New septic system installations
• Alterations to existing systems
• Failed septic systems

 If you have any questions, please contact us, we are happy to help! 

Before you do any digging on your property you must use the Ontario One Call online locate form to locate underground infrastructure before you dig or call: 1-800-400-2255.

Ontario One Call distributes locate requests to utilities with infrastructure in the area. The Municipality of West Perth will either clear the locate request, meaning that your work will not impact any buried infrastructure, or mark it onsite with paint. When complete, you will receive a locate notice through email or fax with the results.

Please visit Ontario One Call for more information or call 1-800-400-2255.