Building Division services are available online, by phone at 905-476-4301 ext. 3007 and by email to building@georgina.ca. You can apply for building permits through the permit application portal, or you can make an appointment to meet with us by calling 905-476-4301, ext. 3007.
You will need to obtain a permit before you start if you are planning to
- Construct or demolish a new building, addition, deck or porch
- Install a swimming pool
- Renovate/alter an existing building
- Repair/replace a sewage system
This includes permits for demolition, excavation, construction, pools, sheds, decks or even adding solar panels or fire safety systems to an existing building.
Before you start work
- Submit your completed permit application, drawings and specifications to the Building Division through our Building Permit Application Portal
- Once a building permit has been issued to you; review the issued permit drawings and construct in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, other regulations and bylaws,
- Contact the Electrical Safety Authority for permits where you are constructing or altering electrical works
The information provided here does not anticipate all situations. After you have carried out your research and before starting any work, please contact the Building Division by email or phone at 905-476-4301, ext. 3007 to confirm the applicable regulations and the need for a permit.
How do I apply online?
Required permit documents and drawings must be in PDF format and submitted through the online Building Permit Application Portal.
For more information or questions, please contact an Application Examiner from the Building Division at the Civic Centre at 905-476-4301, ext. 3007 or by email to building@georgina.ca.
Please note that the Town can process payment of building permit fees up to $5,000 by credit card, provided there are no deposits required.
Frequently asked questions
What type of work requires a Permit?
Most of the work listed below will require a permit prior to starting the work. Please contact the Building Division for more information.
- Construct a new building
- Additions, renovations, repairs and alterations
- Change of use of a building
- Demolition of all or a portion of a building
- Make new openings for or change the size of doors and windows
- Construction of a detached shed of more than 161 ft2 (15m2)
- Excavating a basement/underpinning of foundation walls
- Damp-proofing foundation walls and installing weeping tiles
- Constructing a foundation
- Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarm, sprinkler or standpipe systems
- Install or modify plumbing and heating/air conditioning systems
- Install or modify fireplaces, woodstoves and chimneys
- Build a garage, carport, balcony or a Porch
- Changing or adding plumbing in any part of a building
- Changing adding or removing plumbing from a kitchen or bathroom
- Construct a detached deck greater than 2ft (600mm) from ground to any point of the deck or a deck attached to a building of any height
- Construction and repair of deck guard rails
- Finish a basement or convert a basement room to a bedroom
- Install a pool with a capacity to hold more than 600mm (2ft) of water
- Erect rooftop solar panels and rooftop generators
- Construction/material alteration of a sign
- Construct or repair a septic system
When don't I need a permit?
You do not need a building permit to:
- Build a utility shed under 161 sq. ft. (15m2).
Note: the Town’s Zoning Bylaw regulates the location, height, etc. - Construct a detached deck less than 2 ft. (600mm) above grade in every point
- Replacement of existing plumbing fixtures, where plumbing is not being altered
- Temporary tents not more than 60 m2 in aggregate ground area, not attached to a building and minimum of 3 metres from other structures
- Replace the same size doors and windows
- Replace sidings with similar material
- Painting and decorations and minor maintenance
- Replace shingles on a roof providing no structural work
- Replace kitchen and bathroom cupboards without plumbing work
- Erect a boundary fence that is not used as a swimming pool enclosure. Note; the maximum height is regulated by the Town's Zoning Bylaw.
- Demolish a farm building
What do I need for a permit?
Your first step will be to find out the zoning provisions for your property.
Approvals may also be required from other authorities such as:
- Town of Georgina: site alteration, entrances, municipal connection, etc.
- York Region: entrance permit (if access is from a Region road)
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
- Ministry of Transportation
- Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
How do I pay permit fees?
- If there is a deposit fee owing, please mail or drop off a cheque, along with the invoice, to the Civic Centre.
The cheque must be payable to the "Town of Georgina" and note the permit application number on the front of the cheque. - For building permits that carry no deposit fee, pay by credit card (up to $5,000) by calling Service Georgina at 905-476-4301 Ext. 3001. You must have your invoice and permit application number ready.
How long does it take to review?
We are receiving a large volume of permit applications and inquiries, please allow up to five business days for response. Once your application is processed or we respond to your inquiry, our standard timeframes apply. The Zoning Examiner will attempt to review and respond to your application within five business days. The Plans Examiner will attempt to complete a building code review and respond within the mandatory times frames set out in the Ontario Building Code (OBC). Staff review small projects including sheds, detached garages, decks/porches and pools with an accelerated review schedule to attempt to expedite these projects.
Mandatory OBC Review Timeframes (following zoning/applicable law review)
House - 10 business days
Small Buildings - 15 business days
Large Buildings - 20 business days
Complex Buildings - 30 business days