Building Permits Information

A deck/porch requires a building permit if it is:

• of any size and attached to a building, or
• of any size and forms part of a building's exit/egress, or
• greater than 10m2 (107 ft2) and any part of the perimeter is 2ft above grade, or
• greater than 10m2 (107 ft2) and any part of the perimeter of deck is adjacent to ground that slopes away at more than 2:1 slope.

Even where a building permit is not required by the Town, the structure must still comply with the Zoning By-law and be constructed in accordance with Ontario's Building Code.

Many plastic components for decks and guards are not approved for use by Ontario's Building Code. You will require a Minister's Ruling or Building Materials Evaluation Committee approval if you wish to use plastic materials.

Make sure you can build the deck or porch you want by consulting:

• Town of Georgina, Zoning By-law
  • How to use the Zoning By-law
  • Email additional queries
• Town of Georgina, Septic System Approvals: 
  • If your property is serviced by a septic system, your deck or porch must be located away from your septic. You can request a copy of your septic plan from the Building Division through our online request portal.
• Town of Georgina, Site Alteration Permit: 
  • You might need a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit if you are building your deck or porch on a conventional foundation. This ensures that the grading and drainage of your property will not negatively affect a neighbouring property. This approval will be needed before building permit issuance. 
    Note: Decks constructed on pier foundations (such as “sonotubes”) will not require a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit.
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority: 
  • Approval from the LSRCA is needed if you are constructing in their regulated area. LSRCA regulations may restrict construction. Consult LSRCA's mapping tool to see if your property is regulated.
• Other approvals (where regulated)

You will need a set of construction drawings to submit to the Building Division for review before a permit can be issued and construction can begin. 

Design drawings

• Must be prepared by a competent designer or alternatively, the homeowner, provided the homeowner is skilled and knowledgeable in drawing technical plans.
• Must be drawn to scale and accurately and neatly drawn
• May require a designer with specific credentials (e.g. P.Eng.) for complicated or specialized designs

Drawing package information 

• A Site Plan, showing lot dimensions, north arrow, the road, any watercourses, all buildings, building sizes, dimensions of the proposed deck or porch with stairs marked, plus setbacks to property lines. Note: A survey is a great starting point for a site plan as it will already have most of this information. You can request a property survey through our document request portal.
• Birds-eye view overhead drawing, dimensioned, showing locations of posts and piers with spans clearly marked; size, direction and spacing of beams and joists, and stair location
• An elevation drawing, showing the height of the deck surface above grade, railing/guard information including height and picket spacing, attachment to the house information including the existing house foundation, i.e. strip footing/slab on grade/basement
• Roof plans, for porch construction, showing size and spacing of rafters, attachment to the house, beam size, post size and spacing, etc.
• Additional information where necessary to accurately show the proposed work

Do and do not

• Do ensure that your pre-manufactured guard/handrail system complies with all structural requirements of the building code.
  Note that most plastic components are NOT allowed.
• Do ensure that any ledger boards that are attached to the house are positively connected to the framing. The inspector will need to verify this visually
• Do ensure all wood exposed to the weather is pressure treated for that use
• Do not use plastic components without confirming that they are allowed.
• Do not bury wood columns in concrete piers or in the ground. Wood columns should be pressure treated and attached to a concrete pier foundation with an approved saddle.
• Do not construct your deck on “deck blocks”. There are some exceptions; contact the Building Division by email for more information

When applying for a building permit, the follow is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• One digital or two paper copies of a detailed Site Plan
• One digital or two paper copies of all construction drawings to scale and dimensioned
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner, required only when the applicant is not the owner
• Permit Fee will be evaluated upon submission of plans with a permit application. Please review Schedule A for fees in the Town's Building By-law 2021-0019

Contact the Building Division by email to request more information or to clarify anything regarding construction of a building.

• Deck and Porches Guide
• Deck and Porch Checklist

Building permits are required for most accessory buildings including garden sheds, garages, gazebos, etc. that:

• Contain plumbing regardless of size,
• Exceed 10m2(107ft2) in area (15m2 for Storage Shed), or
• Are attached to another structure with a combined area that exceeds 10m2

A tent garage under 60m2 (645 ft2) which is not attached to another building does not require a building permit but must be at least 3.0 metres from another structure. Any accessory buildings that do not require a permit are still required to comply with the Town’s zoning by-laws and other applicable laws.

Make sure you can build the garage, shed or gazebo you want by consulting:

• Town of Georgina, Zoning By-law:
  • How to use the Zoning By-law
  • Once you have reviewed the Zoning By-law, please email the Building Division for more Zoning By-law information. Note that accessory buildings are not permitted on residential lots where there is no main-use building such as a house.
• Town of Georgina, Septic System Approvals:
  • If your property is serviced by a septic system, your garage or shed must be located away from your septic. You can request a copy of your septic plan from the Building Division though our online request portal.
• Town of Georgina, Site Alteration and Entrance Permit
  • You might need a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit if you are building your garage or shed on a conventional foundation. This ensures that the grading and drainage of your property will not negatively affect a neighbouring property. This approval will be needed before building permit issuance. 
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority:
  • Approval from the LSRCA is needed if you are constructing in its regulated area. LSRCA regulations may restrict construction. Consult LSRCA’s mapping tool to see if your property is regulated.
• York Region
  • If you are moving or adding a driveway, obtain an Entrance (Road Use) permit from the Region for driveway access for properties on Regional Roads
• Other approvals (where regulated)
  • Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation (for properties on Highway 48), etc.

You will need a set of construction drawings to submit to the Building Division for review beforea permit can be issued and construction can begin.

Design drawings

• Must be prepared by a competent designer or alternatively may be made by the owner if the owner takes responsibility for the design (Note: all designers must demonstrate a level of design competency)
• Must be drawn to scale and accurately and neatly drawn
• May require a designer with specific credentials (ie. P.Eng.) for complicated or specialized designs

The drawing package will include:

• Site Plans  showing lot dimensions, north arrow, the road, any watercourses, all buildings, building sizes, dimensions of the proposed building(s), plus setbacks to property lines of all existing and proposed buildings
  Note: A survey is a great starting point for a site plan as it will already have most of this information.
• Foundation plans The design must be prepared by a professional engineer if proposing a slab foundation over 55m2  (592 ft2), if over 55m2 and supporting masonry or if supporting more than one story. 
• Floor plan showing window and door openings with header sizes
• Cross section of construction from the foundation to the roof
• Elevations
• Roof framing plans (or Truss drawings with layout and P.Eng seal, where proposed)
• Additional information where necessary to accurately show proposed work

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• 1 digital or 2 paper copies of a detailed Site Plan
• 1 digital or 2 paper copies of all construction drawings to scale and dimensioned
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner, required only when the applicant is not the owner
• Permit Fees vary. A nominal flat rate is applied for each non-masonry, 1-storey building not exceeding 592ft2 (plus mechanical services). Other accessory buildings are charged based on area plus mechanical services. Please review Schedule A of the Town's Building By-law 2021-0019.

Contact the Building Division by email to request more information or to clarify anything regarding construction of a building.

Garage and Accessory Buildings Checklist.

Whether you are an experienced builder or a homeowner who wants to build a new addition or renovate the interior, the information below will help you during the permit application process.

Renovations and Alterations that involve changes to the layout, structure or systems of your home requires a permit.

Make sure you can build the addition you want by consulting:

• Town of Georgina Zoning By-law:
  • How to use the Zoning By-law
  • Please email for Zoning By-law information to determine whether your addition can be placed where you want it; within the minimum setback distances to property lines, maximum lot coverage and other zoning restrictions.  
• Town of Georgina, Septic System Approvals:
  • If your property is serviced by a septic system, your addition must be located away from your septic. You can request a copy of your septic plan from the Building Division through our online request portal.
• You might need a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit if you are building an addition. This ensures that the grading and drainage of your property will not negatively affect a neighbouring property. This approval will be needed before building permit issuance. 
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority:
  • Approval from the LSRCA is needed if you are constructing in their regulated area. LSRCA regulations may restrict construction. Consult LSRCA’s mapping tool to see if your property is regulated.
• Infrastructure and Operations Department:
  • Contact the Operations Division for information regarding:
    • A Site Alteration and Entrance Permit, if you are moving or adding a driveway if your property fronts onto a Town Road
    • A Permit to Connect, which is issued when you connect or reconnect to Municipal Water and Sewers
• York Region
• If you are moving or adding a driveway, obtain an Entrance (Road Use) permit from the Region for driveway access for properties on Regional Roads
• Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation (for properties on Highway 48), etc.
• Other approvals (where regulated)

Design is the next step. You will need a set of construction drawings to submit to the Building Division for review before a permit can be issued and construction can begin.

Design drawings

• Must be prepared by a competent designer or alternatively may be made by the owner if the owner takes responsibility for the design (Note: all designers must demonstrate a level of design competency)
• Must be drawn to scale and accurately and neatly drawn
• May require a designer with specific credentials (i.e. P.Eng.) for complicated or specialized designs

The drawing package will include:

• Site Plans (showing lot dimensions, north arrow, the road, any watercourses, all buildings, building sizes, proposed addition dimensions, setbacks to property lines of all existing and proposed buildings, and driveway dimensions)
• Foundation plans (new, or to show that the existing foundation can support a second-story addition)
• Floor plans of existing and proposed floor areas
• Cross sections of wall construction
• Elevations
• Roof framing plans (or Truss drawings with layout and P.Eng seal, where proposed)
• Heat Loss design from a suitably qualified designer (for additional floor area increased by 15% or more)
• Manufacturer’s layout of any proposed engineered floor, roof or wall systems, as well as specifications for laminated beams or other engineered products.
• Additional information where necessary to accurately show the proposed work

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• 1 digital or 2 paper copies of a detailed Site Plan
• 1 digital or 2 paper copies of all construction drawings to scale and dimensioned
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner, required only when the applicant is not the owner
• Permit Fees. Please review Schedule A of the Town's Building By-law 2021-0019
  • A separate Septic System Permit may be necessary if you are not on a street with municipal services and your system requires upgrading or replacement,
  • Other fees may be applicable depending on the proposal.

Contact the Building Division by email to request more information or to clarify anything regarding construction of a building.

Make sure you've got it all with our Renovation and Alteration Checklist.

The following information is a guideline to provide general direction to the building permit process for industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential uses. It is not a complete list of all requirements. You are directed to governing documents such as Ontario's Building Code, the Town’s Zoning By-law and other applicable laws that regulate development, construction and uses.

To prepare your design and permit application, consult the following:

• Town of Georgina Zoning By-law:
  • Refer to the Town’s Zoning By-law for information as it applies to the proposed project.
  • If you have further questions, contact a Zoning Examiner by email:
    • Lori Gardiner (South of Old Homestead Road)
    • Jeremy Liscoumb (North of Old Homestead Road)
• Applicable Law and other Approvals
• Approvals from the Operation and Engineering Department and external agencies will likely be required before the Building Division can issue a building permit. That includes, but is not limited to:
  • Development Engineering Division - Site plan approval and entrances
  • Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)
  • Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
  • Other Approvals – MOE, Heritage, etc (where applicable)

Prior to applying for a permit you are required to obtain the services of a designer who is familiar with the requirements of Ontario's Building Code, with respect to the proposed project.
The Building Code requires that the person(s) who prepares designs and documents have certain qualifications. 

All ICI permit documents and design drawings:

• Must be prepared by a competent designer
• Must, in certain instances, be designed by an architect, professional engineer or both

Your project will likely be subject to additional Development Charges, also known as DC's, and Park Levies. Please review the Development Charges page for summaries of Town, Region and education board DC's.

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• Commitment to general review by architects and professional engineers
• Sufficient design drawings, specifications and supporting documents, including:
  • 2 copies of detailed site plan or 1 digital
  • 2 copies of detailed site servicing drawings or 1 digital
  • 2 copies of all architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical construction drawings and specifications or 1 digital
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner, required only when the applicant is not the owner
• Permit fees - fees vary depending on use, type of building, etc. Refer to the Town’s Building By-law 2021-0019 for precise information or contact the Building Division. Due at time of permit application submission
• Development charge fees (calculated and due at time of permit issuance)

Make sure you've got it all by using our Checklists.

Whether you are an experienced builder or an owner who wants to build your own new home, you will always need building permits for new house builds.

Make sure you can build the house you want by consulting:

• Town of Georgina Zoning By-law:
  • How to use the Zoning By-law
  • Please email us for Zoning By-law information to determine whether a new house is permitted on the lot; the minimum setback distances to property lines, maximum lot coverage and other zoning restrictions. The Building Department can also provide information about Development Charges.
• Town of Georgina Septic System Approvals:
  • If your property is serviced by a septic system, your deck or porch must be located away from your septic. You can request a copy of your septic plan from the Building Services though our online request portal.
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority:
  • Approval from the LSRCA is needed if you are constructing in their regulated area. LSRCA regulations may restrict construction. Consult LSRCA’s mapping tool to see if your property is regulated.
• You will need a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit if you are building a new house. This ensures that the grading and drainage of your property will not negatively affect a neighbouring property. This approval will be needed before building permit issuance. 
  • A Permit to Connect, which is issued when you connect or reconnect to Municipal Water and Sewers
• An Entrance (Road Use) permit is required from York Region for a driveway access for properties on Regional Roads
• Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation (for properties on Highway 48), etc.

Other approvals (where regulated)

Design is the next step. You will need a set of construction drawings to submit to the Building Division to review before a permit can be issued and construction can begin.

Design drawings

• Must be prepared by a competent designer
• Must be drawn to scale and accurately and neatly drawn
• May be made by the owner if the owner takes responsibility for the design (Note: all designers must demonstrate a level of design competency)
• May require a designer with specific credentials (i.e. P.Eng.) for complicated or specialized designs

The drawing package will include:

• Site Plans (showing lot dimensions, north arrow, the road, any watercourses, all buildings, building sizes, proposed construction dimensions, setbacks to property lines of all buildings, driveway dimensions)
• Foundation plans
• Floor plans
• Cross sections of wall construction
• Elevations
• Roof framing plans (or Truss drawings with layout and P.Eng seal, where proposed)
• Heat Loss design from a suitably qualified designer
• Manufacturer’s layout of any proposed engineered floor, roof or wall systems, as well as specifications for laminated beams or other engineered products.
• Additional information as deemed necessary to accurately show proposed work

Your new house may incur additional costs called Development Charges, also known as DCs, and Park Levies. Please review the Development Charges page for summaries of Town, Region and education board DCs.

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• 2 paper copies of detailed Site Plan or 1 digital copy
• 2 paper sets of all construction drawings to scale and dimensioned or 1 digital
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner, required only when the applicant is not the owner
• Permit Fees can be found in Schedule A of the Town's Building By-law 2021-0019
  • A separate Septic System Permit will be necessary if you are not on a street with municipal services,
  • Other fees depending on the scope of work.

Note: the above fees are provided for convenience only. See Building By-law for official fees schedule. Contact the Building Division for more information or to clarify anything regarding construction of a building.

Make sure you've got it all with our New Business and Additions Checklist 

The installation of plumbing is regulated by Part 7 of Ontario's Building Code and Town of Georgina Building By-law. Before any plumbing work starts, a permit must be obtained. 

• A plumbing permit is required for all new installations of plumbing and the replacement of any part of an existing plumbing system
• Mechanical work on all buildings includes work on heating and ventilation systems, including bath vents and woodstoves
• No part of an installation may be covered until an inspection is done and approved by the inspector

What projects require a permit?

• The construction of plumbing in a new building
• The construction of new plumbing in an existing building
• The alteration of existing plumbing
• The repair or replacement of existing plumbing except for minor repairs of existing fixtures
• Installation or alteration of any part of a heating system that must be vented into a chimney
• Installation of a woodstove, fireplace insert, pellet stove and related chimney and venting
• Installation of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, dryer exhausts and other appliances that are required to be vented

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• 2 paper copies of complete floor plans or 1 digital copy
• 2 paper copies of plumbing/HVAC  drawing. Email the Building Division for additional information regarding required designs or 1 digital copy
• Heat Loss Calculations
• Mechanical Ventilation Summary
• Energy Efficiency Summary
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner (if applicable)

Email the Building Division for additional information regarding fees. 

An on-site sewage (septic) system permit is required for the installation, alteration or repair of any part of a septic system. If a building is served by a septic system and construction, alterations or a change of use of the building is proposed, then a septic system permit may also be required.

Whether you are constructing new or adding bedrooms, plumbing fixtures, floor area or changing a use of a building, you will be required to building a new septic system, add on to the existing septic system or confirm that the existing septic system is sized appropriately, contact the Building Division by emailor call 905-476-4301.

• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA): Approval from the LSRCA is needed if you are constructing in its regulated area. LSRCA regulations may restrict construction. Consult LSRCA's mapping toolto see if your property is regulated, or call 905-895-1281
• You will need a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit if you are building a septic system. This ensures that the grading and drainage of your property will not negatively affect a neighbouring property. This approval will be needed before building permit issuance. 

It is the responsibility of the owner or the authorized agent to submit a complete application that includes the designed system exactly as the system is to be installed or altered.

Design drawings

• Must be prepared by a competent designer
• Must be drawn to scale and accurately and neatly drawn
• May be made by the owner if the owner takes responsibility for the design (Note: all designers must demonstrate a level of design competency)
• May require a designer with specific credentials (i.e. P.Eng.) for complicated or specialized designs

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
• 2paper  copies of a detailed Site Plan or 1 digital copy
• Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• Schedule 2 - Septic System Installer Information
  • 2 copies of detailed site plan or 1 digital (showing all building, set back to lot lines of all existing buildings, lot dimensions, north indicator, civic and legal address, well, septic, driveway locations, ponds, watercourse, rivers and street locations) Highlight new construction
  • 2 copies of complete septic system plans and specifications or 1 digital
  • Site evaluation report
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner (if applicable)
• Lot grading approval
• Conservation Authority approval (if regulated area)
• Permit Fees. See Schedule A of the Town's Building By-law 2021-0019

Contact the Building Division by email to request more information or to clarify anything regarding construction of a building.

Septic System Checklist

A building permit is required for a solar panel installation that will be installed on a building or that is designed to provide hot water. 

A permit is not required for ground-mounted solar panel systems that are not connected to water or heating sources. Also, a building that is accessory to the solar panel and is more than 108 sqft in area also requires a building permit.

Installation of solar panels, whether supported by a building or on the ground, is exempt from the Town's Zoning By-law. However, they may be regulated by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). Please contact the LSRCA for more information.

You will need a set of construction drawings to submit to the Building Division for review before a permit can be issued and installation can begin. You will also be required to retain the services of a professional engineer to evaluate the existing framing to confirm structural sufficiency and propose construction if/where needed.

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, including Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• 2 paper copies of a detailed Site Plan or 1 digital copy showing:
  • the location and number of panels
  • the location of pole, meter and DC disconnect switch
• 2 paper sets of all construction drawings or 1 digital copy to scale and dimensioned
  • Professional engineer drawing or report on existing structure confirming the structure can sustain the additional loading
  • General review commitment form completed by the owner and professional engineer
  • Roof attachment details (no plastic connectors or attachments)
• Letter of Authorization signed by owner, required only when the applicant is not the owner
• Permit Fees. See Schedule A of the Town's Building By-law 2021-0019

Watch the Town's "Do I need a Pool Enclosure Permit" video for more information as to what needs to be considered when it comes to pool enclosures in Georgina.

All privately-owned outdoor swimming pools which can hold water at least 60 cm (24 in) deep must be enclosed with a pool enclosure and require a Pool Enclosure Permit.

A pool enclosure must be

• At least 1.2 meters (4 ft.) in height
• Non-climbable

The pool walls of an above ground swimming pool, a deck, a guardrail or a fence may serve as the enclosure. The height of a fence may not be more than 2.0m (6 ft. 6 in).

Spas and hot tubs with a locked cover that will support a weight of at least 27.2 kg (60 pounds) are not required to be enclosed by a pool enclosure and does not require a pool enclosure permit prior to its installation and use. The owner of a spa or hot tub must keep the cover closed and locked at all times when it is not being used. Spas and hot tubs that do not have the required cover must get a permit to construct a pool enclosure.

All swimming pools, spas and hot tubs must comply with setback distances from buildings and property lines in accordance with the Zoning By-law.

Make sure you can install your proposed swimming pool, spa or hot tub by consulting:

• Town of Georgina, Zoning By-law and the Pool Enclosure By-law 
  • After you review the Zoning By-law, if you have any questions please contact the Building Division by email or phone at 905-476-4301 ext. 3007.
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
• Development Engineering approvals:
• You might need a Site Alteration and Entrance Permit if you are installing a pool. This ensures that the grading and drainage of your property will not negatively affect a neighbouring property. This approval will be needed before building permit issuance. 

When applying for a building permit, the following is required

• Complete a Pool Enclosure Permit Application
• A site plans, showing:
  • the proposed location of the pool, spa and hot tub
  • distances to the house, accessory structures and property lines
  • dimensions of the swimming pool, spa and hot tub
  • location of pump and filter
• Details of fence enclosure and self-closing/latching gate(s)
• Swimming Pool Site Alteration and Entrance Permit from the Development Engineering Division where site grading works are required or proposed
  • All in-ground pools require a site alteration permit
  • Other pools may require a site alteration permit if grading works are proposed
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority approval (If applicable)

If you have any issues or questions regarding the Pool Enclosure Permit Application, please contact the Building Division by email or phone at 905-476-4301 ext. 3007.

Permit fees for Pool Enclosure Permit only (Site Alteration Permit fees are separate):

• In-ground pool $150
• Above-ground Pool $100
• On-ground Pool (Seasonal temporary) $50

Credit card through the online application

The Town of Georgina has partnered with Stripe, a third-party service provider, to bring you the convenience of paying online. This service fee is 2.9 percent plus 30 cents per transaction and must be paid by the applicant.

Through Service Georgina

To process your payment, visit the Civic Centre at 26557 Civic Centre Rd. Keswick, ON L4P 3G1, or email Service Georgina or call 905-476-4301 ext. 3005. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.