Residential Building

Approvals from other agencies are often required before a building permit can be processed and issued. The building department does not administer these approvals. The fastest way to obtain a building permit is to ensure that all other required approvals are completed before the permit application.

An Applicable Law Checklist is required as part of a complete application. Agency contacts are included with this form. Our community mapping has many of these layers mapped to help you determine if additional approvals are required for your application.

Zoning Requirements

Finding the zoning associated with your property is easy with our GIS Community Web Map; position your property and turn on the zoning layer by clicking layer list, planning, and zoning.

You will need to provide a plot plan for zoning review. Refer to Norfolk County Zoning Bylaw. This plot plan needs to include the following:

• Property lines and lot dimensions,
• Location of building and all other structures on the lot,
• Location of all steps and landing,
• Distance from dwelling to property lines
• Parking spots with dimensions,
• Location of septic systems

A planning application will be required if your proposed building or structure does not comply with the zoning requirements. Zoning and Planning approval is required as part of a complete permit 
application. 

• Contact the Planning Department at planning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1842
• Contact the Zoning Department at zoning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1000

Lot Grading

Under the Norfolk County Grading and Drainage By-law, proposed grading plans and a lot grading form shall be submitted with all building permit applications. 

Proposed grading plans need to identify the following:

• all surface features; 
• existing and proposed structures; 
• changes in grade and slopes in percent between such changes, and
• Include sufficient information regarding adjacent properties to confirm conformance with this By-Law with respect to drainage onto those properties.

An exemption may be considered for a lot in a rural area. You must complete the application form, and fees apply.

Site plan drawing example.

A building permit application consists of several documents. The forms must be completed, signed, and dated. 

Who can design a house?

As the property owner, you can complete the design yourself or have a qualified individual with a BCIN number in the House, an Architect, or a Professional Engineer complete the drawings. 

Buildings containing multiple dwelling units may require qualified individuals to complete the design documents. Check with a Building Inspector before making the application.

Drawings and Documents

Drawings must be legible and to scale. Complete them using a ruler or computer-aided drafting (CAD) software. Provide enough information and detail to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. Accessory building construction is located in Division B, Part 9 of the code. 

Building Department staff, by law, are not permitted to provide design advice. It is the responsibility of the property owner or authorized agent to complete a design that meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the Building Code Act (BCA) 

If you cannot complete the application, you should retain a qualified designer to assist you. 

Building Permits - Application Checklist

Completed Forms 

• Building Permit Application Form 
• Schedule 1: Designer Information.
• Applicant Authorization Form: if the property owner does not complete the application, 
• Applicable Law Checklist and supporting documents. 
• Lot grading form or exemption request. 
• Water, storm sewer, sanitary sewer connection permit (where required). 
• Evaluation of existing on-site septic system (where required).

Required Documents 

• Plot Plan:
  • Property lines and lot dimensions,
  • Location of building and all other structures on the lot,
  • Location of all steps and landings,
  • Distance from dwelling to property lines,
  • Parking spots with dimensions,
  • Location of septic system,
• Lot Grading Plan.
• Drawing of the building including: 
  • Footing, foundations, anchorage details (where applicable)
  • Floor plans 
  • Room names, sizes and ceiling heights,
  • Door and window location and sizes,
  • Location of plumbing fixtures, including laundry facilities,
  • Fire separation, firewall design (if applicable)
  • Smoke alarms and/or fire alarm systems.
• Elevations.
• Cross sections of the exterior wall from footing to roof.
• Roof truss layout or roof framing plan.
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS), performance or prescriptive option.
• Engineered floor system layout (where required).
• Engineered beam details (i.e. LVL’s, steel beams) (where required)
• Residential mechanical ventilation design summary.
• Ventilation duct design: 
  • Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) duct sizing and layout,
  • Exhaust fan duct sizing and layout.
• Septic application (where required) This is a separate application; see septic.

Fees

• Building Permit fee
• Plumbing permit fee 
• Occupancy fee
• Lot grading exemption fee
• Water/Sewer/Storm connection permit fee(if applicable)
• Civic address fee (if applicable)
• Development charges

Septic Permits - Application Checklist

Completed Forms

• Building Permit Application Form
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Schedule 2: Percolation time ('T' time) report from a licensed testing agency.

Fees

• Septic Permit fee

Online

• Visit the Norfolk CityView Permits Portal and make your application online 

Email:

• Electronically submit your permit documents to permits@norfolkcounty.ca.

In Person

Visit our service counter located at 12 Gilbertson Dr., Simcoe, Ontario.

Please call or email ahead and make an appointment. Our Permit Coordinators will review your application and provide in writing any missing items and a cost breakdown for the permit fees and payment options.

A Building Inspector will contact you in writing if there are building code concerns or missing information from your application.

A building permit is issued once all documentation has been received, fees are paid in full, and your plans are check for compliance zoning by-law and the building code.

Once you have obtained a building permit, a building inspector needs to attend your site at several milestones in the construction process. Read more about inspections.

Once all inspections are complete and passed your permit is closed.