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Woodstove Solid-Fuel Fired Appliance

A step-by-step guide for making a building permit application

Review guidelines and requirements for obtaining a permit to install woodstoves and other solid fuel-fired appliances in Norfolk County.

Building permits help protect you, your home, and the interests of your community by ensuring the project is structurally sound and follows the Ontario Building Code, municipal zoning, and other applicable laws.

Do I need a permit for a woodstove?

A Building Permit is required for a woodstove inside a building as it is a solid fuel-fired appliance and must comply with the Ontario Building Code for clearances from combustible materials.(Ontario Building Code references 9.21.1, 9.22.10, 9.33.1)

A Building Permit is not required for outdoor furnaces if the building in which they are enclosed is under 108 sqm. Outdoor furnaces still need to comply with Norfolk County's Zoning By-law.

A secondary heat source for a dwelling unit is not required if an outdoor furnace is used as the primary heat source.

Building Permit process

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

Drawings and Documents

Drawings are to be legible and to scale. Use a ruler or computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to complete your drawings. Provide enough information and detail to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

The Ontario Building Code is available online under the Regulations tab under this act. 

Building Department staff are not permitted by law 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 (OBC) and the Building Code Act (BCA).

If you are unable to complete the application and provide the required documents, you should retain a qualified designer to assist you in completing the application.

Building Permit - Application Checklist

Completed Forms

  • Building Permit Application Form.
  • Schedule 1: Designer Information.
  • Property Owner Consent Form, if the property owner does not complete the application.

Required Documents

  • Copy of the make or model of the stove and chimney(manual).
  • Proof of ULC# or CSA# is also located on the plate on the back of the stove.
  • Copy of page from manufacturer's manual that lists the clearances required and heat shield requirements.
  • Verification of WETT certification from your installer.
  • Ventilation plan. Woodstoves installed inside dwelling units require a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) to prevent the building from depressurizing.
    • (OBC 9.32.3.8)

Fees

  • Building Permit fee.

Online

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 checked for compliance with zoning by-laws and the building code.

Once you have obtained a building permit, a building inspector must 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. 

Need help?

If you have any questions on the building permit process or plans required, please contact permits@norfolkcounty.ca or call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6016. 

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