Building Permits

Building permits are required during any of the following circumstances:

• Construction of a new building or structure greater then 10 square metres, excluding unattached storage sheds that are 15 square metres or less and less than one storey with no plumbing.
• Addition(s) to existing buildings.
• Repair, renovate, add to, alter or demolish of an existing building.
• Change of use.
• Prefabricated buildings.
• Relocation of existing buildings.
• Installation a new septic system, plumbing, drains, sewers, etc.
• Building a deck, shed, boathouse, retaining wall, etc.
• Installation of solar panels on a building.
• Signs.
• Demountable stage or demountable support structure.
• Shorewalls/retaining walls.
• A tent or group of tents that are over 60 square metres (approximately 645 square feet) in aggregate ground area or attached to a building, and constructed closer than three metres (approximately 10 feet) from other structures.

Demolition permits are required for demolitions of any building that is greater than 10 square metres, excluding farm buildings and 1 storey storage sheds less than 15 square metres. 

If you are unsure whether your projects requires a permit, please contact the Building Services and we will help you with all of your questions and inquiries.

If you build without a building permit, you are subject to administrative fees as per the Township's Building Bylaw.

Temporary tent type sheds/car shelters less than 60 square metres do not require a permit under the Ontario Building Code; however, the tents are considered a structure and are required to meet the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw. These include:

• Meeting the setbacks and lot coverage maximums of the particular zone
• Must be placed a minimum of 1.8 metres from the principal dwelling
• Cannot be located closer to the street line than the principal dwelling

*Does not include framed structures with solid roofing or cladding.*

For more information about placement, please contact Planning Services.

Prior to submitting your building permit, you may require approvals from other agencies. Download and complete the applicable law checklist form and submit all other approvals with your application. Having all these approvals in place prior to applying will ensure the efficient review and issuance of the building permit. 

More information on applicable law can be found in Section 1.4.1.3. Div. A of the Ontario Building Code.

See below for links to the most common applicable law in Ramara.

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is a local watershed management organization. Properties within the LSRCA-regulated area must obtain a permit from LSRCA prior to applying for a building permit.

Ministry of Transportation

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) issues permits within their regulated area. Properties within MTO-controlled areas must obtain a permit from MTO prior to applying for a building permit.

Ministry of Natural Resources

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) issues work permits for activity done along the shoreline, with the exception of the lagoons in Lagoon City. Work that meets for MNR criteria must obtain a shore land work permit from MNR prior to applying for a building permit.

• Applicable law checklist
• Building Permit Application 
• Schedule 1 
• Complete building drawings ( Architectural, Structural, Trusses, Floor, Mechanical, etc.)
• Site plan/sketch or Zoning and Grading Approval 
• Copies of all other applicable law approvals as required for your project
• Any other applicable permit application forms listed below

When uploading documents into Cloudpermit, ensure they are in a PDF format. Please follow the document scanning instructions on how to scan documents to PDF by phone.

If you encounter difficulties with your application in Cloudpermit, send the building department staff a public message in your workspace asking for assistance. The messaging feature can be found at the top-right corner of your workspace.

• Applicable Law Form
• Agent Authorization Form
• Building Permit Application Forms 
• Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineer
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary Form
• Owner/Designer Declaration Form
• Septic Permit Application
• Schedule 1 - Designer Information
• Schedule 2 - Sewage System Installer Information
• Septic Calculations
• Septic Verification Form

All applications must be submitted by PDF and/or Word format.  If you are submitting an application by phone or email, please follow the document scanning instructions on how to scan documents to PDF by phone. Priority will be given to applications on Cloudpermit.

• Example of how to fill out an application form (paper copy required for paper submissions only)
• Example of How To Fill Out a Schedule 1 as a homeowner
• Checklist for new dwellings and cottages
• Checklist for additions and renovations (Residential)
• Checklist for demolition
• Checklist for accessory buildings
• Checklist for septic
• Checklist for decks
• Deck Design information guide to help you with your deck projects.
• Building Drawings Detail Checklist - an example of information that needs to be shown
• Sample Site Plan - the project's site plan must meet the requirements of the Township's Zoning Bylaw
• Septic System Setback Requirements per the Ontario Building Code
• A chart showing the minimum setbacks for a septic system
• Occupancy Checklist
• Information working near Hydro Lines
• Projects that require a Notice of Project from the Ministry of Labour

Ramara uses three different areas for climatic and seismic data from the Ontario Building Code Volume 2 SB-1, Table 2.

See a map of the zone areas.

The construction of your approved project should start within the first six months from the date the permit was issued. If construction is to be delayed, please contact the Building Division as soon as possible.

Fees for building permits may vary depending on the type of work required. Review the Building Permit Fees for details on specific fees. For more information or questions, please contact the Building Division.

Payment for your building permit can be made at the Township Office with cash, cheque or debit. Online options are available upon request. 

When developing a vacant property or expanding an industrial, commercial or institutional use, Simcoe County, Education and Ramara development charges apply in accordance with the Development Charges Bylaw. For more information, visit the Development Charges webpage.

Building inspections require a minimum of 48 hours notice. To book an inspection, please use your online portal. 

Alternatively, an inspection may be requested by calling 705-484-5374 ext. 298.

When calling for an inspection, provide the following information:

• Civic Address
• Type of Inspection
• Date of Inspection
• Contact Details