Getting Started with Cloudpermit

 Cloudpermit How to Video

 When is a building permit required

• Construct a new building or structure greater then 10 sqm - Excluding unattached storage sheds less than 15 sqm and less than 1 storey with no plumbing;
• Additions to existing buildings;
• Repair, renovate, add to, alter or demolish an existing building;
• Prefabricated buildings;
• Relocation of existing buildings;
• Install a new septic system, plumbing, drains, sewers, etc;
• Build a deck, shed, boathouse, retaining wall, etc;
• Install solar panels on a building
• Signs;
• Demountable stage or demountable support structure;

• A tent or group of tents that are over 60 m2 (approximately 645 ft2) in aggregate ground area or attached to a building, and constructed closer than 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) from other structures

Please note that for a dock or boathouse entirely in public water is exempt from the requirement of a building permit. Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 705-725-7500

If you are unsure if your projects requires a permit, please contact the Building Department 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 by-law.

Portable Carports & Shelters

Temporary tent type sheds/car shelters less than 60 square meters 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 and cannot be located closer to the street line than the principal dwelling. 

For more information about placement, please contact Planning services.

 What other approvals will I need to get?

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.

 What to include in the building permit submission?

• Digital copy of the completed applicable law checklist
• Completed Permit Application when applying by paper, additional fees apply
• Completed digital Schedule 1 file
• Digital copy of complete building drawings ( Architectural, Structural, Trusses, Floor, Mechanical etc)
• A digital copy of your site plan/sketch or Zoning and Grading Approval 

• Digital copies of all other applicable law approvals as required for your project.

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

** If you are encountering difficulties at the attachment stage, please message through the Cloudpermit messaging system for assistance**

Building Permit Application Forms

• 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 instructions on how to scan documents to PDF by phone. Priority will be given to applications on Cloudpermit.

 Guides and Sample Drawings

Example of how to fill out the application form and schedule 

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 By-law

Septic System Setback Requirements per the Ontario Building Code

A chart showing the minimum setbacks for a septic system

Information working near Hydro Lines

Projects that require a Notice of Project from the Ministry of Labour

Ramara's Climate Design Zones

Ramara uses 3 different areas for climatic and seismic data from the Ontario Building Code Volume 2 SB-1, Table 2.

Click here to see our map of these zone areas.

How long is a Building Permit valid?

Building Permit Fees

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 department.

Please note that if you pay for your building permit online, there will be a 3% convenience fee applied for credit card (Visa, AMEX and Mastercard) payments.

When developing a vacant property or expanding and industrial, commercial or institutional use, Simcoe County, Education and Ramara development charges apply in accordance with the Development Charges by-law. For more information visit our development charges page.

Building Inspections

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