Building Permits

Effective December 20, 2021, all Township buildings and facilities are closed to the public. Building inspections will continue to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be scheduled on Cloudpermit or by phoning our inspection line at 705-484-5374 ext. 298.

Before starting any kind of construction on your property, it is best to discuss your plans with Planning Services department to ensure that you avoid any unnecessary fees and comply with the Zoning By-law. Pools and fences do not require permits. Pools must meet zoning requirements and fences must adhere to the fence by-law.

A building permit regulates the development by protecting individuals and the Township of Ramara by meeting the minimum standards for health, fire, structural and general safety as outlined in the Ontario Building Code. It is illegal to conduct work without a permit.

Apply NOW for your Permit Online!

The Township of Ramara is pleased to offer residents, builders, and the business community Cloudpermit - an online system to apply and track building permits, make payments, request inspections, and receive email updates on the building permit process.

Get up to date information on the status of your application anywhere, at any time. If you are familiar with the Cloudpermit application process, click on the Apply for a Building Permit button. For more information see the section below the button.

Apply for a Building Permit

Getting Started with Cloudpermit

For a step-by-step walk through from login to submitting your first application click here.

Cloudpermit How to Video

Important Building Permit Information

When is a building permit required

Construct a new building or structure greater then 10 sqm;
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

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.

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. of the Ontario Building Code.

What to include in the building permit submission?

Digital copy of the completed applicable law checklist
Completed digital Permit Application file if you are applying by email only
Completed digital Schedule 1 file if you are applying by email only
Digital copy of complete building drawings ( Architectural, Structural, Trusses, Floor, Mechanical etc)
A digital copy of your Pre-Permit Zoning or Site Plan Approval and other applicable law as on the checklist (Obtained from the Planning department)

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

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 an application form and schedule (For email submission only)

Deck Design information guide to help you with your deck projects.

Building Drawings - an example of information that needs to be shown

Septic System Drawings - sample of what to provide

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

How long is a Building Permit valid?

The construction of your approved project should start within the first 6 months from the date the permit was issued. If construction is to be delayed, please contact the Building Department as soon as possible.

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.

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

Building Inspections

Building inspections require a minimum of 48 hours notice. To book an inspection please use your Cloudpermitaccount. If your application is pre-Cloudpermit then please call 705-484-5374 ext. 298. When calling for an inspection, please provide the following information:

Civic Address
Type of Inspection
Date of inspection
Contact Details