Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met, primarily for safety reasons.

It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required.

You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit, but the owner should ensure that they have the permit prior to any work starting.

If you are unsure if a home improvement requires a building permit please refer to the Home Improvements & Building section on the right or contact the Building Department at (519) 360-1998 or by email at ckbes@chatham-kent.ca

Important Notice to all Designers

Bill 124 (Ont. Reg. 305/03) requires that persons making an application for a building permit will be required to have mandatory building code knowledge examinations and be registered with the Ministry for designers of buildings. This will also require mandatory minimum required levels of professional indemnity insurance

All building drawings that are being submitted will be assessed by the Building Department to determine if a designer is required to be registered with the Province.

Exemptions:

1.   Homes designed by a builder who is registered under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act in which the builder has successfully completed an exam with the Ministry relative to the proposed construction.

2.   A home (only) designed by the owner.

3.   Farm buildings of low human occupancy which are 2 stories or less, which are less than 600 meters squared in building area.

4.   Additions to dwelling units.

5.   Accessory buildings less than 50 meters squared.

All other building permit applications will require the designer to be identified along with proof of registration with the Province. Please refer to the Ministry’s Web site at: www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca  for further updates to this legislation.

Please note that this change came into effect July 1, 2005.