Building and Property

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula is happy to help you with your latest project. The Town issues permits for:

• New construction, repairs and renovation building permits
• Demolition permit
• Change of use building permit
• Well and Septic Systems
• Entranceways
• Pool Enclosures
• Signs
• Special Event Tent Permit

Building permits allow the municipality to protect the interests of both individuals and the community.  By reviewing building plans before any work is done, the municipality can ensure that buildings comply with the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, Conservation Authorities, and the local planning department, official plan and zoning by-law. 

Zoning Inquiries

Are you looking for information on property you are thinking about buying or looking for information on property you already own?  If you have any concerns or questions about Official Plan and/or Zoning By-Law compliance, before you call the municipal office, please use the links in the previous paragraph to access the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law.  You can also use Bruce County Interactive Mapping as a resource.    

When do I Need a Building Permit?

Building without a permit can result in costly fines. If you are unsure whether or not your structure requires a permit, contact our Building Department. 

New information about Sheds

Sheds

As per the Ontario Building Code, a shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Act and is exempt from compliance with the Ontario Building Code, provided that the shed, a)            is not more than 15m2 in gross b)            is not more than one storey in building height,            c)            is not attached to a building or any other structure,     d)            is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and      e)            does not have plumbing. If such buildings/structures meet the above noted criteria, they are still required to comply with all applicable law including but not limiting to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 122-2009, clearance distances to sewage systems as per the OBC etc.

Call Before You Dig

If you are planning to dig, build or excavate, it is important that you locate all of your utility lines first. In fact, under Ontario regulations, it is the law. To have municipal infrastructure located, please contact Ontario One Call to register your locate request.

Apply For a Permit

We have launched with Cloudpermit which is best supported on Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Internet Explorer is not currently supported. All building/septic permit applications will now be accepted through our online portal.

If you are having difficulty with Cloudpermit and have verified that you are using one of the supported browsers listed above and have reviewed the Cloudpermit Guide please contact the Building Division for assistance at 519-534-1400 or by logging a ticket with the support system (upper right hand corner on the Cloudpermit main page).

Apply for a building permit 

Permit Fees

Building Permit, Demolition Permit, Change of Use, Pool, Special Event Tent

Building Permit fees Type of Building  Fee  New residential, additions, alterations or repairs  $1.35 per sq ft Minimum $200  New residential accessory structures, carports, decks, retrofits, pool  $0.80 per sq ft Minimum $150  Industrial, Commercial, Institutional building  $1.40 per sq ft Minimum $250  Farm Buildings (not dwellings)  $0.25 per sq ft Minimum $100  Demolitions  $125 flat fee  Change of use, renewal permits, other  $150 flat fee  Wood burning systems  $100 flat fee  Plumbing (newly constructed, repaired, or altered)  $150 flat fee  School portables  $150 flat fee  Tents  $75 flat fee  Pre-engineered fabric buildings  $500 flat fee  Designated structures  $2,000 flat fee

Septic System

Septic Type Fee Class 2 or 3 (new or replacement) $250 Class 4 or 5 (new or replacement) $500 Class 4 or 5 tank replacement or class 4 leaching bed repair $200 Change of Use $100 Demolition $100 Renewal $100 Building Assessment application or change of use basic review $100

Entrance Permit

Entrance permit Description Fee Entrance Permit $175 Entrance Permit additional inspection (as required) $60 Cut Permit $175 Sidewalk Cut deposit (certified cheque) $750 Road Cut deposit (certified cheque) $1500 Curb Cut deposit (certified cheque) $600 Cut Permit additional inspection (as required) $60

Sign Permit

Sign Permits Our by-law regulates signs.  If a sign is to be attached to a building, you should contact the Building Division as you may need a building permit.  You would not be required to get a building permit and a sign permit. For the most part, signs on private properties are not regulated.  We would regulate a sign on private property if it needs a building permit, if the sign has electronic components that shine directly into dwelling windows, if the sign shines/flashes so that it interferes with traffic or if the sign hangs over or encroaches on Town property.  Other conditions on private property may apply; please discuss with Legislative Services.   Requests for Tourism Destination Signs, 911 Signs and Wiarton Business Directional Signs should be directed to our Public Works Department. For all other signs which require a permit, please complete the permit application and submit to the Legislative Services Department.  If you have questions about the applicability of the by-law to your particular sign, please contact Legislative Services. Description Fee Tourism destination sign - 12" x 48" blue with white lettering $237.30 Wiarton business directional signs - 6 1/4" x 30" blue with white lettering $113 911 blades No charge 911 posts $15 911 blade and post installation $45 Sign Permit - non profit and community organizations $10 Sign Permit - all other signs except election signs $20 Sign Permit - election signs $0 Removal of unauthorized sign - per sign $100 Removal of unauthorized signs - tipping fees for disposal Actual cost House sign for properties of interest (heritage) Actual cost

Development Charges

In 2016, the Town implemented Development Charges.  Development Charges apply to the areas known as South Wiarton and Outside of South Wiarton - both areas are in and immediately around the community of Wiarton.  Development Charges are due upon the issuance of a building permit - some exceptions apply.

In 2022, a new Development Charges Background Study and Proposed By-Law were posted for public review, in accordance with the provisions of the Development Charges Act, 1997 as amended.  A public meeting was held on April 5, 2022 at 9:00 am.  On April 19, 2022, Council adopted a by-law with the same rates as contained in their previous by-law.  The Notice of Passage of the Development Charges By-Law was posted with the final date of appeal for the by-law being May 29, 2022.  No appeals were received.  This means that the by-law is in full force and effect.  In accordance with the provisions contained in the Development Charges Act, 1997 as amended, a pamphlet explaining the by-law has been prepared. 

Council has asked staff to bring back a report on items that they may want to change in the by-law at a later date.  Items for future consideration are affordable housing, tiny homes, south of Wiarton expanded servicing and industrial exemptions.  Council also wants to review the proposed charges and projects as presented in the Background Study.

Annual Report of Building Fees and Costs

• 2019 
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022