Building FAQs

A building permit is required for the construction of a building or structure, for additions, for a fireplace or wood stove and for most alterations (including plumbing). 

A building permit is not required for: 

• Landscaping, sidewalks, driveways 
• Painting and decorating 
• New flooring (tile, carpet etc.) 
• Installation of kitchen cabinets (not including plumbing fixtures) 
• Replacing doors (in existing openings) 
• Installation of new windows (in existing openings) 
• Re-pointing brick veneer or chimney brick 
• Replacing deteriorated wood for verandah floors or steps 
• Installation of air conditioners or heat pumps 
• Garden or tool sheds up to 161 ft²/15m² that is not more than one storey, is not attached to any other building, is used for storage and does not have any plumbing.

*May be subject to zoning requirements 

NOTE: A building permit is required for: 

• An above-ground or in-ground pool 
• A fence 
• Tool sheds over 161 ft²/15m² 
• Replacing of shingles 

A Plan of Survey (Site Plan) may be required. 

Download the Building Permit Application 

• If roof or floor trusses are used, they must be engineered by a recognized truss company. 
• If you find that you cannot draw the plans yourself, you may be required to obtain the services of a qualified person. 
• Single line drawings will not be accepted. View sample drawings and the information sheet for Site Plan Sketch for an example of what the drawings should look like. 

HOUSE: 
Two sets of plans drawn to scale which normally include the following: 

• Site Plan 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan(s) 
• Cross-section(s) 
• All Elevations 
• Fireplace details 
• Roof Plan (for complex roof designs) 

ADDITIONS: 
Two sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following: 

• Site Plan indicating all buildings on the property (sizes and distance from all property lines) 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan(s) 
• Cross-section(s) 
• All Elevations 
• Fireplace details 
• Roof Plan (for complex roof designs) 

ATTACHED GARAGE: 
Two sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following: 

• Site Plan indicating all buildings on the property (sizes and distance from all property lines) 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan(s) NOTE: Windows and doors between garage and house should be shown. 
• Cross-section 
• All Elevations 
• Roof Plan (for complex roof designs) 

DETACHED  GARAGE  AND  SHEDS: 
Two  sets  of  plans  drawn  to  scale which include the following: 

• Site Plan indicating all buildings on the property (sizes and distance from all property lines) 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan 
• Cross-section 
• All Elevations 
• Roof Plan (for complex roof designs) 

CARPORTS: 
Two sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following: 

• Site Plan indicating all buildings on the property (sizes and distance from all property lines) 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan NOTE: Windows and doors between carport and house should be shown. 
• Cross-section 
• All Elevations 
• Roof Plan (for complex roof designs) 

DECKS: 
Two sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following: 

• Site Plan indicating all buildings on the property (sizes and distance from all property lines) 
• Foundation Plan 
• Floor Plan 
• Cross-section 
• Front Elevation 

POOLS: 
Two sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following: 

• Site Plan including; Location of pool, building(s), deck(s) and fences 
• Cross-section of deck 

OTHER PERMITS & APPROVALS: 
For your building permit, the building department requires the following: 

• 2 copies of working drawings 
• Septic approval (where required) 
• North Bay/Mattawa Conservation Authority Approval (where required) 
• Entrance Permit (from Ministry of Transportation on Highway 17 or 94, from the Municipality elsewhere) 

This publication is intended to provide general information only. The original By-laws, acts, regulations and other relevant documents should be consulted for detailed reference. 

Municipality of East Ferris 

• Planning Department and Council By-laws, Planning Advisory Committee, Site Plan Control Agreements, Land Severances, and Committee of Adjustment 

Ministry of Transportation 

• Entrance Permit from highways and Building Permits 

North Bay/Mattawa Conservation Fill & Authority 

• Fill/Alterations to water ways 
• Septic systems 

Ontario Electrical Safety Authority 

• Electrical Permit  

Ministry of Natural Resources 

• Work within water at lake  

Department Fisheries & Oceans Canada 

• Work within water at lake 

By-laws and codes ensure that development meets health, fire, structural and general safety requirements for the protection of the individual as well as the community as a whole. By-laws and codes also ensure a better standard of growth and development of the Municipality. 

• New house - 7 days for most applications 
• Additions - 7 days for most applications 
• Repairs, alterations, carports, garages, and similar items are usually issued in a few days.  

There may be exceptions depending on: 

• the complexity of the application 
• the completeness of drawings and information submitted 
• if referral to other departments or jurisdictions is necessary. 
• If special approval(s) is required such as variances, septic systems and well approvals and development control. 

Mandatory Inspections for Housing 
Call 752-2740 to arrange for an inspection. 

Notice for Inspection 

Failure to request mandatory inspections will result in a deficiency being recorded against  
the project and will be disclosed to any person having legal right to the information and may result in an Order to Uncover. 

• Notice must be given 24 business hours in advance for the above inspections. 
• If work is being carried out by a contractor, ensure that the contractor calls for each necessary inspection. 
• Look for inspection approvals before carrying out the next phase of construction.