Building Department

A building permit is a document that gives written permission for the construction of any new structure, addition or renovation.  

You can only get a building permit if the plans for construction comply with:

• the Ontario Building Code;
• Township of Perth South zoning by-laws;
• other applicable laws and regulations.

 The Township of Perth South has introduced a new building permit software called City Reporter which allows for building applications to be done online.  Go to City Reporter to register.

Here is a How To guide on City Reporter

You can also get a building permit application online (Building Permit Application) or at the Township Office. 

You have to fill out a building permit application, sign it and pay the permit fee paid.  You will also have to submit sketches, building drawings, plans and other documents to the municipality for processing. 

The Building Official will review completed plans and documentation to help ensure that minimum building standards are met.  Each application requires 2 complete sets of building plans and specifications unless otherwise specified. Missing or incomplete information can delay the time it takes to process and issue the Building Permit.

The following requires a building permit approved by the Chief Building Official:

• New buildings greater than 15 sq. m. (161.46 sq. ft.)
• Additions (including carports, garages, porches, etc.)
• Renovations
• Demolitions
• Prefabricated structures
• Mobile homes
• Plumbing systems, heating, ventilation
• Fireplaces, pools, decks
• Temporary buildings
• Farm buildings
• Change of Use 

• For exterior work, a floor plan, a cross section, a site plan and elevations will be required.
• For interior work, a floor plan and a cross section drawing will be required. Buildings that are over 3 stories or greater than 600 square metres will require an architect or an engineer to design and prepare plans for the building.

Do not start construction until you have your permit.  If you start work without a permit, it can lead to delays, increased permit fees or legal action.

The Perth South Permit & Fees Bylaw determines permit fees. The Building Department fee schedule was updated October 1, 2019.

The Building Department will calculate the fees and contact the applicant once the application has been submitted.

To book a building inspection in Perth South, please follow the steps below:

 1. Online Booking: Please visit the web portal for City Reporter to book an inspection.

 2. Email Booking: Send an email to Martin Feeney, CBO, (use Send Email to the right of the page) with the following information:

Before you start work on your property, contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to be sure it is safe to begin.

• If the area of the tent is greater than 60 meters squared (645 square feet).
• Tents greater than 225 meters squared (2,421 feet square) must have the tent framing and anchorage system designed and the installation inspected, by a professional engineer
• All tent fabric must comply with CAN/ULC-S109 or NFPA 701 flammability standards.

Building Permits allow municipalities to regulate the types of construction in the community and ensure that proper building standards are met. The enforcement of building codes serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

A building permit is not required for a fence.

Additional fees for services such as water, parkland dedication, and deposits for protection to public property may also be required.