Business Applications, Licences and Permits

The enforcement of building codes serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Permit Applications are available at the Township Office or on our website and should be dropped off to the Township Office prior to appointment arrangements.  This will help to ensure that all required paperwork accompanies the application.  Appointments can also be arranged to discuss a proposed building permit application. 

Forms:

Universal Building Permit Application Form

• Includes both Building and Sewage Permit Applications.
• Please note that building interviews and inspections by appointment are preferred.
• You are advised to contact the Chief Building Official for details on what your building permit application may require. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the purpose of permits?

A: Permits ensure that construction within your municipality meets standards set out in the Ontario Building Code. No matter what the specific project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

Q: How are permits used by Building Officials?

A: Building Officials use Building Permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes. You have a major investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel. When that home or business building does not comply with the codes, the value of your investment could be reduced. Applying for a Building Permit notifies the Building Official that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure the regulations in the Ontario Building Code are followed.

Q: Why bother with a Building Permit?

A: Building Permits provide the means for Building Officials to ensure the health, safety and welfare of building occupants. The building permit process helps you understand what the local bylaws and regulations are. Before any construction or remodeling work begins, a permit should be obtained. Building permits provide the means for Building Officials to review the design and inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

Q: What is the building permit process?

1. Visit or Call your Local Building Official.

You can usually reach a local Building Official at the Building and Inspections department at your local municipal offices.

The Building Official will ask "What are you planning to do?" and "Where are you planning to do it?" Then, the Building Official will explain the requirements (codes/regulations) regarding your project. An application for a building permit will be given to you at this time.

This initial contact will provide the resources and information you will need to make your project a success and avoid potential problems which could cost you time and money.

2. Submit Application.

The permit application requires information about the construction project. You'll be asked to document "who" will perform the work, "what" work will be done, "where" the work will be done, "when" the work will be done and "how" the work will be done. Scaled drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review.

3. Wait During Review Process.

The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. The Building Official will determine if your project is in compliance with the building code, the zoning and other municipal bylaws and provincial regulations.

4. Receive Results of Review Process.

A. If compliance with the code, zoning and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit issued.

B. If compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, you can make the necessary corrections and re-apply.

5. Receive Permit.

The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process. The permit fee helps defray the cost of the Building Official's time spent in the application, reviews and on-site inspection process.

The fee also gives you access to the Building Official's knowledge and experience when and if you have any questions about your construction project. An additional fee for services, such as water and sewer connections and deposits for protection to public property may be required. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the Permit.

Most building departments require you to post the building permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed changed to the attention of the Building Official immediately. Changes will require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

6. Arrange Inspection Visits

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Building Official to make certain the work conforms to the Building Code, the Building Permit and the Approved Plans.

The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection. Normally, 24 to 48 hours advance notice is required.

If an inspector finds that some work does not conform to approved plans, the inspector will advise (and possibly provide written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.

7. Certificate of Occupancy

Upon final inspection, the Inspector may issue a Certificate of Occupancy at the request of the General Contractor. This certificate is the formal document which marks the completion of your construction project and gives you permission to occupy your new or renovated building with the knowledge that it has met the safety standards in your community.

The regulation of open air burning in Perth South is important for purposes of risk management and environmental conscientiousness.  See here for information about the 2014 information update for controlled burns and flying lanterns.       

Open air burning must only be conducted with the approval of the Fire Chief Official and in accordance with the conditions set out in the Controlled Burn Permit for Open Air Burning By-law #18-2014.  Please read this By-law prior to completing the application process. 

Application Forms and Contacts 

To see which application you must fill out, see the fire services map for Perth County.   

• Perth East Controlled Burn Permit (Sebringville Fire Station Area)

• Controlled Burn Permit Application (St. Marys Fire Area)

• Controlled Burn Permit Application (Biddulph- Blanshard Fire Area)

Upon final inspection of the building permit process, the Inspector may issue a Certificate of Occupancy at the request of the General Contractor.  This certificate:

• Is the formal document that marks the completion of your construction project.
• Gives you permission to occupy your new or renovated building with the knowledge that it has met the safety standards in the community.

For more information, contact the Chief Building Official.

If you are interested in applying for appointment to a council advisory committee or special purpose body, download this form or obtain one by contacting the Township office during regular office hours.  For more information about committees and boards contact the Clerk's department.

Dog owners are required to obtain a licence for their dog (see By-Law #41-2006 Part 5).  Invoices are sent out at the beginning of each year to registered dog owners.  Please ensure that the tag is attached to the dog at all times when it is off your property.  A dog tag is the best form of ID for your dog, as it will assist in recovering your dog if it is lost.  If you are unsure if your dog is registered, contact the Township office.   

Anyone who wishes to obtain a kennel licence must complete an application form (see By-Law #41-2006).  Forms are available at the municipal office.  It is important to contact the municipal office prior to building any type of kennel structure, etc. as there are certain zoning requirements and standards in place.

Building and Planning Fee Schedule

Township of Perth South General Fee Schedule

Township By-law for Line Fences

Line Fence Act

Guide to Line Fences Act, 2006 (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)

Fence Viewers

Fence Viewers act in accordance with the Line Fences Act, which sets out the procedure for the resolution of line fence disputes between owners of adjoining properties.  Fence Viewers do not determine the location of a boundary line.

Contact Information

Patrick Mills

R.R. #1, Granton, ON N0M 1V0

Phone: 519-225-2660

Please refer to your specific fire area By-laws and permit forms for more information on fireworks.  You can find your specific fire area by viewing the fire services map for Perth County.

Perth East Fireworks By-law and Permit Form

St. Marys Fireworks By-law and Permit Form

If you wish to access municipal records, please begin by contacting the Municipal Clerk by email or phone.  It is important to note that the rules governing access and privacy under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) apply to both formal and informal requests for information.

Formal requests must be made in writing using the MFIPPA Request Form and accompanied by a $5.00 application fee. 

MFIPPA Facts 

• MFIPPA applies to all local government organizations including municipalities, school boards, public utilities, transit and police commissions, fire departments, conservation authorities, boards of health and other local boards.  Separate Acts apply specifically to Provincial Ministries, agencies and Federal Government institutions. 
• MFIPPA came into effect January 1, 1991
• MFIPPA requires municipalities to protect the privacy of an individual's personal information existing in government records (this includes rules regarding the collection, use, disclosure and disposal of personal information in the custody and control of a municipality).
• For more information, see the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Mandatory Pre-Requisites:

• Organizations must have been in existence for at least one (1) year before being considered eligible for lottery licences.
• The organization must have a place of business in Ontario, demonstrate that it is established to provide charitable services in Ontario and sue proceeds for objects or purposes which benefit Ontario residents.

More Information: 

For more information, please contact the Clerk at the Township.

Additionally, you can view the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Lottery Licensing Policy Manual (LLPM).                

Lottery License Applications and Report Forms:

Application to Manage and Conduct a Bingo Lottery (via AGCO)

Bingo Lottery Report (via AGCO)

Application to Manage and Conduct a Raffle Lottery (via AGCO)

Raffle Lottery Report (via AGCO)

Application to Manage and Conduct a Blanket Raffle Lottery(via AGCO)

Application to Manage and Conduct a Break-Open Ticket Lottery (via AGCO)

Break-Open Ticket Lottery Report (via AGCO)

Application to Manage and Conduct a Lottery Type Scheme at a Bazaar (via AGCO)

Bazaar Lottery Event Report (via AGCO)

Where an owner of livestock or poultry has discovered death or injury, a Valuer will be directed to make a full investigation and a report (in writing) detailing the damage and his or her reward.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Deadstock Disposal

List of Licensed Livestock Mortality Collection Services

Marriage Licences are issued by the Clerk's Office at a fee of $100.00 (cash or interact only, no cheques).

Please read the following licence requirements before you complete the Marriage Licence Application Form.  Also see the Ontario Government "Getting married" webpage for more information regarding your marriage.  

• Issuance of licences are during regular business hours.  Due to possible staff schedule conflicts, it is best to call ahead for an appointment. 
• A licence may only be issued to the Applicant and/or Joint Applicant.
• Both parties to the marriage must sign the application form.
• Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Current Passport, or Affidavit of Age.  Photo identification is also required for both parties.
• If a marriage licence is issued to only one party, proof age still applies for both parties and the application form must be signed by both parties.
• If the applicant(s) is/are living at a rural route address or have a box number as an address, the lot, concession, township or actual street address is required.
• If the applicants are getting married in a rural area, the Township name is required on the application form.
• If either or both applicant(s) were divorced in Canada, the original or certified copy of the Decree of Absolute or Certificate of Divorce is required.  Certified copies can be obtained from the Court which granted the divorce.  Uncertified photocopies are not acceptable.  Applicants who are widowed are not required to provide proof of the death of their spouse.
• If either or both applicant(s) were divorced outside of Canada, please consult the Issuer of Marriage Licences for requirements.
• Once issues the Marriage Licence is valid for three months and may be used at any Location within the Province of Ontario.  The location must be as specified on the licence.

 For more information, contact the Clerk's Office.  

If you wish to use, alter or develop your property in a way that does not conform with the Zoning By-law, you must apply for a site-specific amendment to the By-law.  A minor variance is a small variation from the requirements of the Zoning By-law. It is a certificate of permission because it allows the property owner to obtain a building permit even though their property or building project does not fully comply with the Zoning by-law.  Under section 45(1) of the Planning Act, there are four tests a minor variance must meet: 

1) Is the application minor? 

2) Is the application desirable for the appropriate development of the lands in question?

3) Does the application conform to the general intent of the Zoning By-law?

4) Does the application conform to the general intent of the Official Plan?

An Official Plan is a document in which policies for the planning and development of the municipality are described. Proposals for amendments to the Official Plan must be in conformity with the Provincial Policy Statement. 

For more information, see the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Citizen's Guide to Official Plans.

See the pre-authorized payment plan form for information regarding this option for paying your property taxes.  

Forms:

• Pre-Authorized Payment Terms
• Enrolment Form
• Notice of Change Form
• Notice of Cancellation Form

There are two convenient withdrawal options: 

For septic information, contact the Chief Building Official.

Prior to making an application a proponent is required to pre-consult with the Township to determine the appropriateness of the request and review submission requirements.  If the applicant is not the owner of the subject land, a written statement by the owner which authorizes the applicant/ agent to act on behalf of the owner as it relates to the subject application, must accompany the application. 

Site Plan approval is valid for one (1) year from the date of approval.  If a building permit is not issued during this time, Site Plan approval is void.  In accordance with Section 41 (7) of the Planning Act RSO 1990, the Township may require the owner of the land to meet certain conditions to the approval of plans. 

See the hyperlinks below for more information:

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Application for a Special Occasion Permit Guide

County of Perth Policy for Special Events on County Roads

Please go the Perth County Planning and Development site for information about Plan of Subdivision or Condominium.

The Zoning By-law of the municipality implements the policies of the Official Plan.  This By-law controls the use of land by dividing the municipality into different land use zones, with detailed map.  It specifies exactly:

• How land may be used.
• Where buildings and other structures may be located.
• The types of buildings that are permitted and how they may be used.
• The lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks from the street.

Proposals for amendments to the Zoning By-law must be in conformity with the Official Plan.  Where such proposals do not conform to the Official Plan, the applicant has the option of applying to amend the Official Plan.

Council decisions on Official Plan amendment applications are based on matters such as appropriateness of the proposed development, land use compatibility, servicing and need and justification provided.

See the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs website for a series of Citizen's Guides to Land-use Planning.

See the relevant application forms below:

• Site Plan Design Guidelines and Site Plan Application

• Application for Severance or Consent

• Application for Minor Variance or Permission

• Application for Zoning By-law Amendment

• Application for Local Official Plan Amendment

• Application for Exemption from Part Lot Control