Building and Renovating

A building permit review for a carport or garage that is an accessory to an existing house is required.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Site plan

  • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way, or easements (referenced to a current survey)

  • Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions, and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings

  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height

  • Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscape treatments, and accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.)

• Residential garages or accessory structures

  • Garage or Accessory Structure to be shown on Site Plan, showing the:
    • Location of all existing and proposed buildings on the lot, setbacks to property lines, and distance between proposed structure and other buildings on the lot
    • Dimensions and locations of all required vehicle parking spaces and the driveway used to access the spaces
    • Floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details of the structure, including the details of the concrete floor slab, such as the concrete strength and reinforcement proposed

• Construction details and notes

  • Building materials and specifications of all wall, floor, and roof assemblies with typical wall section and typical roof detail

  • Provide guard details, including connection details

Damp proofing is a coating, usually asphalt-based, that is either sprayed on or hand applied to the outside of the wall.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Cross section

• Construction details and notes

  • A typical sub-grade drainage system consists of:
    • A rigid or flexible 4 inch perforated drain pipe laid over native ground or clear stone then covered with a minimum of 6 inches of clear stone; some pipe is available with a sleeve to filter fines. This pipe should outlet to daylight, adequately drained soil, or a mechanically drained chamber (a sump)
    • A covering of geotechnical filter fabric, as a barrier between the gravel and the backfill (optional)
    • Backfill compacted in lifts to rough grade
    • Finish grade sloped away from the wall

A building permit review for a deck, verandah, or porch to an existing house is required. A permit is required for decks that are more than 60 cm (24 in) above ground.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Plans for decks and verandahs must show the following:

  • Details of footings, including footing size, spacing, depth, height above grade, and frost protection details
  • Sizes and locations of all columns
  • Sizes, locations, and spans of all beams
  • Stair construction details, including height and depth of stair treads and headroom above stairs (where applicable)
  • Guard construction details, including information about openings and climbability, and the location of the guards with respect to stairways, landings, and edges of the proposed platform

• Site plan

  • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way, or easements (referenced to a current survey)

  • Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions, and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings

  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height

  • Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscape treatments, and accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.)

A permit to demolish an existing building.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

Required documentation:

• Survey or site plan showing the size and location of the building to be demolished, as well as property lines and lot area

Building permit for the construction of a designated structure, such as communication towers, crane runways, exterior tanks and supports, pedestrian bridges, retaining walls, satellite dishes, and solar collector panels.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Site Plan

  • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area (referenced to a current survey)
  • Location of existing/proposed buildings and location of designated structure with overall dimensions, and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings
  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions

• Construction details and notes

  • Building materials and specifications of all structures and assemblies with typical construction sections and connection details

• Plans

  • Dimensioned plans of the designated structure

• Elevations

  • Scaled exterior elevations showing height(s)

• Calculations

  • Pertinent related structural load calculations

Provided the fence does not enclose a pool, is less than 2.13 m (7 ft) in height in a residential zone and less than 2.44 m (8 ft) in a non-residential zone, and meets all other applicable laws, no building permit is required.

Stand-alone Mechanical (HVAC) building permit for work that is not related to other construction proposed for a building.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Mechanical system layout
  • Layout of the mechanical system at each floor level
• Mechanical details
  • Type, location, and size of equipment
• Heat loss and heat gain calculations
• Ventilation
  • Mechanical ventilation calculations and design

A building permit for any new buildings.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Site plan

  • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way, or easements (referenced to a current survey)

  • Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings

  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height

  • Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscape treatments, and accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.)

• Lot grading plan

  • Submit a plan showing the proposed grading of the lot, designed in a mannerthat will result in no new instances of ponding occur on existing adjacent properties and the subject property as a result of construction

• Floor plans

  • Fully dimensioned for each level showing existing and proposed uses of all spaces, including location of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all plumbing fixtures.
  • Provide existing/proposed construction with foundation and exterior wall information, showing interior partitions and structural framing above

• Roof plan

  • Existing/proposed roof layout showing roof structure, skylights, roof slopes, hips/valleys/peaks, and ventilation

• Truss drawings and floor joist plan

  • Where engineered roof trusses or floor systems are proposed

• Elevations

  • Exterior finishes with roof slopes, window/door type, locations, and sizes including height of sills above floor level

  • Provide area of exposed building face, percentage/area of unprotected openings, and required limiting distance(s)

  • Show exterior decks/landings, stairs, and guards/handrails

  • Provide overall building height dimension

• Sections

  • Cross section(s) to show existing/proposed building construction and specifications of all floor, wall, and roof assemblies
  • Provide footing and foundation wall details including height of exterior grade above basement floor
  • Show floor to floor, floor to ceiling, and overall building heights
  • Detail stairs, landings, guards, and handrails

• Construction details and notes

  • Building materials and specifications of all wall, floor, and roof assemblies with typical wall section and typical roof detail
  • Provide guard details including connection detail

• Mechanical and plumbing requirements (if applicable)

  • If your project includes a mechanical (HVAC) please submit an energy efficiency design summary form and mechanical ventilation design summary with your building permit application

Stand-alone plumbing building permit for work which is not related to other construction proposed for a building.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Site or key plan

  • Site plan or key plan showing the location of existing/proposed construction on the site or within the building

• Plumbing plans

  • Plans showing the layout of plumbing and related fixtures on each floor level

A Sewage System treats the sewage to prevent the transmission of disease and prevents damage to the environment.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Site Plan

  • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way, or easements (referenced to a current survey)
  • Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions, and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings
  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height
  • Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscape treatments, and accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.)

• Construction details and notes

  • Ensure the certified installer obtained a sewage system permit prior to starting the installation

  • It is beneficial for the owner to watch the installation as it progresses, so you become familiar with the design and components which will help you in maintaining your system in the years to come

  • Ensure an inspection is conducted and that you receive a copy of all inspection reports

  • Ensure the installer provides you with an "operation and maintenance manual" and reviews its content

The City of Pembroke's Sign By-law regulates signs, advertising devices, and the posting of notices.

Sign By-law (to obtain the Sign By-law amendment regarding off-lot signs, contact By-law Enforcement)

No person shall erect, cause to be erected, or structurally alter any sign within the City of Pembroke without first obtaining a sign permit from the Chief Building Official.

An application for a Sign Permit shall be submitted to the Chief Building Official to be checked for conformity to the Sign By-law.

Required documentation:

• Letter of authorization

  • Required if the permit applicant and/or the main contact for the project does not own the property that the application is for. The letter of authorization shows that the property owner authorizes another person to apply for the permit and be in contact with the Building Department regarding the permit

• Sign permit application

• Site plan

  • The site plan must show the location of the sign with respect to street lines, property lines, and buildings

• Drawings

  • Drawings with dimensions and specifications must show details of construction, supports, and braces

• Indemnity bond or Hold Harmless Agreement

  • An indemnity bond is an insurance certificate or letter from the broker; currently, the City requires proof of minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000. If this documentation cannot be provided, a "Schedule A: Hold Harmless Agreement" (for signs on or over City property) or a "Schedule B: Hold Harmless Agreement" (for signs not on or over City property) must be provided

A building permit is required for an addition to a small residential building, such as a detached house, a semi-detached house, or a townhouse, and for small additions to commercial buildings.

All drawings are to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Site plan

  • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way, or easements (referenced to a current survey)

  • Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions, and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings

  • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height

  • Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard and soft landscape treatments, accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.)

• Floor plans

  • Fully dimensioned for each level, showing existing and proposed uses of all spaces, including the location of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and all plumbing fixtures
  • Provide existing/proposed construction with foundation and exterior wall information, showing interior partitions and structural framing above

• Roof plan

  • Existing/proposed roof layout showing roof structure, skylights, roof slopes, hips/valleys/peaks, and ventilation

• Elevations

  • Exterior finishes with roof slopes, window/door type, locations, and sizes, including height of sills above floor level
  • Provide area of exposed building face, percentage/area of unprotected openings, and required limiting distance(s)
  • Show exterior decks/landings, stairs, guards/handrails
  • Provide the overall building height dimension

• Sections

  • Cross-section (s) to show existing/proposed building construction and specifications of all floor, wall, and roof assemblies

  • Provide footing and foundation wall details, including the height of the exterior grade above the basement floor

  • Show floor to floor, floor to ceiling, and overall building heights

  • Detail stairs, landings, guards, and handrails

• Residential garages or accessory structures

  • Garage or accessory structure to be shown on the site plan, showing the:

    • Location of all existing and proposed buildings on the lot, setbacks to property lines, and distance between proposed structure and other buildings on the lot
    • Dimensions and locations of all required vehicle parking spaces and the driveway used to access the spaces
    • Floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details of the structure, including the details of the concrete floor slab, such as the concrete strength and reinforcement proposed

• Decks and verandahs

  • Plans for decks and verandahs must show the following:

    • Details of footings, including footing size, spacing, depth, height above grade, and frost protection details

    • Sizes and locations of all columns

    • Sizes, locations, and spans of all beams

    • Stair construction details, including height and depth of stair treads and headroom above stairs (where applicable)

    • Guard construction details, including information about openings and climbability, and the location of the guards with respect to stairways, landings, and edges of the proposed platform

• Mechanical and plumbing requirements (if applicable)

  • If your project includes a mechanical (HVAC) please submit an energy efficiency design summary form and mechanical ventilation design summary with your building permit application

• Plumbing and drain permits

  • If your project includes plumbing or drain and water service elements, please submit a Plumbing Application with your building permit application. No plans required unless the project includes a reverse-sloped driveway. If the project includes a reverse-sloped driveway, then drawings must be submitted showing details of the reverse-sloped driveway and drain plan

A building permit for an interior alteration to a small residential building, such as a detached house, semi-detached house, or townhouse is required.

All drawings to be drawn on standardized-sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed, and dated.

If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code), drawings must include the designer's name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.

Required documentation:

• Floor plans

  • Fully dimensioned for each level, showing existing and proposed uses of all spaces, including the location of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all plumbing fixtures
  • Provide existing/proposed construction with foundation and exterior wall information, showing interior partitions and structural framing above

• Sections

  • Cross-section (s) to show existing/proposed building construction and specifications of all floor, wall, and roof assemblies
  • Provide footing and foundation wall details including the height of the exterior grade abovethe  basement floor
  • Show floor to floor, floor to ceiling, and overall building heights
  • Detail stairs, landings, guards, and handrails

• Construction details and notes

  • Building materials and specifications of all wall, floor, and roof assemblies, with typical wall section and typical roof detail
  • Provide guard details, including connection details

• Site plan required for second suites or new openings

  • Where the proposed alterations include a new second suite or where new openings are proposed, a site plan is required showing:

    • Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way, or easements (referenced to a current survey)

    • Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions, and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings

    • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage, and grade elevations to confirm height

    • Indicate dimensioned parking areas, driveways, hard & soft landscape treatments, and accessory structures (sheds, decks, detached garages, etc.)

• Mechanical and plumbing requirements (if applicable)

  • If your project includes a mechanical (HVAC) please submit the energy efficiency design summary form and mechanical ventilation design summary with your building permit application.

• Plumbing and drain permits

• If your project includes plumbing or drain, and water service elements, please submit a plumbing permit application with your building permit application. No plans are required unless the project includes a reverse-sloped driveway. If the project includes a reverse-sloped driveway then drawings must be submitted showing details of reverse-sloped driveway and drain plan.

A permit must be obtained for the design and construction of enclosures so that owners of pools can reasonably prevent unauthorized or accidental entry to their pools and recognize pool fences.

In-ground and above-ground swimming pools must be totally enclosed by a fence with a height not less than 1.52 m (5 ft) above grade. Such fencing shall have a locking gate and may be interrupted by an external wall of a building. This fence may enclose the entire yard in which the pool is located or only the swimming pool, so long as the pool and fence are separated by a minimum distance of 1.22 m (4 ft). All pools and fencing shall have a final inspection prior to filling the pool with water.

A permit is not required for building a fence unless there is a swimming pool involved. Although you must ensure your fences meets all provisions in the City of Pembroke Zoning By-law regarding fences.

Required documentation:

• Site plan showing the location and distance of the swimming pool and fence in relation to existing lot lines

• A drawing showing the fence construction and the height