Building Development and Planning Services

Building

The Building Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various Provincial legislation and policies including the Ontario Building Code Act Planning Act as they apply to buildings, structures and their occupancy.

The main role of the Building Department is to ensure that the building environment in which we live and work is safe and healthy. This is accomplished through permit application reviews and ensuring they comply with The Ontario Building Code, The Township Building By-Law, The Township Zoning By-Law , and Site Plan Control By-Law.

Cloud Permit Application

Apply for your Permit Online

The Township of Blandford Blenheim offers Cloudpermit to residents, builders, and the business community. Cloudpermit is an online system that allows you to apply for and track your building permits.

By-law 16-2019, as amended, requires the base fee payable upon receipt of an application.

The applicant will be notified of the full fee amount payable and full payment of the balance owing must be received by the Building Department prior to permit issuance. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or debit at the Township office.

A complete application must include the following:

Completed permit application form
Completed schedule 1 form/designer form (if applicable)
Drawings (must be legible and clearly show construction details to scale)
Site plan (must be fully dimensioned showing all overall dimensions of the property, all buildings with dimensions on the property, and distance to property lines from all buildings/structures, and full lot coverage calculations)
Base fee
Owner authorization letter allowing the applicant to act as the owner’s agent if the applicant is not the owner
Authorization/approval from any applicable authority having jurisdiction. i.e. UTRCA, Ministry of Transportation, etc.

New to Cloudpermit Already Registered with Cloudpermit

Building Permits

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, demolitions, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit. Here are some common projects and whether or not they require a permit. Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning permits (HVAC), and/or plumbing permits may also be required as separate permits but are usually reviewed as part of the building permit. It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain a building permit. The approved drawings should be kept on the building site and be readily accessible at all times.

Finishing previously unfinished spaces such as rec. rooms, family rooms, attics, etc.
Repair and underpinning of foundations
Construction of temporary buildings
Construction of accessory buildings (sheds, etc.) exceeding 15 m2 (161.46 ft2)
Installation of pool enclosures
Construction of decks in excess of 60.96 cm (24") above grade
Construction of attached and detached garages
Demolitions

The following are examples of projects that do not require a building permit:

Note: Although your project may not require a building permit, it does not relieve you of your responsibility to comply with the zoning by-law.

Replacement of stucco, siding, or shingles with the same material
Replacement of doors when the opening is not altered
Construction of fences (other than Pool Enclosure Fences)
Patching, painting, and decorating
Installation of cabinets and shelves
Decks less than 60.96 cm (24”) above grade

You may now apply for a Building Permit online through Cloud Permit! Create an account for fast and simple submission of your application. Here is a Cheat Sheet staff have created to help you through the steps. Building permit applications may be downloaded from the Township website or retrieved from the Township office. It is recommended that building permit process begin well ahead of the construction schedule in order to avoid any untimely delays.

View permit guidelines, an explanation of how to obtain a permit, as well as complete application package.

Building permit fees are calculated depending on the type of construction and size of building. In addition to permit fees, additional fees might apply such as township development charges, county development charges, septic permit fees, deposits, etc.

It is unlawful to commence construction without a building permit! If the work does not comply with the Ontario Building Code requirements:

Costly repairs may be required to gain compliance
Removal of work done not in compliance may be required
Legal action may be initiated by the Building Department to gain compliance

If you are still not certain whether or not your project requires a building permit, contact the Building Department. Our staff will be able to assist you in making that determination.

Property Standards By-Law

The Township makes information available for zoning, building, by-law & fire, finance and tax matters. This property information is generally requested by lawyers and real estate agents who want to ensure that properties are in compliance with Township of Blandford-Blenheim by-laws. This information is however, also available to any home owner.

To request property compliance, see the Finance page.

Septic System Maintenance

Septic systems are the responsibility of the homeowner. It is up to you to keep your system working properly to protect your environment, your health, and your investment. When properly designed, constructed, and maintained, a septic system should provide long-term, effective treatment of your household wastewater. If you take good care of your system, you will save yourself the time, money and worries involved in replacing a failed system. Failed systems can be hazardous to your health, the environment and your pocketbook. It can degrade water supplies and reduce your property value. For more information regarding the the maintenance of septic systems please look at the Septic Smart Brochure.

Building Development and Planning Services

Building

Cloud Permit Application

Apply for your Permit Online

Building Permits

When is a building permit required

When a building permit is not required

Getting a building permit

Building Permit Costs

If you don't get a permit

Property Compliance Request

Septic System Maintenance