Permits

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There are many types of building permits you may need to apply for to complete a construction project in the city of Cambridge. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure they submit all required information to our Building Division when applying for a permit.

About building permits

Here is some general information about building permits.

What is a building permit?

A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property. As part of the building permit process, Cambridge's Building Division staff must review your plans to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning Bylaws, and other Applicable Law.

Who is responsible for obtaining a building permit?

It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit but as the owner you must ensure that they have the permit prior to starting any work.

Why do I need a building permit?

Permits ensure that construction projects meet all zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards required by the Ontario Building Code. Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.

What projects need a building permit?

The Building Code Act requires you to apply for a building permit for the construction of any structure with an area of more than 10 square metres (108 square feet) or contains plumbing. This includes:

Additions
Alterations
Renovations
Plumbing
Site services
Sewage systems
Other designated structures

Some typical projects requiring a building permit include:

Decks or porches 24 inches (or more) above grade
Interior structural alterations
New fireplaces or wood stoves
Adding or removing walls, such as creating different room sizes or uses
Sunrooms
Attached or detached garages, sheds or carports
Dormers or finishing of attic space
Installation of irrigation systems
Installation or repair of storm, sanitary or water services
Finishing a basement
Plumbing or drains
New or alterations to windows or doors, such as increasing the opening size
Repairs of existing or installing new septic systems
Retaining walls greater than 1 meter, depending on location
Creation of additional dwelling units, such as Duplexing

What projects don't require a building permit?

A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure that measures 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area or less and does not contain plumbing. Although a building permit may not be required, you must still meet the requirements of the Zoning By-law and Ontario Building Code.

Some typical projects that don't require a building permit include:

Fences other than for swimming pools
Decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a building and less than 24 inches above grade and does not have a roof
Roof shingling
Eaves troughs
Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air systems
Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
Replacement of existing forced-air furnace
Replacement of siding or windows
Painting and decorating
Landscaping

What is the cost of a building permit?

View our Building Permit Fee Schedule.

When do I need to get a building inspection?

The Building Official must inspect each major phase of construction to ensure the work conforms to the approved plans. Your building permit includes which building inspections your project requires. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the City to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work continues from one inspection stage to the next.

Who do I notify before starting any work?

You have to submit a Notice of project to the Ministry of Labour prior to starting work. If you think you might have asbestos in your building please contact the Ministry of Labour to determine how to proceed.

Application process

The following information explains the application process for building permits issued by the City of Cambridge Building Division.

Can I apply online?

You can now apply for, check the status of, and pay for permits online, from the comfort of your home or office. Register and create a user account to get started.

We are currently accepting the following application types through our online system:

New residential building permits
New residential townhouse building permits
Mobile sign permits

For a detailed walk-though of our online permits service, watch the instructional video below.

What do I need to include in my application package?

All permits require you to submit:

The appropriate application form (varies by project)
Two copies of the project site plan
Two copies of each of the following working drawings (unless told otherwise by the Chief Building Official):

Site Plan
Floor Plans
Foundation Plans
Framing Plans
Roof Plans
Reflected Ceiling Plans
Sections and Details
Building Elevations
Electrical Drawings
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Drawings and Calculations
Plumbing Drawings
Architectural Drawings
Structural Drawings
Specifications and all related Soil, Engineering and Architectural Reports
Building Code Matrix/Summary

Any required permit fees (made payable to the City of Cambridge)

Which application form(s) do I need to complete?

Some common projects and required building permit applications include:

Residential (regulated by Part 9 of the Building Code)

Accessory Structures

Additions

Decks

Fireplace or Woodstoves

New Residential, additions or renovations

Temporary Tents

Industrial, Commercial, Institutional and Large Residential (regulated by Part 3 of the Building Code)

New Construction, additions or renovations

Temporary Tents

Demolition Permits

Demolition permits

Application package

Plumbing Permits (Independent of other construction)

Plumbing permit application forms including new backflow preventors and sewage systems
Design level cross connection survey
Site servicing installation program

Where do I submit my application package?

You can complete your permit application online or submit your application in person to the City of Cambridge Building Division at:

50 Dickson Street, Third Floor
Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

View our Building By-Law for further information.

Building Division staff can help you with your application form, if you have the following:

Two sets of building plans, call (519) 621-0740 to confirm what information you need to include on your plans
Two copies of your property survey or site plan
Building permit fee

Incomplete applications or plans will not be accepted.

What happens after I submit my application package?

After submission, your permit application goes through a review process. We are able to process most permit applications with little delay. The Building Official determines if your project is in compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the zoning and other municipal by-laws and provincial regulations through the following reviews:

Zoning Review, review of drawings to ensure your project follows the Zoning By-law
Architectural/Structural Review, review of drawing to ensure compliance with structural, fire and life safety requirements of the Building Code

When will I receive my permit?

The Building Division approves and issues your permit if your application meets the Building Code, zoning and other applicable regulations. The building permit card is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process.

Keep a copy of the building plans at the construction site and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the Building Official immediately. Changes may require an additional review and approval.

Additional information required

The Building Division may need additional information to process your building permit.

Review by a professional engineer

If your construction project requires a Professional Engineer, they must complete the appropriate Commitment Form. You must submit the completed form with your permit application.

Part 9 Commitment Form (generally for structures less than 600 square metres) signed by the professional engineers and/or architects involved with the project
Part 3 Commitment Form (generally for structures greater than 600 square metres) signed by the professional engineers and/or architects involved with the project

Cross connection control

Cross connection control protects the quality of our drinking water through backflow prevention.

What is backflow and how would this occur?

Water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower etc. If a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, the pressure in the pipe may be reduced. During these types of events, the pressure may be reduced enough to reverse the intended flow of water and actually draw water out of nearby service connections. If these connections are affixed to chemical mixing facilities or any non-potable water supply, the possibility exists that dangerous backflow can occur resulting in contamination of our public water supply.

What is a backflow prevention device?

This is a device that prevents water from flowing backwards into a water supply line resulting in a contaminated water supply. There are degrees of protection ranging from a vacuum breaker on a garden hose line to reduced pressure zone backflow preventers commonly used in an industrial setting where chemicals are connected to water lines. What is used and where it is installed depends on the application and the threat level.

What do I as a property/building owner need to do?

By-law No. 146-03 requires that all building owners, except some residential properties equip their buildings with backflow prevention devices. These devices need to be installed and maintained/tested on a regular basis. This must be done by a licensed City of Cambridge backflow tester.

Please complete the contact information sheet and review instructions for annual testing.

Test reports must be submitted annually, and equipment surveys must be submitted every three years.

At the design stage of a new building or addition a design level cross connection survey must be submitted with the building permit application.

What if I choose to not install a backflow device?

The by-law is clear that each building, except for some residential buildings require backflow prevention devices. Failure to equip the building and maintain these devices could result in having your water shut off, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.00.

Is there any fee or permit involved?

No. The annual testing and survey reports do not require a fee. However, if a new device needs to be installed it would require a building permit which would require a fee.

Please contact the Backflow Officer at (519) 621-0740 ext. 4514 for more information.

Environmental issues

Depending on the location of your construction project, you may also need approval from the:

Grand River Conservation Authority
Ministry of Transportation
Region of Waterloo - Source Water Protection Plan
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change - Record of Site Condition
Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee

Electrical work

If your project proposes any electrical work, such as lighting, wiring, switches or outlets, contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1 (877) 372-7233 for information regarding permits and permit fees.

Digging

Before digging it is important that you contact the appropriate authorities to ensure no damage to services occur during the excavation process. Ontario One Call (ON1Call) helps contractors and owners locate services and prevent these potential dangers.

Ministry of Labour

You have to submit a Notice of Project to the Ministry of Labour prior to starting work. If you think you might have asbestos in your building please contact the Ministry of Labour for information on how to proceed.

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