Home Renovation or Construction

Planning to renovate your home or build a new structure on your property?

There are certain permits, applications and by-laws to consider before you start a construction project. Building permits regulate the type of construction allowed in our community and ensure that building standards are met. The purpose of a building permit is to protect the homeowner as well as the community by making sure that any structural change is safe, legal, and sound. The Ontario Building Code includes regulations and standards related to building permits, building inspections and all other tasks involved with construction projects in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. 

Construction without a building a permit

It is a violation under the Building Code Act to carry out work for which a building permit is needed. You can be found guilty of an offence under the Ontario Building Code Act of 1992 (building without a permit) and charged for the work that has already been done. You will need to apply for a building permit and fees will be doubled.

Building Department staff is available to explain and help with the permit process and the permit application.

You must file a building permit application for the following:

• new buildings or additions
• any structure over 10 square meters
• accessory building
• any size addition to a structure
• renovating an existing building
• farm building
• move or demolish a building
• installing a woodstove, chimney or fireplaces
• change the structure of a roof or the size of the windows or doors
• interior structural changes
• decks/porches
• solar panels
• plumbing
• change of use

Building and planning fees

• Building By-law 2010-38
• Building By-Law 2015-04 (amended 2015)
• Planning Fees By-law 2014-43