Building and construction

The West Grey building department works with citizens, contractors and developers to ensure safe and accessible building is being done and within the rules of the Ontario Building Code.

2024 Ontario Building code changes

Ontario has released a new Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry, increase the safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to build housing.

The 2024 Building Code streamlines processes for the sector and increases harmonization with the National Construction Codes by eliminating at least 1,730 technical variations between the provincial and national requirements.

This latest edition of the Building Code was developed in consultation with our partners in the sector — including building officials, fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders and the construction industry — to ensure that Ontario’s buildings continue to be among the safest in North America.

Please take careful note of the following transition period dates:

Until December 31, 2024

Permit applications must be submitted using the 2012 Building Code

January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025

Permit applications may be submitted using the new 2024 Building Code
Permit applications may be submitted using the 2012 Building Code if the applicant demonstrates that their working drawings were substantially complete by December 31, 2024

April 1, 2025

Permit applications must be submitted using the 2024 Building Code

Get the 2024 Building Code Compendium

Please follow these two steps to get the PDF of the 2024 Building Code Compendium for non-commercial use:

Request a digital copy by submitting a short questionnaire
After submitting the questionnaire, the confirmation page will include an email link to send us a request

Once you've sent your email request, we will reply shortly with the PDF of the Building Code Compendium.

Request a digital copy for non-commercial use

Changes to part 9 in the 2024 OBC

Permits

Building permits can be applied for online.

The Cloudpermit system allows you to apply and to see the status of your permit at any time.

First-time users must create an account by registering with an email address and agreeing to the terms of services.

Need help applying? Here is a Guide to the Cloudpermit Application Process.

What projects need a building permit?

The Building Code Act requires a building permit for the construction and demolition of any structure, which results in a building area of over 10m^2 (107 ft^2) including additions, alterations, and renovations along with plumbing not located in a structure and other designated structures.

A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Building Code Act and is exempt from compliance with this Code, provided that the shed;

(a) is not more than 15 m² in gross area,

(b) is not more than one storey in building height,

(d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and

(e) does not have plumbing.

If you are unsure if you require a building permit, contact the building department for more information.

Requirements for demolitions:

In order to ensure the safety of the community, the applicant must contact Enbridge Gas to ensure that gas service to the property is abandoned before demolition. Applicants who do not have gas service to their property must contact Enbridge Gas as well to ensure gas service does not exist in proximity to the demolition area:
- 1-855-228-4898 Ext. 5111150
- Or email Branplan@Uniongas.com
Applicants are advised to provide Enbridge Gas with as much detail about the demolition as possible, in order to ensure their gas service abandonment request is processed in a timely manner.

Building permit guides

The following brochures are intended to provide a guide to the requirements for applying for a permit. To determine the exact requirements for your specific project, contact the building department staff.

Building permit fees

For building related fees, please reference the Building bylaw. Cash, cheque or debit are the accepted means of payment for building permits.

Building compliance request

A building compliance letter provides information the municipality may have with respect to the status of building permits on a property, this includes outstanding building code orders. To obtain a building compliance letter, please complete the Building Compliance Request Form and submit payment as outlined in the document.

Development charges

Development charges help to finance capital projects required to meet the increased need for services resulting from growth and development. Development charges are fees and may only be allocated for the purpose for which is outlined in the bylaw. Development charges are imposed by both by the county and the municipality. The brochures are intended only as a guide and to determine the required fee for your specific project you are encouraged to contact the municipality and the County of Grey.

Inspections

To book an inspection, email acornfield@westgrey.com.

Permits issued after 2019 can be requested and scheduled on Cloudpermit.

When booking an inspection, 48 hours notice is required.

The required inspections are outlined when you receive your building permit.

It is a violation to proceed to the next stage on construction without an inspection and may result in work having to be uncovered.

Building department print forms

Please note: should you need any assistance accessing any of these documents please call; 519-369-2200.