Building Permits
Did You Know?
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has filed the new 2024 Ontario Building Code which contains over 2,000 changes from the current 2012 Building Code. The new regulations are set to come into effect on January 1, 2025 with a phased approach to implementation.
The important dates are as follows; please plan your project accordingly:
December 31, 2024
The 2012 Building Code (O. Reg 332/12, as amended) is deemed to continue in force with respect to which a Building Permit Application has been applied on or before December 31, 2024.
January 1, 2025
Building Permit Applications applied for on this day and after, are required to be designed and constructed using the new 2024 Building Code edition. This includes designing buildings in accordance with the Climatic Design Data Table, as the Town of Caledon has now been recognized under this updated edition of the Ontario Building Code. (See ** note below)
**To allow projects for which the working drawings, plans, and specifications are demonstrated to be substantially completed prior to December 31, 2024, projects may be constructed conforming to the 2012 Building Code edition provided applications are submitted prior to April 1, 2025.
March 31, 2025
This is the last day to submit an application using the 2012 Building Code edition.
April 1, 2025
All Building Permit Applications applied on this day and after, must be designed under the provisions of the new 2024 Building Code edition.
For more information, the MMAH’s website is as follows: (www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r24163)
All building permit applications are being accepted online only. Submit your completed Building Permit package by following the steps below.
A Building Permit is your permission from the Town of Caledon to begin the construction and/or demolition on your property. Part of the Building Permit process includes the review of your plans for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Zoning by-laws and Applicable Law.
Do I need a building permit?
For most construction projects, the answer is yes.
The Ontario Building Code Act states that a building permit is required for the construction, addition, alteration or demolition of any building or structure. Below you will find a list of common projects that do or do not require a building permit.
- Please note, the building owner is fully responsible for complying with all building permit requirements as laid out in the Ontario Building Code. Failure to obtain building permits will cause delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.
Projects that require a building permit |
Please note that before the start of any new project approval/clearance from the zoning department is required.
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Projects that do not require a building permit |
Please note that before the start of any new project approval/clearance from the zoning department is required.
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Building Permit Application Guides
The guides listed below list the required drawings, forms and fees required for submitting a building permit with the Town of Caledon.
Building Permit General Information
- All drawings are to be drawn on standard sized paper, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated.
- Drawings prepared by qualified designers (as defined under Div. C, Part 3, Section 3.2 of the Ontario Building Code) must include the designer's name, BCIN (Building code identification number), signature and designer declaration.
All documents being submitted (drawings, reports and forms) must be submitted in PDF format. Please "Electronic Submission Guidelines" below for more detailed instructions.
Please note that building permit drawings are vital documents in the permit process, providing crucial information for the Town of Caledon to review and approve your project. While hand-drawn illustrations may have been acceptable in the past, Town of Caledon and industry standards now require a higher level of precision and clarity before drawings can be submitted. Please review our sample drawings package before submitting.
Residential Project Guides
New House |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees The development or re-development of a lot in the Town of Caledon may be subject to the following:
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Residential Addition |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Interior Alteration |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Accessory Apartment, Garden Suite |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Residential Demolition |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees
** Demolition of a residential dwelling may be eligible for a property tax adjustment, please visit Tax Appeals - Town of Caledon for more information. |
Certified Model & Repeat Program (For Builders & Developers only) |
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCE REGARDING THE 2024 ONTARIO BUILDING CODE TRANSITION PERIOD: The new regulations are set to come into effect on January 1st, 2025, with a phased approach to implementation. As the Pre-Approval of a Certified Model does not equate to a Building Permit, therefore, effective October 1, 2024, Certified Model Applications must be submitted alongside home designs that comply with the 2024 version of the Ontario Building Code. Note: Revision to the previously Pre-Approved Certified Models will not be accepted, and new Certified Model Applications must be made.
What is a Certified Model? A Certified Model (CMOD) is a unique building design for a single family detached house, semi-detached house or townhouse (excluding stacked townhouses) that has been reviewed and pre-approved by the Building Services Division for compliance with Division B of the Building Code. How does the process work? For single family detached, semi-detached or townhouse (excluding stacked townhouses), the Building Services Division will accept and process Certified Model applications independently of other approvals (For example: Execution of Site Plan Approval/Subdivision Agreement, Engineering site grading approval etc.). A complete building permit application on a house cannot be accepted unless those other approvals are in place and approved. What is required to enroll in the Certified Model program?
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees
Repeat Building Permit Applications Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees Notes:
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Small Residential Projects
Shed |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Garages and Carports |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Decks and Porches |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Basement entrances (walk-up/walk-out) |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Pool-house, Cabana and Gazebos |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Septic Only |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Other Buildings Project Guides
Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, Assembly Buildings
New Building |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees The development or re-development in the Town of Caledon may be subject to the following:
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Addition |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees Note: The development or re-development in the Town of Caledon may be subject to the following:
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Interior Alteration |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees 2024 Fees By-Law |
Tenant Fit-Out |
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees 2024 Fees By-Law |
Agricultural Buildings
New Building |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Addition |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Interior Alteration |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Miscellaneous Project Guides
Residential Pool Enclosure |
Required Drawings Site Plan - clearly indicating the following:
Required Forms Fees Note: Section 5 of the below linked by-law will outline the construction requirements for the Pool Enclosure. |
Municipal Water and/or Sanitary Service Connection |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Plumbing Only (All Buildings) |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Mechanical Only (All Buildings) |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Temporary Tents |
Required Drawings
Required Forms
Fees |
Signs (Wall and Ground) |
Required Drawings
Required Forms Fees |
Conditional/Phased Permits
Conditional Permits (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional buildings only) |
Criteria Conditional Permits are permitted under subsection 8(3) of the Building Code Act 1992. The issuance of a Conditional Permit is strictly within the discretion of the Chief Building Official and may only be considered if the following have been met:
Types of Conditional Permits
Required Drawings
Required Forms and Checklist
Fees |
Phased Permits (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional buildings only) |
COMING SOON |
Before you Apply
- Check Zoning - check to see if your project complies with the requirements of the Zoning By-Law. Contact the Planning or at ext. 7338
- Please note: any new or changes to existing driveway entrances require Road Access Approval from the Town of Caledon, The Region of Peel or the Ministry of Transportation.
- Check to see if you require approvals from external agencies - in the Town of Caledon there are four major external agencies that you may be subject to:
- New developments or re-developments may be subject to the following charges:
- Development Charges - contact Finance for more information
- Cash-In-Lieu of Parkland - contact Planning and Development Services for more information
- Completed and signed Forms and Application Checklists as laid out in our project guides above
- All required drawings as laid our in our project guides above
- All required fees (as set out in Schedule B in the Town of Caledon (User Fees By-law)
Submit Your Application
To submit your building permit application your documents must be submitted online in digital format only. Please follow the steps outlined below to begin your application.
Please note: If you need help with the submission of your permit, click on the link for a video tutorial.
Electronic Submissions
Electronic building permit submissions are now accepted for all projects, see "Electronic Permit submission requirements" below before submitting your permit.
Electronic Submission requirements: |
Please note the following when submitting your electronic application:
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Submit an electronic application
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a complete application is submitted. For assistance, please review the permit guides above applicable to your project or contact us directly prior to submitting your application.
What happens once an application is received?
Once an application has been received, it will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. If there are missing items we will contact you directly. It usually takes 3 to 5 business days to prescreen your permit submission.
Complete Applications
If all required information has been received, staff will contact you to arrange for payment. Once payment is processed, the prescribed review timeframes as mandated by the Ontario Building Code will begin as outlined below:
- Residential - 10 business days
- Small Buildings and Accessory Apartments - 15 business days
- Large Buildings - 20 business days
- Complex Buildings - 30 business days
Incomplete Applications are not subject to the timelines listed above and will not be processed until all required documents have been submitted.
Resubmissions
There is no guaranteed review time for resubmissions as they are not subject to the legislated timeframes listed above. Each resubmission could add two or more weeks to your review.
Please note that the average times listed above are based 2022 calendar year and on complete building permits only with no outstanding internal/external approvals or fees.
Revise, transfer or cancel your building permit
Building Permit Revision |
A building permit revision is granted once a permit has been issued and a change in the scope of work has occurred. Submit Revision ApplicationRevisions can be submitted via email to the Town of Caledon building department. You will need to attach the following documents:
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Building Permit Transfer |
A building permit transfer is required when a change in ownership has happened while a permit is still active or under review. Submit Transfer ApplicationPermit transfers can be submitted via email to the Town of Caledon's building department. You will need to complete, sign and attach the following document with the new owner information: |
Building Permit Cancellation |
Cancellations can be submitted via email to the Town of Caledon building department. In the body of the email please specify the following:
Town of Caledon staff will contact you to confirm cancellation and if a refund is applicable. |