Building Permits & Inspections
Building Permits
If you're planning to renovate or build on your property, you'll need to apply for a building permit before you begin the work. Building permits ensure that all works meet the requirements set forth in the Ontario Building Code and the Essa's Zoning By-law.
Before you apply begin, contact the Building Department to learn about specific requirements or see our page dedicated to Building Permit Application Guideline.
You will require a building permit for a variety of renovation and building projects, including the following (to name a few):
Please review the building permit application guidelines, fees and checklists for common projects
Please see our Building Permit Application Guideline page.
Building Inspections:
All inspections are booked through the Building Administrative Assistant. Inspections are booked 48 hours in advance.
You are required to provide the following information when booking your inspection:
- Building permit number
- Your address and lot number
- The type of inspection(s) that you are booking
- Your preference for the date and time for your inspection
Staff endeavors to meet preferred date(s) and time(s) for your inspection. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances require the date/time to be re-scheduled.
The Ontario Building Code has indicated that at particular stages of construction, the applicant shall give notifications for required inspections set out in Div. C Part 1 Section 1.3.5.1.(2). In the case of a single family dwelling with the required limiting distance to structures next to it the inspections could involve the following:
- Footings before concrete
- Footings and foundation – prior to backfill, includes weeping tile
- Underground water service piping (where applicable)
- Building sewer and building drains (testing required)
- Structural framing – rough-in for plumbing (testing required) and HVAC systems –roof system in place, doors and windows in place, building watertight.
- Insulation
- Air barrier/ vapour barrier
- Sewage system test hole
- Sewage system scarified base (if applicable)
- Sewage system – installation before backfill (if applicable)
- Occupancy – please note septic system approval required prior to occupancy
Township of Essa
building@essatownship.on.ca
Phone: 705-424-9917
Fax: 705-424-2367
TTY: 705-424-5302