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:

  1. Footings before concrete
  2. Footings and foundation – prior to backfill, includes weeping tile
  3. Underground water service piping (where applicable)
  4. Building sewer and building drains (testing required)
  5. Structural framing – rough-in for plumbing (testing required) and HVAC systems –roof system in place, doors and windows in place, building watertight.
  6. Insulation
  7. Air barrier/ vapour barrier
  8. Sewage system test hole
  9. Sewage system scarified base (if applicable)
  10. Sewage system – installation before backfill (if applicable)
  11. 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

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