Building & Construction

View the FAQ Guide – What Requires a Permit in Aylmer?

Building permits are required for the construction or alteration of any building occupying an area greater than 15 square metres (161 ft²). Building permits are also required for the construction of:

• decks higher than 24” above grade
• installation/repair of sewer lines
• swimming pool fencing/protection
• additional residential units
• special event tents larger than 60 square metres (645 ft²)
• wall/ground sign structures

A building permit is not required for the following projects:

• property line fences (unless it protects a swimming pool)
• roofing replacement (asphalt shingles, steel roofing)
• exterior siding replacement
• window & door replacement

The Ontario Building Code allows for the following timelines for the issuance of permits:

Decks, additions etc – 10 business days
Residences, single, detached, semi – 10 business days
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional – 20 business days

Building Permit Fees

Building permit fees are set out in the Town of Aylmer’s Building By-Law.

Development Charges

Development charges may also apply to building permits. These charges are set out in the Town of Aylmer’s Development Charges By-Law.

View Current Year Development Charges

The following is an example of the documentation that may be required to obtain a building permit. Further documentation may be required depending on the project.

Residential

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Completed Schedule 1 Form
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary (for new homes or home additions only)
• HVAC Design including heat gain/loss calculations (for new homes only or home additions only)
• 2 sets of building design drawings
• Site sketch / lot grading plan / survey (dependent on the type of construction)

Commercial/Industrial/Institutional

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Completed GRCC Form
• SB-10 Documents
• 2 sets of design drawings
• Site sketch / lot grading plan / survey (dependent on the type of construction)

Apply for a Building Permit

Please use the online building permit application form linked below.

Larger drawings will need to be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed.

Building Permit Application

View the Guide to Building an Addition in Aylmer

When is a building permit required for a residential home?

The construction of all buildings and structures greater than 15m² in area and all buildings that contain plumbing require a permit. A permit is also required for any addition to an existing structure. Buildings smaller that 15m² do not require a permit; however, zoning requirements such as setbacks and lot coverage still apply. Certain renovations and alterations to existing buildings also require a permit. Some examples are:

• New window and door openings
• Installation of new plumbing
• Installation or alteration of wood burning appliances
• Finishing basements
• Creation of new suites (duplex/apartment)

If you are uncertain if you require a permit, please contact the Building Department.

Zoning:

The Town of Aylmer Zoning By-Law contains regulations governing the size, height, location and use of residential buildings. If your proposed design does not meet the zoning by-law, you will be required to apply for a minor variance. The minor variance process is a method to seek relief through a Committee of Adjustment when certain circumstances do not allow you to meet the requirements of the zoning by-law.

Approvals:

Aside from complying with the Town Zoning By-Law, other restrictions may apply to your property. The following are examples of approvals that may be required before a permit can be issued.

• Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA Regulatory Zone)
• Ministry of Transportation (Highway 3)
• Elgin County (Country Rd 73)

Drawing requirements for a building permit application (please submit 2 copies):

A Schedule 1 form must be filled out with every permit application that does not involve an engineer or architect. This form indicates that the drawings were prepared by a qualified and/or registered designer. However, homeowners are exempt from the required qualifications and may prepare their own drawings for residential dwellings and accessory buildings. A Schedule 1 form must also accompany all HVAC designs.

1. Site plan indicating:
   • Setback dimensions
   • Existing structures on property
   • Proposed lot grading elevations *Required for new home construction only.
2. Foundation plan indicating:
   • Footings, piers & foundation wall sizes
   • Slab design & building anchorage
3. Floor Plan indicating:
   • General dimensions
   • Structural framing
   • Door & window locations
4. Roof plan indicating:
   • Truss layout or roof framing
5. Building cross section indicating:
   • Building height
   • Wall construction
   • Foundation details
6. Exterior elevations indicating:
   • Building heights
   • Cladding/finish materials
   • Door and window locations
7. HVAC design including:
   • Duct layout
   • Heat gain/loss calculations
   • Ventilation summary
   • Completed EEDS (Energy Efficiency Design Summary) form

Cost:

The cost of the permit varies depending on the type of building and work being done. Pleaser refer to the Town’s Building By-Law for details. This includes the review of drawings, the building permit and building inspections.

Required Building Inspections:

Building inspections are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. *Please book in advance.

• Connection of site services (water/storm/sanitary)
• Excavation/Footing inspection – once the holes have been dug, but prior to concrete being poured
• Foundation – once the foundation has been poured, prior to backfilling
• Underground plumbing – with air or water test
• Above grade plumbing – with air or water test
• HVAC rough in
• Structural framing inspection
• Insulation air/vapour barrier
• Occupancy inspection – before occupying the building

Building Permit Application

View the Guide to Building a Deck in Aylmer

When is a building permit required for a deck?

The construction of all decks 24” and greater above grade and all covered decks require a building permit. This applies to all new decks as well additions and modifications to existing decks. Decks lower than 24” above grade do not require a building permit however, zoning requirements such as setbacks still apply.

Drawing requirements for a building permit application (please submit 2 copies):

1. Site plan indicating:
   • Setback dimensions
   • Existing structures on property
2. Deck drawings (must be fully noted and dimensioned):
   • Plan view showing foundations, posts, floor joists, beams, stairs, landings
   • Side view showing height of deck and guard

Guards/Railings (for decks 24” or higher):

All guards must comply with the construction requirements of OBC Div. B 9.8.8 and Supplementary Standard SB-7. Should you plan on installing anything other than an approved guard/railing, please submit a copy of the Pre-Engineered guard/railing design with your building permit application. Typically, you can receive this package of details from the supplier. Guards are also required to be non-climbable with no horizontal framing members between 5½” and 35” above the deck surface.
NOTE: Hollow plastic or vinyl guards/railings are not permitted.

Foundations:

All decks require proper footings/foundations that have a minimum depth of 48” below grade. Deck blocks may be used only when:

• The deck is not attached to the house.
• The distance from the finished ground to the underside of the floor joists does not exceed 23½”.

Approved Decking Materials (for decks 24″ or higher):

• 3/4” wood decking
• CWS Composite Decking
• Duradek Boards
• Brite Composite DeckingNexwood Composite Decking
• Trex Wood-Polymer Composite Decking
• Eon Composite Decking System
• Baleboard Poly Decking
• FORMADECK Vinyl Deck Boards
• NCP Euroboard, Enviroboard, Northern Life Decking
• Gorilla Deck PVC Deck Boards

Cost:

The cost of the permit is $250.00. This includes the review of drawings, the building permit and building inspections.

Required Inspections:

Building inspections are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. *Please book in advance.

• Excavation/Footing inspection – once the holes have been dug, but prior to concrete being poured
• Structural Wood Frame inspection – once the framing is complete (posts, beams, joists)
• Final building inspection – when the deck and guard/railing are complete

Building Permit Application

View the Guide to Constructing a Pool in Aylmer

Is a building permit required to build a pool?

A building permit is required to build a pool on your property. Prior to excavating for, erecting or constructing a privately-owned outdoor swimming pool, a builder must submit an application and drawings. The pool must meet the general provisions of the Town of Aylmer Zoning By-Law. 

Every open swimming pool having a water depth of 0.6m or more must be enclosed by a fence and gate meeting the requirements outlined in the Town’s Fence By-Law.

A Site Alteration Permit is also required for pool installation that results in the removal of soil or placement of fill.

Drawing requirements for a building permit application:

1. A site plan indicating:
   • Location of the pool
   • Location of all other structures on the lot
2. Types of materials to be used for fencing and gates
3. Height and construction design

Standard Requirements for Private Open Swimming Pools:

• Location: interior side yard or rear yard
• Pool should not be located closer than 1.5m to any lot line or street
• Pumps and filters must not be located closer than 3m to any lot line
• Maximum height of an above ground pool: 2m
• Maximum height of an above ground pool plus related structure(s): 5m
• Enclosed with a fence and gate

Standards Requirements for Fencing of Privately-Owned Outdoor Swimming Pools:

• Minimum 1.5m in height.
• Maximum height of privacy fence with lattice: 1.1m with 12” lattice (see Schedule D)
• Maximum height of privacy fence without lattice: 2.1m 

Approved Fence Composition:

• Chain link, 38mm x 38mm
• Solid Wood Board Fence (see Schedule B)
  • 25-50mm vertical board spacing 
  • Minimum 1.1m horizontal board spacing
  • For above ground pools, the sides of the pool must be a minimum of 1.1m above grade and the spacing of the fence cannot exceed 100mm between boards (see Schedule E)
    • Wood Shadow Fencing (see Schedule B)
      • Spacing of vertical boards does not exceed the width of the board being used
      • Minimum 1.1m horizontal board spacing
• Wood Lattice for the top portion (see Schedule C)
  • If the max. height of the fence is 1.5m, the lattice cannot exceed 300mm
  • If the max. height of the fence is 1.8m, the lattice cannot exceed 600mm
• Vertical Iron Bars
  • For above ground pools, the sides of the pool must be a minimum of 1.1m above grade and the spacing of the fence cannot exceed 100mm between bars (see Schedule E)
  • For in ground pools, the spacing of the bars cannot exceed 100mm between vertical bars and all horizontal rails must be a minimum of 1.1m apart (see Schedule E)
• Gates or doors 
  • Minimum 1.5m in height
  • Capable of being locked
  • Provides only means of entry to the pool

*A dwelling, business or accessory building may be used to enclose a pool.
**A hedge shall not be used as a fence for the purposes of this by-law.
***Horizontal boards/bars should be facing inwards to the pool side of the fence unless they are spaced a minimum of 1.1m apart

Hot Tubs:

• Fitted with a tight cover with a locking device OR
• Protected with a 1.5m minimum height fence

Cost:

The cost of the permit is $250.00. This includes the review of drawings, the building permit and building inspections.

Required Inspections:

Building inspections are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. *Please book in advance.

• Excavation/Footing inspection – once the holes have been dug, but prior to concrete being poured
• Structural Wood Frame inspection – once the framing is complete (posts, beams, joists)
• Final building inspection – when the project is complete

Building Permit Application

• Placement or dumping of fill on a property
• Removal of soil from a property
• Altering a swale, ditch or stormwater management feature
• Placement of a pool
• Major landscaping works

For further details, please see the Town’s Site Alteration By-Law.

Site Alteration Application

View the Guide to Building a Garage or Shed in Aylmer

When is a building permit required for an accessory building?

The construction of all buildings and structures greater than 15m²  in area and all buildings that contain plumbing require a permit. A permit is also required for any addition to an existing structure. Buildings smaller that 15m² do not require a permit however, zoning requirements such as setbacks and lot coverage still apply.

Zoning:

The Town of Aylmer Zoning By-Law contains regulations governing the size, height, location and use of residential buildings. If your proposed design does not meet the zoning by-law, you will be required to apply for a minor variance. The minor variance process is a method to seek relief through a Committee of Adjustment when certain circumstances do not allow you to meet the requirements of the zoning by-law.

Standard Accessory Building Zoning Requirements:

• Max. accessory building lot coverage 15%
• Max. accessory building size 75m² (807ft²)
• Max. accessory building height 5.5m (18ft) to peak

Approvals:

Aside from complying with the Town Zoning By-Law, other restrictions may apply to your property. The following are examples of approvals that may be required before a permit can be issued.

• Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA Regulatory Zone)
• Ministry of Transportation (Highway 3)
• Elgin County (Country Rd 73)

Other Requirements:

• Buildings less than 55m² (592ft²) in floor area and not more than one storey in height may be supported on a floating concrete slab as opposed to 4’-0” deep foundations. Floating slabs greater than 55m2 are allowed but must be designed by a professional engineer.
• LVL details and pre-engineered truss drawings must be stamped by a professional engineer and be provided to the building inspector upon framing inspection.

Drawing requirements for a building permit application (please submit 2 copies):

A Schedule 1 form must be filled out with every permit application that does not involve an engineer or architect. This form indicates that the drawings were prepared by a qualified and/or registered designer. However, homeowners are exempt from the required qualifications and may prepare their own drawings for residential dwellings and accessory buildings.

1. Site plan indicating:
   • Setback dimensions
   • Existing structures on property
2. Foundation plan indicating:
   • Footings, piers & foundation wall sizes
   • Slab design & building anchorage
3. Floor Plan indicating:
   • General dimensions
   • Structural framing
   • Door & window locations
4. Roof plan indicating:
   • Truss layout or roof framing
5. Building cross section indicating:
   1. Building height
   2. Wall construction
   3. Foundation details

Cost:

The cost of the permit is $200 for buildings up to 300ft² and $0.666/ft² for every foot over 300. There is a 25% stabilization reserve charge added to all fees.  This includes the review of drawings, the building permit and building inspections.

Required Building Inspections:

Building inspections are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. *Please book in advance.

• Excavation/Footing inspection – once the holes have been dug, but prior to concrete being poured
• Foundation – once the foundation has been poured, prior to backfilling
• Structural Wood Frame inspection – once the framing is complete (posts, beams, joists)
• Final building inspection – when the shed is complete

Building Permit Application

View the Guide to Building a Fence in Aylmer

Is a building permit required to build a fence?

Permits are not required to build a fence on your property; however, builders are responsible for ensuring that their fence satisfies the requirements outlined in the Town’s Division and Privacy Fence By-Law.

If you are installing a pool, please note that it must be secured by a fence and gate meeting the requirements outlined in the Town’s Fence By-Law.

Standards Requirements for Fences:

• Side and rear fences must be no more than 1.8 meters high.
• Front yard fences must be no more than 0.9 meters high.
• Structural supports of wooden fences must not be visible from adjacent properties, nor from the street.
• Privacy hedges and shrubbery are considered fencing and as such must be maintained in such a way as to satisfy the maximum height requirements outlined above.
• If the property is located on a corner lot, sight triangle restrictions may apply.

View the Guide to Constructing a Sign in Aylmer

When is a building permit required for sign?

A permit is required for all sign structures that meet one of the following:

1. Ground signs exceeding 7.5m in height (24’-6”).
2. Projecting wall signs greater than 115kg (254lbs).
3. Roof signs with an area greater than 10m² (108ft²).
4. Any sign attached to a parapet.

Documents required for a building permit application:

• Building permit application.
• General review commitment certificate completed by an engineer or architect.
• Site plan drawing (an aerial photo or hand sketch is acceptable) indicating the sign location on site or any buildings.
• Design drawings stamped by engineer or architect. Must also include sign graphics to be displayed.

Cost:

The cost of a sign permit is $250.00. This includes the review of drawings, the permit and inspections.

Required Building Inspections:

• Footing inspection once the foundation holes for ground signs have been dug, prior to concrete being poured.
• Final sign inspection when the sign framing is complete and graphics are installed.

Building Permit Application

View the Guide to Building a Tent in Aylmer

When is a building permit required for tent?

As per the Ontario Building Code, a permit is required for all special event tents or groups of tents unless they meet all of the following exemptions:

1. Not more than 60m² (645ft²) in aggregate ground area.
2. Not attached to a building.
3. Constructed more than 3m (9′-10″) from other structures.

Documents required for a building permit application:

• Building permit application.
• General review commitment certificate completed by design engineer. *Required only for tents larger than 225 square meters.
• Site plan drawing (an aerial photo or hand sketch is acceptable) indicating the location of the tent relative to property lines and other structures.
• Supporting frame structure and anchorage system design drawings stamped by design engineer. *Required only for tents larger than 225 square meters.
• Flame retardant certificate confirming fabric meets CAN/ULC-S109M & NFPA-701 requirements.
• Fire safety plan noting the location of fire extinguishers, emergency exists and lighting, as well as occupancy load. *Must be provided to the Fire Chief prior to occupancy of the tent.

Cost:

The cost of a tent permit is $250.00. This includes the review of drawings, the permit and inspections.

Required Building Inspections:

Inspections by the Building and Fire departments are required once the tent is erected prior to occupancy.

Building Permit Application

What is a Heritage Alteration Permit?

A Heritage Alteration Permit is required prior to undertaking changes to a heritage designated property. These changes could include the alteration, replacement, removal, or destruction of the property’s heritage attributes.

The intent of the Heritage Alteration Permit application process is to conserve the cultural heritage value of a heritage designated property and its heritage attributes for future generations.

When is a Heritage Alteration Permit required?

For properties individually designated, Heritage Alteration Permit approval is required by Section 33(1) of the Ontario Heritage Act if any change is likely to affect any of the property’s heritage attributes.

What is the Heritage Alteration Permit application process?

1. A property owner or applicant contacts the Town of Aylmer to determine if Heritage Alteration Permit approval is required for a potential or proposed change to a heritage designated property.
2. Discussions with the property owner or applicant and Heritage Planner regarding the scope of the proposed change and required information. This may include a pre-consultation meeting and/or a site visit to the property.
3. The property owner or applicant submits the Heritage Alteration Permit application, including all required information, to the Town of Aylmer. Staff will issue a Notice of Receipt, which initiates the legislated ninety (90) day review timeline.
4. Municipal Council Decision
   Town of Aylmer staff review the Heritage Alteration Permit application and prepare a staff report to Council with a recommendation to approve, approve with terms and conditions, or refuse the Heritage Alteration Permit application.
5. The property owner or applicant receives notification of the decision on their Heritage Alteration Premit application. Changes may be undertaken to the heritage designated property in compliance with the approval or approval with terms and conditions of the Heritage Alteration Permit.

What information is required for a Heritage Alteration Permit application?

The below information must be completed using the application form including required attachments.

• Description of the property and its cultural heritage status pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act
• Identification of the type of work, any related applications, a description of the proposed changes, and a rationale for the changes required as well as any potential impacts to the heritage attributes of the property.
• Written description and specifications of the proposed change(s), including materials and methodology.
• Photographs that depict the existing building(s), structure(s), and heritage attributes that are affected and their condition and context.
• A site plan or sketch that illustrates the location of the proposed change(s).
• Dimensioned drawings o the proposed change(s). Drawings must document the existing condition and the proposed change(s). Drawings must include overall dimensions, specified sizes and labelled building elements, detailed architectural information with sizes and profiles, type of material and finishes specified on the drawings, construction methods and means of attachment.
• All technical cultural heritage studies that are relevant to the proposed change. This could include, but is not limited to:
  • Historical documentation (e.g., old photographs, paint samples)
  • Heritage Impact Assessment
  • Conservation Plan
• Applicant information including contact information for the property owner, authorized agent and/or applicant.
• Declaration

Although it is not required to obtain professional assistance in the preparation of a Heritage Alteration Permit application, property owners/applicants are encouraged to seek the assistance of an architect, cultural heritage specialist, or experienced and qualified professional familiar with the requirements of conserving heritage designated properties.

Additional Information

• There is no fee for a Heritage Alteration Permit application.
• The maximum review period for a complete Heritage Alteration Permit application is ninety (90) days.
• The property owner or applicant may request a delegation to the Council when their Heritage Alteration Permit is being considered.
• The property owner may, within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice of decision, appeal the Municipal Council’s decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) by giving notice of the appeal to the OLT and the Town of Aylmer Cler, setting out the objection to the decision and the reasons in support of the objection. Further details, including forms and prescribed fees can be found on the OLT website.
• Inspections may be undertaken to verify compliance with the Heritage Alteration Permit.
• Any changes or deviations from the proposed work as submitted in a Heritage Alteration Permit application and approved or approved with terms and conditions shall require an amendment to the Heritage Alteration Permit. Property owners and applicants are encouraged to contact the Town of Aylmer if any changes are proposed or contemplated to the alterations authorized by a Heritage Alteration Permit in advance of undertaking any changes.
• Non-compliance with an approved Heritage Alteration Permit, including any terms and conditions, may result in charges laid against the property owner for violation of the Ontario Heritage Act.

Heritage Alteration Permit Application