Building Department

Projects that Require Building Permits

Projects that require a building permit include:

• Deck
• Fireplace
• Completion of rough-in fireplace
• Installation of wood burning stove
• Porch
• Sunroom
• Solarium
• Carport
• Attached or detached garage or shed
• Dormers or finishing of attic space
• One of two-storey additions
• Finishing a basement
• New or structural alterations to windows or doors
• Interior structural alterations
• Adding or removing most walls (i.e. creating different room sizes and/or uses)
• Basement or main floor walkout alterations
• Replacement of brick veneer or chimney below roofline
• Insulating of exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
• Septic system
• Plumbing and/or drains (except replacing fixtures)
• Installation and/or repair of storm, sanitary, water services
• Installation of cleanouts
• Conversion from septic to sanitary sewer

 Projects That Do Not Require a Building Permit

• Air conditioning unit or heat pump added to existing forced-air furnace (no duct work alternations)
• Pool heater
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping
• Fences other than for swimming pools
• Asphalt roof shingling
• Eaves troughs
• Minor repair to masonry
• Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing

Engineering and Lot Grading

Town of Cobourg Design Guidelines 
Design Guidelines are subject to revisions at the discretion of the Town and the Town recommends regular monitoring of this site or contact Engineering at 905-372-4555.

• Town of Cobourg Design Guidelines 

Residential Infill Lot Grading Requirements
Residential Infill refers to single properties that have adjacent developed properties, as well as the new construction of additional residential units on existing developed residential properties.

The approval process is outline in the attachment above. A lot grading security is required and depending on the availability of servicing (ie sanitary, water, etc.) there may also be a need for road cut and/or occupancy permits that may require a refundable security. The refund of securities will occur following the inspection and acceptance of the construction/reinstatement and upon approval by the Engineering department. Details are found here.

Step 1: Lot Grading Plan 

• Engineering Department Requirements for Building Permit Applications for Residential Infill Lot
• Sample Lot Grading Plan with Sidewalk 
• Sample Lot Grading Plan without Sidewalk
• Driveway Grading Requirements from the Town of Cobourg Design Guidelines  

Step 2: As Built Foundation

• Engineering Department Requirements for As Built Foundation Drawings
• Sample As Built Foundation Drawings

Step 3: Lot Grading Certificate 

• Engineering Department Requirements for As Built Lot Grading Certificates 
• Sample As Built Lot Grading Plan with Sidewalk
• Sample As Built Lot Grading Plan Without Sidewalk
• Blank Infill Lot Grading Certificate 

Development Lot Grading Requirements
Development Lot Grading refers to residential developments where the developer has a development agreement with the Town of Cobourg. The Development Agreement addresses details such as securities, lot layout, developer responsibilities/obligations, Town authority and approved overall Engineering Design drawings and drainage drawings. 

The Development Agreement is between the developer, who may not be the home builder and the Town of Cobourg.  This excludes the Site Plan Approval (SPA) process where SPA refers to industrial, institutional, multi-plex residential and commercial.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Engineering Department at 902-372-4555 for additional information.

Step 1: Lot Grading Plan

• Engineering Department Design Requirements for Residential Development Building Permits
• Sample Lot Grading Plan with Sidewalk
• Sample Lot Grading Plan without Sidewalk 
• Driveway Grading Requirements from the Town of Cobourg Design Guidelines 

Step 2: As Built Foundation

• Engineering Department Requirements for As Built Foundation Drawings Text
• Sample As Built Foundation Drawings 

Step 3: Lot Grading Certificate

• Enginering Department Requirements for As Built Lot Grading Certificate 
• Sample As Built Lot with Sidewalk
• Sample As Built Lot Grading Plan without Sidewalk
• Blank Development Lot Grading Certificate 

Pools and Hot Tubs

 Town of Cobourg Design Guidelines 

Signage

All signage or advertising within the Town of Cobourg requires a sign permit. 

Freestanding Signs

Large, freestanding sign permits are processed through the Town of Cobourg Building Department. Applications are processed online through 

Cloud Permit 

Signs located in the Heritage Conservation Districts

Prior to placing a sign on a designated heritage property, a Heritage Permit must be obtained in addition to a sign permit. Signage on heritage properties should be appropriately placed in the existing sign band and should not overwhelm the building façade. Fonts and colours should be in accordance with the Cobourg Heritage Colour Palette. 

Signs that are backlit, contain flashing, animated lights or neon lights are not permitted within the Heritage Conservation Districts.

To find out if your property is within the Heritage Conservation District, please refer to By-law No. 118-91, as amended. 

Decks

Resources

Deck Design Guide

Fees and Charges

The Municipal Act R.S.O. 1990, c.M45 allows a municipality or local board to pass by-law imposing fees or charges for services or activities provided or done by or on behalf of it and for the use of its property.  By-law No. 046-2019 outlines the fees and charges for the Town of Cobourg. 

2023 Development Fees and Charges 

Building Permit fees, please click here

Building Administrator's Report

The Building Department publishes monthly and yearly reports that include information on Building Code and Non-Building code permits issued.  

Monthly Building Report - August 2021

Building Statistics 1974 to 2015

Ontario Building Code

The Ontario Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act established to set standards for new construction, ensure public safety in newly constructed buildings and support the government's commitment to energy conservation, barrier-free accessibility and economic development.

Through plans review and site inspection, staff ensure that the design and construction of new structures and renovations comply with the Ontario Building Code.