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905-372-4301

55 King St. West, Cobourg

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Building and Renovating

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Home/Business & Development/Building and Renovating
  • Building and Renovating
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Photo of house being constructedPhoto of house being constructed

Do you need a building permit?

Apply for a building permit online with Cloudpermit.

Cloudpermit is a cloud-based, e-permitting software that allows municipal building departments to digitize the entire building permit process. The software provides users an accessible and easy-to-use way to apply for their building permits, manage and track their documents and request inspections.

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area over 10m².

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

Pools and Hot Tubs

 

Decks

A deck is a raised uncovered platform that is attached to a dwelling. A deck will generally require a building permit and will require protective guards if it has a walking surface greater than 24" above grade. Porch
A porch is a covered structure that usually forms part of the entrance of a dwelling. It may be enclosed or unenclosed. Any porch requires a building permit and will require protective guards if it has a walking surface greater than 24" above grade.


Patio
 
A patio is an uncovered platform at grade level that is usually constructed of concrete or stone. A patio generally does not require a building permit, unless it interferes with an existing structure.


Resources

Deck Design Guide

 

Fees and Charges

2025 Development Fees and Charges 

Building Permit fees, please click here

 

Building Department Administration and Additional Information 

 

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 Building Code Act, 1992, governs the construction, renovation, change of use, and demolition of buildings.

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.

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Contact Department
Building and Planning
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON K9A2M2
Numbers
T: 905-372-1005
Toll Free: 888-972-4301
F: 905-372-1533
Links

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Contact Department
Dave Hancock
Chief Building Official
Numbers
Building Department: 905-372-1005
Links
Dave Hancock

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