Building

The Building Department is responsible for administering permit applications and issuance, conducting inspections in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and the Town of Cobourg's Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as well as other applicable laws and regulations to ensure the standards for construction and plumbing are consistent throughout the Province. Through plans review and site inspections, staff ensure that the design and construction of new structures comply with the Ontario Building Code.  In addition, the Building Department is also responsible for the inspection of properties and administration of directives as set out through the Property Standards By-law and Clearing of Lands By-law. 

Building Permits regulate the type of construction allowed in our community and ensure that building standards are met. The objective of a building permit is to protect the homeowner as well as the community by ensuring that any structural change is safe, legal, and sound.

Do you need a building permit?

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 (108 square feet).

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

For a building permit application form, please click here. 

Projects that do not require a building permit include:

• 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

Want more information?

For more information, please select the following: 

• Permits for homes, additions, accessory structures, decks, porches and demolitions
• Permits for pools and hot tubs
• Permits for plumbing
• Permits for signage
• Clearing of Lands
• Property Standards