Building Permits

Before you build or renovate, you should speak with the City of Kenora Building Division regarding the required permits.

Building permit application

What are building permits?

A Building Permit is your formal permission to begin construction or demolition. It means that the Municipality has approved your plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Building Permits control types of construction allowed in the community and ensure that minimum building standards are met. The Building Permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection and renovation of safe structures.

Permits help ensure that any structural change is safe, legal and sound. It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you receive and post your Permit in a conspicuous place. An authorized agent may get Permits on your behalf, but remember, it is the owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all Permit requirements

When do I need a building permit?

Construct any new building exceeding 107.64 square feet (10 meters square) in floor area
Docks, boathouses/ports and shoreline structures exceeding 107.64 square feet (10 meters square) in floor area
Renovate, repair or add to any building regardless of size of any addition
Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building, other than a farm building on a registered farm
Change a building's use (i.e., change from residential to a retail, office, industrial or farm use or vice versa)
Install, change or remove partitions walls and load-bearing walls, add insulation and drywall, stairways, etc.
Make new openings for, or increase the size of, or replace doors and windows – some exceptions may apply
Build a garage, carport, balcony, deck or sunroom/gazebo.
Excavate a basement, install drain tile, construct a foundation or raise a building.
Install or modify heating ductwork or piping, plumbing piping, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
Install or reconstruct a chimney
Change or renew siding or stucco or add exterior insulation

When don't I need a building permit?

Replace doors and windows of the same-size in existing frames – changing frames needs a permit
Build a roofless deck under 2 feet (0.61 meters) in height
Replace shingles of roofs of R1 and R2 zoned buildings
Replace hot water heaters, oil or gas fired appliances
Building a utility shed not exceeding 107 square feet (10 meters square) subject to zoning distance from property lines
Install eaves troughs, provided that drainage is contained on your own property and not directed to neighbour
Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without any alterations to plumbing
Paint, decorate, lay new flooring or floor covering

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don't get a permit?

If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work; you could be prosecuted, and even ordered to remove work already done. Contact the building department if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project. A required septic disposal permit must be issued prior to obtaining a building permit.

When and why are building inspections necessary

Building inspectors review projects during key stages of construction to ensure compliance with the Building Code and the approved plans. Inspections are mandatory to be requested, depending on the project. Inspectors must be able to see the part of the work subject to inspection. Inspectors require a minimum of 48 hours notice to book an inspection.

It is the responsibility of the developer/constructor to contact the City of Kenora Building Division to request a required inspection. To schedule a building inspection, please contact our Deputy Building Officer at 807-467-2020.

How do I apply for a building permit?

You must file an application in writing on prescribed Ministry, (MMAH), forms. Every application must be signed. You can apply as the owner of a building or property or a person authorized in writing by the owner to apply for a permit on the owner's behalf. Every application must be accompanied by prescribed plans and specifications and the applicable permit fee payable to the City of Kenora.

How long does it take to get a building permit?

The time required for the processing of a building permit application is prescribed in the Ontario Building Code:

Houses and small buildings with no dwelling above another: 10 working days;
Most buildings of up to 3 storeys and less than 6,460 square feet: 15 working days;
Most Complex buildings of over 3 storeys or over 6,460 square feet: 20 working days;
Post Disaster buildings such as fire halls, police and ambulance stations: 30 working days

The above time limits may not apply if any prescribed information is missing.

What types of plans are needed to get a permit?

Permit plans must contain sufficient information to determine whether the proposed work conforms to all applicable regulations. A site plan must be referenced to a current plan of survey certified by a registered Ontario Land Surveyor must be submitted with the building permit application for any major project. For minor additions and alterations, site plans showing outlines and dimensions of the property, driveways, existing and proposed buildings may be accepted. Where required by the Building Code, plans must be prepared, sealed and signed by an Architect, Professional Engineer, or both. In all cases, where not prepared by the owner, the designer must provide a Building Code Information Number, (BCIN), issued by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, or a BCDN issued by the Ontario Association of Architects. Permit applications will not be accepted when the submitted plans are inadequate. The regulations are in metric, and where imperial measurements are used in your plans you are cautioned that the metric prevails. For the installation of any wood-burning appliance, a detailed installation plan and the manufacturer's installation instructions must be submitted.

Other details or plans may be required, such as:

site plan
cross section(s)
elevation views
structural framing details
foundation plan
floor plans
roof plan for complex designs
energy efficiency design summary
mechanical
electrical
structural
fire systems
drainage and grading plan

Who will review my permit plans?

Permit plans will be reviewed by Building Inspection staff for compliance with the Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code and other related standards and by-laws.

Who will obtain the approvals from other agencies?

As the applicant, it is your responsibility to secure required approvals from other agencies (where applicable), prior to the issuance of a building permit. (e.g. Health Unit Approval for septic systems, or Electrical Safety Authority for electrical permits.) In most cases the other approvals must be in effect prior to a building permit being issued.

How much will my building permit cost?

The fee for the building permit will depend on the project. The permit fees are calculated in accordance with By-law 155-2021.

Where do I apply for a building permit?

Application forms are available at:

City of Kenora Operations Center
Attention: Building Division
60 Fourteenth Street North, 2nd Floor
Kenora, Ontario
P9N 4M9

Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding Statutory and Civic holidays.

Additional Resources

Site Plan Control