Building in the Township | Township of Wellesley

The Townships Building Department issues permits for the construction, renovation, demolition and certain changes of use of buildings. It also issues permits for the installation, alteration, extension or repair of on-site sewage systems.

Building permits protect the interests of individuals and the community. By reviewing and approving building plans before any work is done, they city can ensure buildings comply with:

The Ontario Building Code, which sets standards for the design and construction of buildings to meet objectives such as health, safety, fire protection, accessibility and resource conservation
The local Zoning by-law and other planning controls on buildings
Other applicable legislation, including conservation authority approvals and certain requirements under the Environmental Protection Act.

The following is a list of information and resources to assist you in the building process:

Building Permits

Apply for your Permit Online!

A Building Permit is your formal permission from the Township of Wellesley to begin construction, renovation, demolition, changes of use, and the installation, alteration, extension or repair of on-site sewage systems on your property. The Township of Wellesley Building Department is pleased to offer residents, builders, and the business community Cloudpermit - an online system to apply for and track your building permits.

Wellesley Building staff must review your plans to ensure that they comply with the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable law prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

The Cloudpermit building permit system allows you to apply for and to see the status of your application anywhere, at any time. You can start an application and finish it later, and receive email updates on the status of your permit application. You can even request building inspections online using your smartphone or using any other online access point!

To get started, click the button below.

APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT

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Getting Started with Cloudpermit: A step-by-step video from login to submitting your first application
Getting Started with Cloudpermit: A step-by-step PDF from login to submitting your first application
Cloudpermit Support

When is a Building Permit Required

construct a new building
any addition to an existing building
adding dormer(s) to existing roof
structural alterations
renovate, repair or add to a building
demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
change a building's use
install, change, or remove partitions and load bearing walls
make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
build a garage or balcony
excavate a basement or construct a foundation
install or modify heating, plumbing or air-conditioning systems
install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces
construct an accessory structure larger than 108 sq. ft. in area (other than a shed, see exemption below)
a deck more than 24" above ground
a wood burning stove/fireplace installation
a basement entrance
a second suite
adding a bedroom to the basement
pending location, a retaining wall that is greater than 1m (3'-3") in height
tent or group of tents that is more than 60 sq. m. (646 sq. ft.) in aggregate area, attached to a building or constructed within 3m (9'-10") of any structure
swimming pools with a depth of 0.8m (31½") or greater (including temporary or inflatable); see also Fences
solar panels
septic system installation or alteration

When is a Building Permit NOT Required

door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed)
fences unless installed around a swimming pool with a depth of 0.8m (31½") or greater (including temporary or inflatable); see also Fences
installing a gas fireplace
installing new shingles on existing roof
installing a water softener
painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling
replacing a plumbing fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location
structure less than 108 square feet measured from the outside face of walls (that does not contain plumbing)
detached sheds 15 sq m. (161 sq ft.) in area or less, up to one storey, not attached to any other structure, and is used for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot.
deck not over 24" above grade at any point

Documents Required for Building Permits

How to fill out the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

Agricultural Shed (No Animals)

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Site plan showing dimensions from property lines, septic tank and septic distribution pipes
OBC Data Matrix for all buildings over 600 sq m (6,458 sq ft)
Footing / foundation / pier plan
Floor plan(s)
Roof plan / truss layout
Cross section(s)
Elevation views
Structural framing details

Barn - Addition / Barn - New Construction

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Complete a Minimum Distance Separation Calculation form (MDS II)
Site plan showing dimensions from property lines, septic tank and septic distribution pipes
OBC Data Matrix for all buildings over 600 sq m (6,458 sq ft)
Footing / foundation / pier plan
Floor plan(s)
Roof plan / truss layout
Cross section(s)
Elevation views
Structural framing details
Approval from the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs
Nutrient Management Strategy

Manure Tank

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Complete a Minimum Distance Separation Calculation form (MDS II)
Site plan showing dimensions from property lines, septic tank and septic distribution pipes
Engineered plan of manure tank
Two copies of the Geotechnical Investigation Report
Approval from the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs
Nutrient Management Strategy
Engineer Commitment to Review Form

Silo

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Site plan showing dimensions from property lines, septic tank and septic distribution pipes
Engineered plan of silo
Engineer Commitment to Review Form

Decks

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by designer
Site plan showing dimensions from property lines, septic tank and septic distribution pipes
Pier plan
Deck framing plan
Guard and handrail details
Deck Package (includes sample drawings)

Detached Garage / Shed

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by designer
Lot grading plan completed by a surveyor or engineer (showing new garage / shed on the property)
Foundation / footing / pier plan
Floor plan(s)
Cross-section
Elevation views
Garage / Shed Package

House Addition

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Lot grading plan completed by a surveyor or engineer (showing new addition on the property)
Footing / foundation plan
Floor plan(s)
Roof plan / truss layout
Cross section(s)
Elevation views of all affected building sides
Structural framing details
Foundation / floor plans and cross sections to include the adjacent structure
If adding a bedroom, fixtures or more than 15% of existing house, a septic review will be required -See septic system checklist
If adding more than 15% of existing house Heat loss / gain calculation, Ventilation HVAC Summary, and Schedule 1

New House Construction

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Complete a Minimum Distance Separation Calculation form (MDS I) if proposed house is outside settlement areas
Lot Grading plan completed by a surveyor or engineer
Footing / foundation plan
Floor plan(s)
Roof plan / truss layout
Cross section(s)
Elevation views
Structural framing details
Heat loss / gain calculation, Ventilation HVAC Summary, and Schedule 1
Energy efficiency form
For the installation of any wood-burning appliance please ensure to include a detailed installation plan and the manufacturers installation instructions
A Septic System review / permit will be required

Pool - Above Ground

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Site plan showing dimensions from property lines, septic tank and septic distribution pipes
Size of the above pool
Label type and height of fence and gates / guards to be constructed around the pool (existing fences should be noted on the survey); see also Fences

Septic System

Start an Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish on Cloudpermit
Schedule 1 to be filled out by a qualified designer
Schedule 2 to be filled out by septic installer
Two copies of a sewage disposal system
Soil and T-time Analysis

Heritage Building

Special consideration is required for construction, alteration or demolition of a Heritage Building

Entrance Permit

An Entrance Permit is required for the installation of a driveway or access to a property from a township right-of-way

Schedule of Fees

Building permit fees are paid when a building permit is issued. See our Fees and Charges By-Law for detailed permit fees.

Permits can be paid for by cash, cheque, or debit. We do not accept credit card.

Watershed

The Township of Wellesley is located with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) watershed. If you are planning a building project or wanting to install a pond on your lands you may need to consult with and obtain permit approvals from the GRCA. Please contact the GRCA to discuss any development proposal directly with their staff.