Applications Forms and Licences

Home/Inside City Hall/Applications, Forms and Licences

Building, Bylaw & Engineering Forms

Apply for Building Permit

You can apply for a building permit through Cloudpermit, an online tool that allows you to see the status of your application anywhere, any time. You can start an application and finish it later and you will receive updates by email on the status of your permit applications.

Follow these steps below to create an account, submit an application and request an inspection.

Create a Cloudpermit account

You will need to create an account to start using Cloudpermit. An email address is required to create an account.

Go to the Cloudpermit account login page.
Click on Register.
Provide your email address.
Cloudpermit will send an email to the address you have provided. Open the email and complete the registration process.

Remember your email and password for the future as you will need those to access the site again.

Start a new building application through Cloudpermit

Log in to Cloudpermit.
Click the Apply for a Permit Button in the upper right-hand corner.
Click Create New Project and give it a name. The name will consist of the property address, and the project (e.g. 944 James S, addition). Then select Next.
Provide the location where the work will be taking place. Change the municipality to Woodstock using the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner.
Type in your address or roll number, or find your property on the map. Once you have the correct location (it appears under the map), select Next.
Select the Application Type and Category appropriate for your project. Most of the categories are self-explanatory, but note that you would select "Accessory Structures" for smaller structures like sheds and detached garages. Then select Next.
At this point, you'll see a summary. Review the information to ensure it is accurate. If you need to make changes, use the Back button. If everything is correct, select Finish & Create.

Review a draft building application through Cloudpermit

After following the steps above, you should be able to see your draft building permit application. You will need to provide a bit more information before submitting your application request.

Ensure Receive Email Notifications is marked as Yes. Email is the primary way in which we will communicate with you throughout the permitting process.
Under Parties of the Application, you can add email addresses for other people and/or companies that should have access to the application. You may wish to add your spouse, contractor, architect, etc.
- You must have an owner and an applicant. Make sure to include contact information for both. Note the owner and applicant may be the same person.
- When you provide another party's information, you'll be asked to give them permission to modify (change) the application and/or add new applications to the project. For example, you may wish to give your heating contractor the ability to add a new application for a heating permit.
- You can also opt to type in the information manually, in which case the party will not receive an email indicating they have been added to the application.
Under Application Data, indicate what type of work you are doing and the type of building on which you'll be working. When you do that, any additional forms that you are required to complete will appear. Click on the forms and complete the required information.
You may also be required to provide attachments like site plans, architectural drawings, etc. Click Attachments to see what is required for your project.
- Upload your items by dragging them into the grey box or using the Click Here button to select them from your computer.
- Once the have uploaded, select the type of attachment and then select Done. Do this for all the required attachments.
- If at any time you need to change or update the attachments (prior to submitting your application), you can delete by clicking the garbage can icon and upload again.
- If there is an attachment option that does not apply to you, upload a document that has N/A written on it. The system will register that you have provided the attachment, and we will know that that attachment type does not apply to your permit.

At this point, you are ready to sign off on the application.

Review the items listed and indicate if they apply and/or you agree with the terms. Then click Sign off on Application. Note that you can download a copy of the sign-off form at the top of the page.

Submit a building permit application through Cloudpermit

You can submit your building permit application once you have completed the steps above and all of the information has been gathered. You will receive an email to confirm your application has been submitted, and you’ll receive other emails regarding its status. You will also receive an email advising you when the building permit is ready and how to pay.

Pay for a building permit

A bill will be produced in Cloudpermit once the permit has been reviewed and issued. You will receive an email once the permit has been issued and you will see the bill.

The balance owing can be paid in person by cheque, debit or cash at the Engineering Office (944 James Street, Woodstock) during business hours.

Request an inspection through Cloudpermit

Once you have received your permit and the work is underway, you will require building inspectors to visit your site and sign-off on your work at various points in the project. You can request these inspections through Cloudpermit.

To book an inspection, log in to Cloudpermit and select Go to Project under the project requiring an inspection. Then select the application by clicking on the address.
A page will pop up with the details of your project’s location. At the bottom of that page you’ll see the heading Work & Construction and a box entitled Inspections. Click on Show Upcoming Inspections and select Request Inspection under the building element you are ready to have reviewed.
Under the New Inspection Request box that pops up, select the date and time you would like to request. Inspection requests must be made one business day in advance, and inspections are conducted in the morning or afternoons. You’ll see the unconfirmed request listed. Once staff receive the request, you will receive an email confirmation for the inspection.

Note: If you need to change the date or time, or cancel the request, select Modify Request.

Cloudpermit tips, support and FAQ

Cloudpermit tips

Dashboard: At any point of your application process you can return to the My Dashboard page to see which application you have made and if any further information is required to process your application.
Delete: You can delete your application at any time by using the Selection Action drop-down menu at the top of the page.
If you need help with an application that has not been submitted yet, send a message in the message portal on Cloudpermit such as “I need help”. Once the message is sent, someone from the Building Department can access your application and walk you through it.

Cloudpermit Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact for help with Cloudpermit?

Call 519-539-2382 ext.3198 or click Message in the top right-hand corner of your application and that will give you direct access to the Building Department.

Once I submit my application, what are the next steps?

Cloudpermit will send emails letting you know what stage your application is in.

What do I do once I receive the email for balance owing?

The balance owing can be paid in person by cheque, debit or cash at the Engineering Office (944 James Street) during business hours.

Where do I find my building permit and approved permit drawings?

Once payment is received your approved drawings will be available in the Work tab under Permits. Download the document and you will have access to the permit and drawings.

How do I access the inspections?

The inspections are available in the Work tab of your application.

Cloudpermit support

Visit Cloudpermit's Support page for more answers to commonly asked questions.
Contact the Engineering Office for help during business hours by phone 519-539-2382, ext.3198 or by email.

Site Plan Control Application

Site Plan Control Agreement

A site plan control agreement is required whenever you are looking to develop land. It is the process used to control and regulate various features on the site of the actual development, which includes the location of the building, landscaping, drainage, parking, and access. A site plan control agreement ensures that you have all of the appropriate approvals before making a significant investment in your property.

Site plan approval is required for all new commercial, industrial and institutional uses. It is also required for some residential uses, such as apartment buildings and townhouse complexes.

Background

Pursuant to Section 41 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, the whole of the City of Woodstock is designated as a site plan control area. In accordance with the City of Woodstock Site Plan Control By-law No. 8711-11, a Site Plan Control application is required for the following forms of development:

The construction or placement of a building, or addition to a building/structure, that has the effect of increasing the size of the development or usability of the site;
The establishment of a paved parking lot with five or more spaces, or the establishment of paving with a total lot area of 100 square meters (1,076.4 square feet ) or more; and,
Any alteration to the existing grading and/or drainage patterns of an existing site.

All submissions for Site Plan Control must meet the requirements of the City of Woodstock Zoning By-law No. 8626-10, as amended. Please consult with the City of Woodstock Engineering Department or County of Oxford Community Planning Office to determine if your property is subject to site plan control.

Who Can Apply

The application is to be completed by the property owner, or their duly appointed and authorized agent. Where the application is being made by an agent, written authorization from the owner must be included in the application submission

Site Plan Control Approval Process

The site plan approval process consist of five steps, as follows:

Pre-consultation
Application Submission
Circulation
Site Plan Review Meeting
Final Approval

Follow the link to the County Website for detailed information on the Site Plan Approval Process.

Site Plan Control Application

The Site Plan Control Agreement Application - Printable Form or Site Plan Control Agreement Application - Fillable Form must be completed in full and returned to the Community Planning Office, Oxford County, P.O. Box 1614, 21 Reeve Street, Woodstock, ON, N4S 7Y3, along with all drawings. If you have any questions regarding this application or process, please contact Oxford County at 519-539-9800 and ask for the Community Planning Office.

Fees

The applicable fees are to be paid by cash or cheque to the Treasurer, County of Oxford. Fees are not subject to HST.

New site plan application fee $2,500.00 + $2,600.00 Public Works review fee, totaling $5,100.00
OR
Amendment to a previous site plan $850.00 + $1,550.00 Public Works review fee, totaling $2,400.00

Minor Variance Application

Complete a Committee of Adjustment Minor Variance Application form and return the completed form to the Engineering Department 944 James Street. The application must be accompanied by the application fee and submitted no later than 20 days before the Committee of Adjustment meeting date. Please follow up with either City Hall at 519-539-1291 or one of the Building Department Technicians at 519-539-2382 ext. 3106 or 3103 for the next scheduled meeting and the latest date your application must be submitted.

Paper copies of the application are available at the City of Woodstock Building Department or at City Hall in the Clerks Department.

Fillable Format: Minor Variance Application Form

Print Format: Minor Variance Application Form

Sign Permit Application

A sign permit is required for any sign or advertising device, including:

Ground signs
Wall signs
Marquee signs
Awning and projecting signs
Pole signs
Roof signs
Temporary mobile signs

Permits are not required for sandwich board signs or election signs.

Apply for a Sign Permit

To apply for a sign permit you must include:

Sign Permit Application
Site Plan showing the location of the proposed sign
Owner authorization letter (if you do not own the property)

For all temporary mobile signs, you must include the date of installation and the date of removal on the application.

You can apply online for a sign permit through our online permitting system Cloudpermit. You can also download the application form and submit in person or via email.

Road Excavation Permit

In the case of excavation of the sewer lateral, you or your contractor must expose the lateral sewer at the property line and contact us immediately to confirm the cause of the problem. Contractors or homeowners are not permitted to excavate within the city road allowance without receiving prior approval. Any questions about the form below should be directed to our Engineering Technologist by email or phone at 519-539-2382 ext. 3114.

Excavation Permit

Driveway Extension/Widening Permit

If you plan on widening your driveway, a permit is required. You must provide a drawing showing your existing driveway, the proposed extension, drawings of all infrastructure around your driveway including trees, street light fixtures, hydrants, etc.

For residential units with individual private driveways, driveways are permitted to cover a maximum of 50% of the front yard or exterior side yard with parking.

Please fill out the permit form and bring it to the Engineering Office at 944 James Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 0B5. There is no fee to apply for a permit, however, if you require a curb cut, there is a fee that will be calculated based on your widening, which will be discusses with you prior to approval.

Driveway Extension/Widening Permit Form

Zone Change Application Guide

This application is to be used only when applying to the City of Woodstock for a change to the City's Zoning Bylaw. The applicant should approach both the City Engineering Office and the County of Oxford Community Planning Office for Official Plan, Zoning and Policy Information before making a formal application.

Zoning Change Application Form

Business Licensing

Business Licence Application Forms

Adult Entertainment

Auctioneer

Body Rub Parlour

Business Operated on a Temporary Basis: Online Printable

Circus and Carnival: Online Printable

Donation Drop Box: Online Printable

Kennel

Business: Online Printable

Newspaper & Magazine Boxes: Online Printable

Pawnbroker & Second Hand Goods Dealer: Online Printable

Refreshment Vehicles: Online Printable

Special Transportation Services Vehicle

Taxi/Limousine Broker

Clerks Department Forms

Commissioner of Oaths

What is an Oath?

An oath is a solemn declaration of one's words by which a person signifies that he/she is bound in conscience to perform an act faithfully and truthfully. The oath is used to encourage if not to ensure that the truth be spoken.

What is an Affirmation?

An affirmation is a solemn declaration that serves the same purpose as an oath if an oath is objectionable to the person on religious or ethical grounds.

What is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a document containing statements that are verified by the swearing of an oath or by an affirmation. Affidavits are generally used for the purpose of establishing legal rights and may be required to attest to a certain fact or set of facts.

Documentation

Once you are certain that the City of Woodstock can commission your document, you must visit City Hall in person. The request for the Commissioner of Oaths service must be made by the same individual taking the oath and signing the document. You must present one original government issued piece of photo identification in (i.e. a valid driver's license, a valid passport or a BYID age-of-majority card). If your identification is in a language other than English or French, an official translation of the document may be required.

Community Grants Application Form

Community Grants Application

City Council approved updates to the Community Grants Policy GA003 at its January 16, 2025 meeting. The City provides grants to volunteer, non-profit, or charitable organizations to help them fund programs and initiatives that improve the well-being of the community.

The application period for the Spring intake for the Community Grants Program closed on March 3, 2025. The application period for the Fall intake will open in July, and the deadline will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. During that time period, you will be able to submit your Community Grants application online. Alternatively, paper applications are available at City Hall.

Dog Tag Application

As of January 1, 2022, Woodstock residents are no longer required to purchase an animal tag from the City. Pet owners are still responsible for complying with the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 212, which requires cats and dogs to always have identification in the form of a tag or microchip on them.

Animal tags can be obtained from a pet store or veterinarian. A microchip can be implanted by a veterinarian.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Clerk’s department.

Lottery Licence

Lottery licences are required for charitable gaming including bingo, raffles, break open tickets and social gaming events held by charitable and religious organizations.

Charitable organizations are regulated by licencing policies and the terms and conditions of the licences. For more information and resources please visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website.

If you are intending to run an online lottery, applications must go to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Lottery Licence Eligibility

Canada’s Criminal Code permits charitable and religious organizations to conduct a lottery to raise funds if a licence has been issued. Organizations must have a demonstrated charitable or religious mandate to qualify.

If you believe you qualify, please submit an Eligibility to Conduct a Lottery Application along with your lottery licence application to our Licensing Administrator.

Types of lotteries and applications

Raffle lotteries

A raffle lottery is a game where tickets are sold for a chance to win a prize at a draw. This includes 50/50 draws, elimination draws, penny sales and calendar draws.

Raffle Municipal licence

A municipality may issue a licence to eligible local charitable or religious organizations for ticket raffle lotteries where the total value of the prizes to be awarded is not more than $50,000.

Break open ticket

A break open ticket is a lottery ticket that has a perforated cover window tabs. Behind the tabs are symbols that are revealed by tearing open the cover tab. The winning combination of symbols is specified on the back of the ticket. Break open tickets are also known as "Nevada tickets" or "pull tabs".

Break Open Ticket Municipal Licence

A municipality may issue a licence to eligible local charitable or religious organizations where the break open tickets are not to be sold in conjunction with another gaming event.

Bingo events

Regular bingo

Regular bingo events are lottery games where players purchase bingo paper and win prizes by being the first to complete a specified arrangement or pattern of numbers on the bingo paper from randomly selected numbers. Regular bingo events have prize boards that aren't more than $5,500.

Media bingo

A media bingo event is a bingo game that is conducted on or through media such as the radio or the newspaper. Licences will not be issued for Internet gaming activity.

Table board bingo

Table board bingo is a game where players purchase the table board card and win prizes by being the first to complete a specified arrangement or pattern of numbers on the table board bingo device from randomly selected numbers.

Bingo Municipal Licence

A municipality may issue a licence to an eligible charitable or religious organization for regular, media or table board bingo events where the total value of the prizes to be awarded on any one occasion is not more than $5,500.

Marriage Licence

Marriage Licence Application

The City of Woodstock issues marriage licences that are valid for 90 days in Ontario.

Step 1: Application

A marriage licence is required to get married in Ontario. Marriage Licence Applications are available online or in person at Woodstock City Hall.

- Complete the online marriage licence application

- Pick up a physical copy of the Marriage Licence Application at City Hall

It takes 48-72 hours to process the application. City Staff will contact you when the marriage licence is ready to be signed. The marriage licence fee of $125 is payable by cash or debit.

Proof of Age

Proof of age must be provided. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, parental consent must be obtained before a marriage licence is issued. Contact the Clerks Department for additional information.

Proof of Previous Marriages

Divorced

If you were divorced in Canada, you must provide the original or a certified copy of:

- Final decree or judgment

- Certificate of divorce

Please note that a divorce order is not accepted.

If you were divorced outside Canada, an authorization from the Registrar General is required. Contact the Clerks Department for details.

Widowed

No proof of the death is required

Step 2: Pick up Marriage Licence

Once your application is processed, City Staff will contact you when the marriage licence is ready to be picked up and signed off at City Hall. The marriage licence fee is $125 and can be paid by cash or debit only.

Either applicant or both can pick up, sign off, and purchase the marriage licence at City Hall. Marriage licences are available for pickup at City Hall between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The marriage licence is valid for 90 days in Ontario when issued. The marriage ceremony must be performed within this timeline or the marriage licence will expire. If your licence expires, another licence must be purchased. There are no refunds for issued marriage licences.

Step 3: Marriage Ceremony

A civil ceremony may be performed by an Ontario Judge, Justice of the Peace, a Municipal Clerk or designate under the authority of the Ontario Marriage Act, 1990.

The City of Woodstock offers three (3) options for a civil marriage ceremony at City Hall, as outlined below. The cost of a marriage ceremony at City Hall is $300 + HST.

Please read the options below and select the one you would like on your marriage licence application form.

Marriage Ceremony #1

Bold text indicate the words spoken by the Registered Officiant.

Person No. 1

Person No. 2

This couple has come here today to be joined in marriage, which is the voluntary union of two persons to the exclusion of all others. If any person can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

(Registered Officiant) to Person No. 1: Repeat after me, please:

“I (state your name) do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony to (state Person No. 2’s name)”

(Registered Officiant) to Person No. 2: Repeat after me, please:

“I (state your name) do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony to (state Person No. 1’s name)”

Marriage is not a single event but rather a developing process which is not to be undertaken recklessly or irresponsibly but rather maturely and honestly. Marriage is the faithful union between two people the result of which is the formation of a family unit whose members shall help, support and enjoy each other in good times and in bad times. It is this relationship these two people wish to have declared and celebrated.

Registered Officiant to Person No. 1: Repeat after me please:

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (state your name) do take you (state Person No. 2’s name) to be my lawful wedded (wife, husband, spouse, or partner)

Registered Officiant to Person No. 2: Repeat after me please:

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (state your name) do take you (state Person No. 1’s name) to be my lawful wedded (wife, husband, spouse, or partner)

Registered Officiant to Person No. 1: Have you a ring?

This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and of your life together. Please place it on the third finger of (Person No. 2’s) left hand saying after me. “With this ring, I thee wed. I shall love, honour and cherish thee and this ring shall be the symbol of my love.”

If a double ring ceremony Person No. 2 repeats the above.

I, Registered Officiant, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, do hereby pronounce you (state names of persons be married) to be husband and wife (or married). May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes and peace and contentment of mind, as you day by day live and fulfill the terms of the covenant you have made with one another.

Marriage Ceremony #2

Bold text indicates the words spoken by the Registered Officiant.

Person No. 1

Person No. 2

This couple has come here today to be joined in marriage. The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in his or her entirety as a lover, companion and friend. It is therefore a decision not to be entered into lightly but rather with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself.

(Insert name of Person No. 1) and (insert name of Person No. 2) have invited us to share in this celebration as they affirm their love before us, pledge their faith to one another and enter in the joys and privilege of marriage. Love is one of the highest experiences we human beings can have and it can add depth of meaning to our lives. The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure of doing things together or in doing separate things but exchanging experiences, is a continuous and central part of what two people who love each other can share.

Marriage was established that two people might have a lifelong companionship, that natural instincts and affections might be fulfilled in mutual love, that children should enjoy the security of family life, love and home.

Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, yet this sharing must not diminish but enhance the individuality of each partner. A happy marriage is one which is continually developing while growing in understanding of the other person. By growing together in love, it is possible to share not only the joys of life but the burdens of sorrow as well. (Insert name of Person No. 1) and (insert name of Person No. 2), your marriage is intended to join you in a relationship so intimate and personal, it will change your whole being. It offers you the hope and indeed the promise of a love that is true and mature.

To attain such love, you will have to commit yourselves to each other freely and gladly for the sake of a richer and deeper life together.