Building and Planning
Please note: Renovations to the City’s Engineering and Public Works office are now complete and the customer service team will be moving back to 944 James St. starting Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 8:30 a.m. As of Sept. 9, the public can no longer access engineering and public works customer service at the Market Centre building.
Before you begin any construction, alteration or renovation projects to an existing or new building or you would like to use the property for a different purpose other than what it was originally intended for, it is your responsibility to get the necessary permits.
Your approved building permit is proof that your project plans have been reviewed and approved by the municipality for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the local zoning bylaw and any other applicable laws and regulations.
Building Department Services
Permits
- Building permits
- Pool fence enclosure permits
- Moving (oversized load) permits
- Demolition permits and required clearances
- Permit fees
- Building inspections
Monthly Building Permit Reports
Developmental Charges
These are fees collected from developers to help pay for various infrastructure required to provide municipal services to new developments.
Minor Variances
The Minor Variances process is a method to seek relief through a Committee of Adjustments when circumstances do not allow you to meet the zoning bylaws that govern the types of permitted uses on a property.
Zoning By-Laws
The Zoning Bylaw controls the use of land by dividing the municipality into different land use zones specifying the use permitted in each zone (i.e., Where buildings and other structures can be located, types of buildings permitted and how they may be used as well as lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements, building heights and setbacks).
Zoning Charges
To request a zone change you must contact a City Planner located at Oxford County Administrative Building, 21 Reeve Street. 519-539-9800. Please contact a City Planner before submitting a Zone Change Application.
Site Plan Agreements
A site plan control agreement is required whenever land is developed. Site plans are reviewed by the City Planner located at the Oxford County Administrative Building at 21 Reeve Street. 519-539-9800.
Building Deposit
Some building projects require a security deposit to be paid in addition to the permit fees. Deposits can be refunded once the project is complete and inspections confirm all requirements under the Building Code Act have been satisfied.
Under Bylaw 7115-94, if a deposit remains unclaimed after six years, the City Treasurer will post a public notice, including the unclaimed deposits. Property owners/permit applicants have 90 days from the posting of the notice to claim their deposit. Any deposits remaining unclaimed will be transferred to the City's general funds.
