You are required to submit a Construct or Demolish Permit Application for any structure that you are proposing to construct (houses, sheds, decks, porches (uncovered or covered), garages, carports, interior/exterior renovations/alterations, additions, etc.).
Building Applications and Permits
Woodstock’s building department has a one-permit system. This means permits can be used for: construction of structures, mechanical/plumbing, work and site drainage work. This permit application is also used for the construction of sheds, decks, porches, garages, interior and exterior renovations. Zoning by-law compliance and site plan approval (where applicable) are also part of the permit process
When is a Building Permit Required?
A building permit is required under the Ontario Building Code Act for the construction or alteration of any structure. Please view our application requirements as well as required inspections if you are planning on starting a project. If you are not sure if your project requires a permit, please call our Building Technician at 519-539-2382 ext. 3106 to inquire.
We do not accept building permit applications/requests via email. An application along with the necessary paperwork must be submitted online through Cloudpermit. For more information on Cloudpermit, please visit our Application and Forms page.
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Permit Application Forms
Considering a construction project on your property? Reach out to your local building staff and they’ll help you determine the permits and approvals you may need. Email or call 519-539-2382 ext. 3103 or ext. 3106 and leave as much detail as possible about your project.
Under Ontario regulations, you must locate all your utility lines before you start to dig, build or excavate. Please call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 (the service is free).
Required Clearances for Demolition
You are required to submit a Required Clearances for Demolition form in addition to the application for a permit to Construct or Demolish, if you are proposing to demolish an existing structure.
Along with the completed Sign Permit Application, a site plan showing the location of the proposed sign must be provided. Please note on the application, the date of installation and the date of removal for all temporary mobile signs. If you do not own the property, owner authorization/approval in the form of a letter must be provided with the application form. For information on our sign bylaw, please follow the link for more information on our Sign Permits page.
If you are proposing to install a pool, you will require a Swimming Pool Fence Enclosure Permit. If a fence is existing, please note the type of material/construction and height of the fence on your required site plan. A permit is not required for a fence if you do not have a pool. See pool fence requirement package below for more details.
Moving Permit for Oversized Loads
If you are proposing to move a large or oversized structure within City boundaries, you are required to take out an Over-sized Load Permit.
Driveway Widening / Excavation Permit
If you plan on expanding your driveway, a Driveway Widening/Excavation Permit is required. You must provide a drawing showing your existing driveway, the proposed expansion, 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 per cent of the front yard or exterior side yard with parking.
If you are planning on excavating on city property to widen your driveway, you will also require a Road Allowance Excavation Permit. There is no fee to apply for a permit, however, if you require a curb-cut there is a fee that will be discussed with you prior to approval.
Road Allowance Excavation Permit - Working on City Right-of-Way/Property
If you are planning on digging in the City's right-of-way/City property, a Road Allowance Excavation Permit is required. For more information on excavation permits, please call 519-539-2382 ext. 3114.
If you are working on private property, you do not require an excavation permit. However, if you are repairing or connecting to the City's sanitary sewer and water services a Building Permit is required along with inspections of the work performed.
Documents Required with Permit Application Forms
Along with your completed application form, you will be required to include two sets of each item noted below:
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Site plan/property survey showing the location and outside measurements of your house and any covered structures such as sheds, porches, garages, decks, etc. If you do not have a property survey, you may provide your own site plan drawing, provided that it is to scale. The City of Woodstock does not provide copies of property surveys. These documents are under copyright and can be obtained by a professional surveying company at a cost to the homeowner.
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Construction drawings showing the types of materials to be used, floor plans including foundation plans if applicable, elevation plans sections and details. Construction drawings are not required if your accessory structure is 108 sq. ft. or less.
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Other applicable drawings such as site servicing plans, grading plans, architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and sprinkler drawings, depending on the work proposed.
Additional Information
These packages provide information on a variety of construction projects. If you have any further questions, please contact the Building Department at 519-539-2382 ext. 3103 or 3106.
Examples of Site Plan Drawing
Contact Us
City of Woodstock
P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Phone: 519-539-1291
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