Permits
Permit Applications & By-Laws
The Ontario Building Code requires that property owners obtain a building permit prior to commencing construction (including renovations) or demolishing all or part of an existing building.
How Can I Apply for a Permit?
- Download the permit application form available online at the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website.
- You can also pick one up at the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Municipal Office.
Is There a Fee?
Yes. Fees are due when an application is approved by the Chief Building Official (CBO)/Building Inspector.
Does My Project Need a Permit?
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a new building, an addition, or an alteration of any building or structure. When in doubt, contact the Chief Building Official, and they will clarify whether you need a permit or not.
Building and Construction
All attached decks
Any detached deck greater than 2 feet off the ground or larger than 528 square feet
Attached or detached garages and sheds
Installation of solid fuel appliances (i.e. woodstoves and fireplaces)
Sunrooms, solariums and porches
Alterations to a plumbing system (except replacing fixtures)
Structural foundation repairs
Interior and Exterior Structural Alterations
adding or removing walls, i.e., creating different room sizes and/or uses
one- and two-story additions
new windows where there were none before
enlarging or relocating a window or door
finishing a basement
Special care needs to be taken when abandoning a well or septic system. For further details, please contact the Township office and ask for the CBO/Building Inspector.
Other
Installation of cleanouts and backwater valves
Conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
Livestock buildings
Equipment storage buildings
Silos
Manure storage structures (excluding earthen structures)
Riding Arena
Cover all-type structures (fabric/hoop)
Green building initiatives, such as:
Storm and grey water use
Rooftop stormwater retention systems
Structures used in the support of a wind turbine generator with a rated output of more than 3kW
Installation of solar collector systems with a face area equal to or greater than 5 m²
The demolition or relocation of any existing building or structure. Note that certain building types and interior partitions do not require a demolition permit.
A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) that measures 15 square metres (161 square feet) in area or less and must not contain plumbing. When in doubt, contact the Chief Building Official, and he will clarify whether you need a permit or not.
Note: Although a building permit may not be required, your project must still comply with the Ontario Building Code and any applicable law, such as the zoning by-law.
The following is a list of projects that do not require a permit
Installing asphalt shingles on a roof
Repointing of brick veneer
Damp proofing of basements
Replacing siding, without the addition of any exterior foam insulation
Replacing doors or windows (provided they are in the same size opening)
Kitchen or bathroom cabinets (not including plumbing)
New flooring
Installation of air conditioning units or heat pumps
Replacing existing forced-air furnace
Fences
Pool heaters
Painting and decorating
Landscaping
Earthen manure storage structure
Installation of solar collector systems having a face area of less than 5 m²
Will the Permitted Work Require Inspection?
Yes. Inspections are required to determine whether the project has been constructed in compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
A document detailing the required inspection stages will be provided when you receive the permit.
When your project reaches an inspection stage, you are required to contact the building inspector identified on your permit to schedule the inspection.
Inspection requests require a minimum of 48 hours' notice, commencing the day after notification is received and does not include weekends, holidays, or any day the Township business office is closed.
Failure to give notice for inspection of each construction stage for which advanced notice is required under the Building Code shall be grounds for issuance of an order to uncover or Engineer’s report at the expense of the permit holder.
Refer to Building Inspections for additional information and a complete list of requirements. Other inspections may also be required depending on the nature of the work completed.
Specialty Permits
Some projects require special permits and inspections. See below for details.
The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) coordinates the review and approval of any septic system installed, altered or repaired, anywhere in Northwestern Ontario. A review of existing septic systems by the Northwestern Health Unit for any additions larger than 15% of the existing area or the addition of plumbing fixtures is required and approval of same must be obtained in writing. Information packages that include the required application forms are available from any NWHU office location. Or contact 807-468-3147 for residents in the Sioux Narrows area and north and 807-274-9827 for residents in the Nestor Falls area and South.
For all wiring, with or without hydro, contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233. For new electrical service to a property, contact Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376.
For any work to shore lands, including crib docks, retaining walls, beaches, etc., contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Offices nearest to you. MNR may require you to complete a Work Permit Application. DFO may require you to complete a DFO Notice of Project. For MNR, contact 807-468-2501 for residents in the Sioux Narrows area and north and 807-274-5337 for residents in the Nestor Falls area and South. For DFO, contact 807-468-6441 for residents in both Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls.
Where Can I Read the Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Building By-Law in Full?
View the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls’ Building By-Law. For questions related to this by-law, please contact the Township office and ask for the CBO/Building Inspector.
Building By-Law