The Building & Bylaw Department can be contacted at:
(519) 728-2818
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Building Department assists developers, contractors, and the general public interested in obtaining a building permit. Prior to granting approval, the plans examiner reviews plans submitted for Ontario Building Code & Municipal Zoning compliances.
It is recommended that applicants first investigate what will be required by them in order to obtain a building permit. Most permits require building plans and a site plan; however, some may also require a copy of your deed, proof of entrance approval, conservation authority approval, septic or water and sewer approval and/or payment of development fees.
When is a Permit Required?
There are a variety of projects that require a permit. Some of the projects are listed below:
· New and replacement waterlines
· Construct a new building
· Any addition to an existing building
· Structural alterations
· Renovate, repair or add to 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, balcony or deck
· Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
· Install or modify plumbing systems
· Install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces
· An accessory structure large than 108 sq. ft. in area
· A deck more than 24” above ground
· A wood burning stove/fireplace installation
· A basement entrance
· Finishing an existing unfinished basement
· Installing a swimming pool (in-ground or above ground)
· Installing a Fence
The above is a basic list. If you are unsure if you would be required to obtain a building permit, call our office and inquire before you start construction.
When is a Permit Not Required?
You do not require a Building Permit for the following:
· Replace existing doors and windows (same-size), subject to distance from property lines
· Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
· Build a roofless deck under 0.61 metres (2 feet) that is not attached to a building
· Build a utility shed under 100 sq. ft.
· Re-shingle a roof
· Dry-wall or plaster
· Paint or decorate
· Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards
For electrical and Union Gas related projects, please contact your utility provider for permitting requirements.
In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. Remember, as the building owner, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain Building Permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action
TAB # 1
Permit Applications
(House Permit Application)
(House Addition Application)
(House Renovation Application)
(Garage/Pole Barn/Shed Application)
(Fill Permit Application)
(Fence Permit Application)
(Demolition Application)
(Deck Application)
(Plumbing Application)
(Swimming Pool Application)
(Septic System Application)
PLEASE NOTE: When applying for a building permit, a deposit is required except for new home construction and non-residential projects.
TAB # 2
Property Specific Required Forms & Information
(Add in link for Energy Efficiency Design Summary)
(Link to Green Building)
(Link to Letter of Commitment by Architect or Engineer)
(Link to Authorization Form)
Public Works Entrance Permits
If you are applying for a new house permit, you may be required to obtain an entrance permit. The fee for this permit will be included on your building permit. Please see the Town of Lakeshore Tariff of Fees Bylaw to view the fee required for this permit.
Entrance over a Municipal Drain
If the property is on a Municipal road, applicants are asked to contact the Town’s Engineering and Infrastructure Services (519-728-2700 to make arrangements.
Properties Located on a County Road
If the property is located on a County road, please contact the County of Essex at 519-776-6441 for application requirements.
NOTE: If this is for Single Family Dwelling or an addition that will be situated closer to the front property line than the existing building, a setback approval may also be required through the County of Essex)
TAB # 3
Zoning Bylaw
TAB # 4
Interactive Online Lakeshore Map
TAB # 5
Building Permit Fees/Permit Review Timelines
(Tariff of Fees Bylaw)
(Development Charge Bylaw)
Processing of Building permits varies depending on the project type. The Ontario Building Code stipulates timelines for permit issuance. The list provided below is only a guideline for Residential projects (Note: The times indicated do not include the day that the permit was dropped off, day 1 starts the next business day) Also note that the processing timelines commence after all the required information is received in our office to issue the permit.
Single Family Dwelling (SFD) – 10 Business Days
House Addition/Renovation – 10 Business Days
Pools/Decks/Fences – 10 Business Days
Shed/Garage/Pole Barn – 10 Business Days
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional – Please call our office for timeframes.
TAB # 6
Required Inspections
(Link each schedule of inspections to this tab)
TAB # 7
CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES
For any property that is located within the regulated area for the Conservation Authorities, approval will be required prior to the issuance of the building permit.
See our interactive online mapping for regulated properties.
ERCA (Essex Region Conservation Authority) - 519-776-5209
LTVCA (Lower Thames Conservation Authority) – 519-354-7310
(2018 ERCA Approved Fee Schedule)
(2018 LTVCA Fee Schedule)
Tab # 8
By-Law Enforcement Services
The By-Law Department staff is responsible for the administration and enforcement of some of the town’s by-laws.
(Property Standards Bylaw Link) – This bylaw establishes standards for the maintenance and occupancy of all properties
(Fence Bylaw Link) – Regulates the height and description of fences
(Sign Bylaw Link) – Regulates the erection of signs, and other advertising devices and the posting of notices
(Discharge of Fire Arms Bylaw Link) – A comprehensive bylaw that prohibits the discharge of firearms in restricted areas within the town
(Noise Bylaw Link) – A bylaw to control noise
(Long Grass Bylaw Link) – Regulates and prohibit long grass and weeds on any land within the Town of Lakeshore where such are not subject to the provisions of the Weed Control Act
(Refuse and Debris Bylaw Link) – A bylaw that was created to prohibit the keeping of refuse and debris on a property
(Smoking Bylaw Link) – A bylaw created to prohibit smoking and tobacco use in town owned parks, playgrounds, sports fields and recreation facilities
(Dog Bylaw Link) – A bylaw that regulates the keeping and the running at large dogs
(Snow & Ice Bylaw Link) – The removal of snow and ice from sidewalks
Recreational Vehicle and Utility Trailer Storage – Please refer to the Town of Lakeshore Zoning Bylaw, Section 6.46 for rules and regulations regarding these vehicles and trailers.