Building Applications

Begin Your Application

The Municipality of Arran-Elderslie uses Cloudpermit to manage building permit applications. Cloudpermit is an online software that allows applicants to submit and track the status of their building permit from submission to completion of the project. These are some of the features listed below.

  • 24-hour access to all applications/permits.
  • Collaboration between property owner, building department staff, designer and contractors.
  • Direct messaging with building department staff along with other parties invited to the workspace.
  • Request inspections outlined in the permit.
  • Set notifications to receive email updates when the status of the application/permit changes, messages sent or invoices created.

How to Apply for a Building Permit

Application Process

Documents and Forms

Application Types

A building permit is necessary when you wish to construct, renovate, demolish or change the use of a building. You must obtain a building permit before you: construct any new building or place another structure on your property, make renovations or repairs or add to a building, undertake any work regarding the on-site sewage system.

Accessory Structures

  • An accessory structure is a structure that is incidental and subordinate to a principal building or use on the same lot. Accessory structures are not intended for human habitation and are typically used to support or complement the primary use of the property.

Agricultural Buildings

  • An agricultural building is a building or structure that is located on agricultural land and used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as the housing of livestock, the production, storage, or processing of agricultural products, or the storage of farm machinery and equipment.

Assembly Buildings

  • An assembly building is a building or part of a building that is used for the gathering of persons for civic, political, travel, religious, social, educational, recreational, or entertainment purposes, or for the consumption of food or drink. Assembly occupancies are classified as Group A under the OBC.

Change of Use

  • A change of use occurs when a building or part of a building is used for a different purpose than it was originally designed or previously approved for, and no construction work is proposed.

Commercial Buildings

  • A commercial building is a building or part of a building that is used for business, trade, or the provision of services. Commercial occupancies are most commonly classified as Group D (Business and Personal Services) or Group E (Mercantile) occupancies under the OBC.

Demolition

  • Demolition refers to the partial or complete removal of a building or structure, including the dismantling or destruction of structural components.

Industrial Buildings

  • An industrial building is a building or part of a building that is used for the assembling, fabricating, manufacturing, processing, repairing, or storing of goods and materials. Industrial occupancies are classified as Group F under the OBC.

Institutional Buildings

  • An institutional building is a building or part of a building that is used for the care, treatment, or detention of persons who may require supervision, medical care, or controlled movement. Institutional occupancies are classified as Group B under the OBC.

Miscellaneous

  • Miscellaneous/designated structures are specific types of structures that are identified by the Code as requiring regulation, even though they may not be buildings intended for occupancy.

Plumbing

  • Plumbing refers to the systems and components installed in a building to supply potable water, distribute hot and cold water, and safely remove and dispose of sanitary drainage, storm drainage, and wastewater. Examples of plumbing work include installing new plumbing fixtures or relocating existing plumbing fixtures.

Pools

  • A pool is a structure or installation that is designed to contain water for swimming, wading, diving, or recreational bathing purposes. This includes above ground, in ground, or below ground pool for private or public use.

Residential Buildings

  • A residential building is a building or part of a building that is used for the occupancy of persons for sleeping or living purposes. Residential occupancies are classified as Group C and include buildings where occupants reside on a longterm or permanent basis.

Sewage System

  • A sewage system is a system that is designed to receive, treat, and dispose of sewage on the same lot where it is generated, rather than being connected to a municipal sanitary sewer.

Signs

  • A sign is considered a structure that is erected or installed to display information, identification, or advertising.

Temporary Structures

  • A temporary structure is a building or part of a building that is constructed for a limited period of time and is not intended for permanent use. Temporary structures are typically erected to support shortterm activities or events and are removed once their intended use has ended.

Plans and Drawings

Plans or working drawings showing and detailing the following information shall accompany all applications. Depending upon the nature, scope and scale of a project, other additional information may be required to demonstrate code compliance at the discretion of the Chief Building Official.

  • Site Plan
  • Grading and Drainage Plan
  • Floor Plans
  • Foundation Plans
  • Framing Plans
  • Roof Plans
  • Reflected Ceiling Plans
  • Sections and Details
  • Building Elevations
  • Electrical Drawings (including Fire Alarm riser diagram)
  • Sprinkler Drawings (architectural plan of sprinkler layout, sprinkler room and sprinkler riser diagram)
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Drawings and Calculations (SB-10 and/or SB-12 design as per building type)
  • Plumbing Drawings (including riser diagram)
  • Architectural Drawings (including specific fire separation plan showing vertical and horizontal penetrations)
  • Structural Drawings
  • Specifications and All Related Soil, Engineering and Architectural Reports
  • Building Code Matrix/Summary

Applicable Law

While the Municipality administers and enforces the Ontario Building Code, other applicable law may also apply to a property or proposed construction, depending on site-specific conditions. Information provided on this website is intended for general guidance only.

Entrance Permit & Civic Address

Entrance permits regulate safe access to municipal roads, while civic addresses provide clear and consistent property identification to support emergency response, service delivery, and public safety.

Bruce County

Bruce County, as the upper-tier municipality, reviews certain applications to ensure development complies with County policies, protects regional infrastructure, and supports safe, coordinated growth across all local municipalities.

Conservation Authority

Conservation Authorities help manage flood risk and protect natural features by reviewing development in regulated areas to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

Niagara Escarpment Commission

The Niagara Escarpment Commission protects the Niagara Escarpment by regulating development within the Escarpment Plan Area to ensure environmental protection and compatible land use.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs supports safe and sustainable farming and rural development by setting provincial standards for agriculture, food production, and land stewardship.

Ministry of Transportation

The Ministry of Transportation protects provincial highways by reviewing development near or accessing them to ensure road safety and efficient transportation.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

The Ministry of Natural Resources helps protect natural resources and manage natural hazards by reviewing development that may affect environmentally sensitive or hazard-prone areas.

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks helps protect public health and the environment by regulating activities that may impact water, and environmental quality.

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services supports vulnerable Ontarians by regulating and funding social, child protection, and community support services, helping ensure safe and inclusive communities.

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education supports safe and wellplanned communities by setting provincial standards and policies for schools, child care, and education facilities across Ontario.

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health protects public health by setting standards and oversight for health services, water and sewage systems, and facilities that impact community health.

Ministry of Long-Term Care

The Ministry of LongTerm Care protects the safety and wellbeing of longterm care residents by setting and enforcing provincial standards for the planning, construction, and operation of longterm care homes.

Zoning

The Zoning By-law sets out how land and buildings may be used and developed to ensure orderly, safe, and compatible land use within the municipality.