Planning & Development

Building Permits

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Whether you’re constructing from scratch, renovating, or making repairs, obtaining a building permit is the law, and is required to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, zoning, and other regulations. Building permits confirm that your proposed project will meet the minimum life and fire safety standards set out in the Code.

Building Permits are Required for:  

  • New Structures & Additions: Any new building over 10 m², including carports, garages, decks, porches, rooms, extra stories, barns, or temporary tents.
  • Structural Changes: Balconies, dormers, porch enclosures, window enlargements, solar panels, wind turbines, or excavation for a new basement.
  • Plumbing & Utilities: Any structure with plumbing (even under 10 m²), new or replacement plumbing, or chimneys.
  • Repairs & Replacements: Renovations, structural changes, replacing decks, porches, or carports.

Building Permits are not Required for: 

  • Minor Repairs & Replacements: Replacing doors, windows (within the same opening, with no structural changes), shingles, or plumbing fixtures in the same location.
  • Interior Finishes: Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar non-structural work.
  • Small Structures: Storage sheds under 10 m², single-storey spaces, and structures that are not attached to others.
Apply for a Building Permit

Before Getting Started

During your project’s initial planning stages, you must first determine the zoning by-law rules that apply to your property. These regulate the use, size, location and structure types that are permitted on all properties in the Municipality. After reviewing this, contact our Planning Department at planning@meaford.ca to discuss your plans, and to determine if Site Plan Approval is applicable. 

Before your shovel hits the ground, always confer with Ontario One Call, to locate any underground cables or lines below the surface.

Application Process

To support the planning and building process, the Municipality uses Cloudpermit, through which you are able to: 

  • Check the status of your application 
  • Involve all parties involved in your project (contractors, consultants, trades, designers) 
  • Upload attachments 
  • Download your building permit 
  • Book inspections
  1. Staff will review the application by Building Department staff that will assess the application for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-laws and “Applicable Laws” that apply to that specific lot.
    1. Ensure that a complete entrance permit application has been included if you do not have an entrance.
  2. Once a full review of the application has been completed and the necessary approvals obtained, the Building Permit will be issued and can be printed through Cloudpermit. It must be posted in plain view on the construction site. You must keep the approved set (Site Copy) on site at all times.
    1. Please read the permit documents thoroughly before starting construction. The construction must comply with the plans and documents issued with your permit.
    2. Any changes to the approved construction drawings must be reported to and approved by the Chief Building Official. Contact us immediately if there are any changes to the construction plans. Depending on the scope of the change, a permit revision may be required.
Apply for Building Permit

Once a building permit has been issued, it is your responsibility to ensure:

  • There are an approved set of legible construction drawings on site
  • All setbacks, as approved for construction, are adhered to
  • All Engineering work, such as footings, wall, floor and ceiling systems, engineered beams and lintels are submitted to the Building Department prior to the required inspection
  • Inspections are scheduled and performed
  • Deficiencies are corrected if required
  • Re-Inspections are scheduled and performed if required
  • Ontario Building Code & all Applicable Laws are being respected

  • Residential refers to the construction, alteration, addition to, or repair of a building used or that will be used for private human occupancy. This excludes hotels, motels, and buildings for other transient uses. Examples include:
    • single-family dwellings
    • mobile homes
    • double duplex dwellings
    • recreational dwelling (cottages)
  • Demolition refers to the demolition of a portion of or an entire building.
  • On-site Sewage Systems refers to the installation of a new septic system, repairs made to an existing system and the installation or repair of storm sewers, sanitary sewers and water services.
  • Accessory structure refers to the construction, alteration, addition to, or repair of an accessory to a principal building, such as a deck, gazebo, or shed.
  • Agricultural building refers to the construction, alteration, addition to, or repair of a building that is used/will be used for the acquisition of stocks, preparation, planting, care and harvesting of crops or livestock, such as a barn, greenhouse or manure storage.
  • Plumbing works refers to activities such as installing new plumbing fixtures or relocating existing plumbing fixtures.
  • Pools refers to the construction of an above-ground or in-ground pool.
  • Change of use refers to modifying the way a building or a portion of a building is used, even if no construction is planned.
  • Commercial building refers to the construction, alteration, addition to, or repair of a building that is used for commercial purposes. Examples include bakeries, business offices, funeral homes, and hotels.
  • Institutional building refers to the construction, alteration, addition to, or repair of a building that serves a public purpose, such as a hospital, library, or school. 
  • Miscellaneous refers to the construction of a building used for purposes that do not fall within any other category, such as communication towers, parking areas, solar panels, and tents. 
  • A ground sign or pole sign refers to:
    • Signs exceeding 7.5 m (24.6 ft) in height above grade
    • Projecting signs weighing more than 22 kg (48.5 lb)
    • Fascia signs exceeding 10 sq.m (108 sq.ft) in sign area
    • Animated signs
    • Signs greater than 10 sq.m (108 sq.ft) in sign area
    • Awnings or canopies 
  • Temporary structures refers to those set up for a short duration, such as tents or temporary sales pavilions.

Your Plans Will Be Reviewed By

  1. A third-party engineering firm — for lot grading and drainage
  2. Municipal staff —for building code compliance (note that municipal staff cannot act as consultants or advise you on project design).

Municipal staff will review plans/drawings, including but not limited to the following:

  • Site Plan
  • Floor Plans
  • Elevations
  • Cross Sections
  • Wall Details
  • Structural/Framing Details
  • Roof Plans
  • Masonry Fireplaces
  • Stair Details
  • Guard Details
  • Barrier Free Features
  • Plumbing System Details
  • Specifications
  • Window & Door Schedules
  • On-Site Sewage Systems

All documents must meet code requirements before your project can begin.

Sample Plans

Below are sample plans to help you visualize this process. Tacboc standard detailed drawings are provided for informational purposes only, they do not necessarily represent every detail of building construction or all minimum standards which apply. For more detailed information about construction regulations, refer to the Ontario Building Code or a qualified designer.

Drawing Set Samples

Other:

Fees and Charges

Please refer to the 2026 Fees and Charges for up-to-date fees.

Important Notes:

  • Building permit fees must be paid in full before permit issuance.

Certain development projects in Meaford may require Development Charges, including:

  • Constructing a new building
  • Expanding an existing building to add residential units or increase non-residential floor area
  • Redeveloping a property or changing its use through interior alterations

Learn more about development charges, including FAQs.

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