Building Permits: What You Need to Know Before You Start Your Project
Before beginning any construction, renovation, or structural project in Augusta Township, it is important to determine whether a building permit is required. Below is a list of common projects that require a permit under the Ontario Building Code:
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Construction of any new building or structure, including houses and farm buildings
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Installation of pools deeper than 12 inches (1 foot)
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Construction of porches, decks, patios, or ramps (with or without a roof)
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Installation of wood stoves
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Demolition of existing structures
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Renovations or alterations, including changes to load-bearing walls, larger windows or doors
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Construction of sunrooms or additions to existing buildings
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Installation or construction of docks
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Party tents, including temporary setups
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Construction of carports and garages (attached or detached) over 10 m² (107.64 sq. ft.), including tent-like shelters over 646 sq. ft.
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Sheds over 15 m² (160 sq. ft.), including prefabricated and portable sheds
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Structural changes, including new openings or modifications to existing structures
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Installation of solar panels mounted on buildings or other designated structures (as per Division A, 1.3.1.1. of the Ontario Building Code)
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Adding a bedroom to a basement or any other part of a building
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Installation of any plumbing fixture (inside or outside a building)
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Changing the use or occupancy of a building
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Construction of any structure over 10 m² (107.64 sq. ft.) that includes a wall, roof, and floor (or any combination), or has a structural system with plumbing, fixtures, or service systems
Please note:
Even if your shed is under 15 m² (160 sq. ft.), it must still comply with the Zoning By-Law. Contact the Township Planning Department at 613-925-4231 ext. 104 to confirm the zoning requirements for your property. You can also refer to the Zoning By-Law for more information.
If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, we encourage you to contact the Building Department before starting work. We are here to help ensure your project meets all safety, structural, and zoning requirements.
Building in Augusta Township
Whether you are planning a new build, renovation, or adding a structure to your property, it is important to understand the requirements before getting started. This page provides key information to help guide you through the process—including permits, inspections, zoning, utility locates, and other important considerations.
Please review the topics below for details on common building-related procedures and requirements. If you have questions at any point, Township staff are available to assist you.
Paying For Your Permit
Once your complete application is received, the Chief Building Official will begin preparing your permit. When it’s ready, you will be contacted by phone or email with the permit cost and instructions for pickup.
Please note: payment is not required until after the permit has been prepared.
Call/Click Before You Dig
Whether you're building a deck, planting a tree, or starting any home improvement project, it's important to locate underground utility and pipe lines before you dig.
Visit www.clickbeforeyoudig.com or call 1-800-400-2255 to request a locate.
Please note: A minimum of 5 business days' notice is required before any digging begins.
Pipelines
Before mechanically excavating and constructing within the right of way of one of the 3 pipelines located within the Township or mechanically excavating within 30 metres (98.5 feet) of the right of way you must call and obtain written approval from the pipeline company. Visit our Pipelines page for more information.
Entrances & Culverts
As per Township By-Law 3711-2024, ALL entrance ways must be approved by the Township BEFORE installation. If your property requires an entranceway, please complete the Entranceway Application Form and submit it at the Township office.
Entrances onto county roads will require the applicant to acquire approval from the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville’s Roads Department prior to receiving a building permit. You can find their Entranceway Application on their website.
Civic Numbers
All properties within the Township are required to have an entrance permit to assist emergency services and utility providers in locating properties efficiently. If you do not currently have an entrance permit, please complete the Civic Number Application and submit it to the Township office along with the applicable fee of $125.
In the event that your entrance sign or post is damaged or missing, you may apply for a replacement. Replacement signs are available for $30 each, and replacement posts are also $30 each. The same Civic Number Application form is used for replacement requests.
The Township encourages agricultural property owners to obtain entrance permits for vacant land entrances to ensure accurate location identification. The fee for an entrance permit for a vacant farm field is $60.
For more information regarding entrance permits, please contact the Protective Services and Safety Coordinator at 613-925-4231 ext. 202.
United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Secondary Suites Program
As an initiative to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for low-income households in Leeds and Grenville, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has introduced two Secondary Suite Programs for Leeds and Grenville.
The two types of Secondary Suite Programs are:
- The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OHPI) Secondary Suite Program, which targets the creation of a rental unit for low-income households, at a person’s sole and principal residence.
- Leeds and Grenville Landlord Secondary Suite Program is accessible to small landlords, and targets the creation of rental units in a property for low-income households, that is not the landlord’s sole and principle residence, and the applicant can own another property.
Visit their website for more information and for application forms.
Zoning Questions
To find out more about the zoning for a property - what you can and cannot build on it, where things can be located on the property, changing the zoning for a property, severing lots etc. - please review the Zoning By-Law or contact the Planning Department at ext. 104.
Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Regulations
Some projects will require the Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) Regulations be checked to ensure that your property is zoned properly for the project. MDS is governed by OMAFRA. They have created a tool to asist landowners in calculating the setback distances between items such as livestock barns, manure storages or anaerobic digesters and surrounding land uses.
The tool can be found on OMAFRA's website.
Open Building Permits
Property owners with open building permits are reminded that it is their responsibility to contact the Chief Building Official to schedule all required inspections.
The Township currently has a significant number of open permits on file. In order to ensure that all health and safety standards have been properly met and documented, we are working to close outstanding files. If you believe you may have an open building permit, please contact the Chief Building Official at 613-925-4231 ext. 106 to arrange for an inspection.
Please note: Most real estate lawyers recommend that prospective homebuyers request a Building Compliance Letter from the Township prior to purchasing a property. This letter outlines the status of any open building permits associated with the property.
Building Permit Applications
Select the link below for all relevant building applications and information required for your project:
Augusta Township’s Building Department regulates and enforces the Ontario Building Code (OBC). Some general information on requirements of the Ontario Building Code can be found here: OBOA Standard Details
Building permits and inspections allow the Building Department to ensure that the minimum standard in the OBC have been met.
Please contact the Building Department at 613-925-4231 ext. 106 to make an appointment regarding your projects and required permits.