Building

Building Permits are Required: 

In general to erect, install, extend, change the use of, alter or repair a building. A building is defined as a structure occupying an area greater than 10 square meters (107 square feet).

The following are examples of projects which would require building permits:

• Construct a new home.
• Add a carport, garage, or rooms to an existing home.
• Install new rooms in the attic.
• Any structural work.
• Add dormers.
• Enclose a porch – roof over a sundeck.
• Repairs or renovations.
• Raise the house to provide a full basement or first storey.
• Excavate the basement to provide a full basement.
• Add structural features such as decks, balconies, canopies etc.
• Accessory buildings such as garage, tool shed, playhouse, etc.
• (Separate from the house) (see our staff re: allowable size).
• Retaining wall – in excess of 1 metre in height.
• Install a swimming pool.
• Install chimney, wood stove, fireplace.

Building Permits are Not Required:

When you do non-structural work such as:

• Painting.
• Landscaping, sidewalks, driveways.
• Kitchen cupboards.
• Eaves trough.
• Erect a fence other than swimming pool enclosure fence. 

Building Permit By-Law: 

By-Law No. 2025-42

Call Before You Dig:

Municipal Approvals

• Committee of Adjustment (Minor Variance or Land Severance)

• Planning Department (Rezoning or Development Control)

Utility Clearances

• Bell Canada (underground telephone locates)

• Ontario Hydro (underground hydro locates)

Please ensure all necessary approvals and locates are obtained prior to commencing any work or development.

Apply for Building Permit Online:

The Township of McKellar is pleased to offer residents, builders, and the business community in all our service communities Cloudpermit - an online system to apply for and track your building permits.

The Cloudpermit building permit system allows you to apply for and to see the status of your application anywhere, at any time. You can start an application and finish it later, and receive email updates on the status of your permit application. You can even request building inspections!

To get started, click the link below.

Apply for a Building Permit

Building Permit Applications: 

• Building Inspection Checklist
• Building Permit Application Package 
• Building Permit Application
• Guidelines for Designers
• Road Damage Security Deposit Form
• Letter of Authorization
• Civic Address Request Form
• Application for Zoning Amendment
• Application for Minor Variance
• Building Division Complaint Form

Building Permit Fees: 

Please refer to the Fees and Charges By-law No. 2025-41 Schedule E for applicable building permit fees. 

Inspection Information: 

• Inspection information will be provided with all permits.
• Please ensure that inspection requests are made at least one day in advance.
• To book your inspection, use the inspection option in the online Cloudpermit system OR contact the Building Department.
• Inspections are generally conducted in the afternoon.