Whether you are building a new structure or renovating an existing one, our Building Division is here to help.
We follow the Ontario Building Code Act and Ontario Building Code to review plans, inspect construction and issue permits and orders.
It's important to make sure you understand the regulations that may affect your project. Keep reading through this section for information about our zoning, sign and property standards bylaws, applicable development charges and fees and more.
Building Permits
Building permit applications can electronically be submitted through e-mail to building@brant.ca or in-person at the Paris CSO.
To apply for a building permit, please visit our Building Permits page for more information on requirements.
Projects that require a Building Permit |
The following list includes examples of projects that require a building permit. Please keep in mind, however, this is not a complete list. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please call us to discuss.
The following list includes examples of projects that require a building permit. Please keep in mind, however, this is not a complete list. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please call us to discuss.
We do not review or inspect electrical work. Please contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1-877-372-7233) for electrical permits.
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Projects that do not require a Building Permit |
The following list includes examples of projects that do not require a building permit:
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Inspections
Inspections do not happen automatically.
It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that you or your contractor contact the Building Division to book an inspection. Failure to have inspections preformed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection.
Building inspections must be booked with a minimum of 24 hours notice and prior to 3pm to receive an inspection for the following business day(subject to availability). Any inspections booked after 3 pm will be booked for the second following business day.
To book an inspection:
Please call 519.442.INSP (519.442.4677) or email Buildinginsp@brant.ca. Please do not contact the inspector directly.
To cancel an inspection, please contact the Building Division at 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268)
You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Project address
- Contact name and telephone number
- Type of Inspection type
During the inspection process:
- The approved permit drawings must be on site
- The permit must be posted on site
- 24-hour notice must be given for building inspections
- Do not cover or continue construction until each inspection stage is reviewed
- An inspection is required prior to the occupancy of a building
- A final inspection is required to close a building permit
Required Inspections: House Construction |
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Required Inspections: Septic Systems |
The following inspections are required for the construction of an O.B.C. Part 8, Class 4 Sewage System.
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Required Inspections: Accessory Buildings |
The following inspections are required for accessory buildings (detached garages, sheds, small pole barns, and decks).
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Required Inspections: Wood Burning Appliances |
The following inspections are required for the installation of a woodstove or factory build chimney.
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Monthly Building Reports
The Building Division produces monthly reports for building permit activity within the County of Brant.
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
Building Annual Reports
In accordance with Section 7(4) of the Building Code Act, the County of Brant Building Division publishes an annual building financial report.
Previous Years |
2020 Building Financial Report |
Wells Help Desk & Records
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) operates a public Wells Help Desk to help ensure that information is available to the public.
Wells on your Property |
Information and rules for residential well owners, including the proper location, construction, maintenance and abandonment of a well can be found at Wells on your property. |
Well Records & Requests |
Septic Smart!
Be Septic Smart! - Understanding Your Home's Septic System |
Access the following informative handbook for free! Conventional Systems This twelve page booklet helps you understand and care for your conventional septic systems Click here to watch a series of videos developed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to learn more about how your septic system works! |
Sewage System Maintenance Program
If you have a septic systems located within 100 metres of a municipal well, are in the most vulnerable part of the municipal well's two-year time-of-travel area, or located in an Issue Contributing Area, your septic system may be assessed as a significant threat to municipal drinking water sources.
In order to ensure the identified septic system in the County of Brant are properly maintained and functioning, the County of Brant follows the Mandatory On-Site Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program outlined in the Ontario Building Code, which supports the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act identifies sewage storage, including septic systems, as one of the 21 activities that can pose a significant threat to drinking water.
The Ontario Building Code requires all septic systems identified as threats to be inspected every five years after the most recent inspection.
For questions email smp@brant.ca.
Areas within the Wellhead Protect Area (WHPA) & Issue Contributing Area (ICA) |
Bethel Mt. Pleasant Oakhill Paris St. George Mapping of vulnerable areas is available at Lake Erie Source Protection Region Mapping Tool |
Why focus on septic systems? |
Septic systems, when properly designed, constructed and maintained, effectively reduce or eliminate most human health or environmental threats posed by pollutants in the household wastewater. However, septic systems do require regular maintenance and they can fail. Failed systems pose a serious public health risk and can contaminate surrounding ground water, and enter drinking water systems far beyond the property boundaries. There is a significant potential to cause serious illness. |
Additional reference material |
Lake Erie Source Protection Region |
Forms |
If your property is located within the vulnerable areas mapping and your existing sewage system is required to be inspected under the guidelines of this program. Property owners must retain the services of a qualified person in the category of onsite sewage systems with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Architect or Professional Engineer. The qualified person must complete an inspection report and provide an inspection certificate outlining the condition of the sewage system. These forms can be filled out here: |
Septic System Records
A sewage system records search is available when you are looking to obtain your septic records for a renovation application, buying or selling a house or to locate your current system.
To request a search, please fill out the Sewage System Inquiry Form, and submit the form electronically through email to building@brant.ca or by leaving it in the drop box at the Paris Customer Service Office, 66 Grand River St N, Paris.
Notes:
- We do not have records prior to 1999.
- We only have records for properties we receive an application for.
- The current property owner can obtain the septic record for their property at no charge. The owner must provide ID or a current property tax bill as proof of ownership.
- Requests made by anyone other than the property owner, a flat fee of $100.00 is required.
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