Build, Renovate, Demolish

What is the definition of a building?

• A structure occupying an area greater than 10 sq. metres (10' x 10') consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works fixtures, and service systems appurtenant thereto
• A structure occupying an area of 10 sq. metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto
• Plumbing not located in a structure
• A sewage system
• Structures designated in the Building Code

What is a building permit?

A building permit is your approval to start construction. It means that plans for any new structure, addition or renovation have been reviewed by the Building department. The Building department ensures the plans meet the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-Laws and other applicable laws and regulations.

Why do I need a building permit?

A building permit is a way to regulate development in the Town of Huntsville to meet health, fire, structural and general safety standards. This is to protect individuals and the Community as a whole. It is illegal to conduct work without a permit. Conducting work without a building permit is against the Municipal By-Law and the Ontario Building Code Act.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is needed when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished.  The Town of Huntsville also requires a building permit to be taken out when processing an application to connect to the District Water and/or Sewer. A permit to connect must be taken out first from the District of Muskoka. This permit must go with your application to the Town of Huntsville, along with the needed drawings.

What type of renovations require a permit?

The following is a list of common renovation projects that require a building permit:

• Constructing an addition to an existing building, such as:
  • second or third story additions
  • attached garages or carports
  • “Muskoka rooms”
  • porches, decks
• Making structural or material alterations, such as:
  • adding or removing walls
  • new windows or doors where there were none before
  • enlarging or moving existing windows or doors
  • expanding an existing deck or dock
  • enclosing an existing deck or porch
  • replacing structural parts of a deck or dock
• Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following:
  • structural or material alterations
  • installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
  • excavating and/or constructing foundations
  • basement underpinning
  • constructing a basement entrance
  • adding an additional unit or suite
• Demolishing or removing all or part of of a building
  • Installing or reconstructing a chimney or fireplace
  • Installing a wood burning stove or fireplace
  • Replacing or repairing footing drains
  • Upgrading or repairing a sewage system
  • Installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
  • Constructing or replacing a retaining wall (if the retaining wall is adjacent to public property)
  • Changing a building's use (example: residential to commercial or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is needed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit may be required.