Building

Georgian Bluffs provides building services to help residents, contractors, and builders navigate the construction and permitting process. Below, you'll find information on permits, inspections, and who to contact if you need assistance.

Cloudpermit Online Building Applications

Applying for a Building Permit

Building permits are required for most construction, renovation, or demolition projects. Permits ensure your project meets safety standards and complies with the law. A building permit can usually be issued within 10 business days, provided that the application is complete and the drawings meet the requirements under the Ontario Building Code.

All permits must be submitted through the CloudPermit System. This online system lets you:

Apply for a building permit
Check the status of your application
Schedule inspections
Receive email updates and reports

An application is not considered complete unless all the appropriate drawings are received (2 sets), other applicable permits including septic and fill permits from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, entrance permits (Grey County, MTO,or Municipal), 911 number, water connection (if applicable) and other applicable permits are obtained and received, and all associated fees are paid.

Note: In some instances, approvals are necessary from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority or the Niagara Escarpment Commission, which can lead to undetermined wait times.

If you’re new to CloudPermit, you’ll need to create an account with your email address. If you have trouble, visit the CloudPermit Support Page for help.

Visit CloudPermit

Building Inspections

Inspections are required at certain stages of construction to ensure your project follows the approved plans and building codes.

When inspections happen: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
How to book: Use CloudPermit to request an inspection.
Notice needed: You must book at least 48 hours in advance.

When Do You Need a Permit?

A building permit is required for:

New structures larger than 14.9 m² (160 sq. ft.)
Additions to any building
Decks higher than 600 mm (24”) from grade
Installing fireplaces, woodstoves, or plumbing
Swimming pools and temporary tents over 60 m² (646 sq. ft.)
Interior renovations that add bedrooms, bathrooms, or apartments
Structural changes, like enlarging window or door openings

If you’re unsure, contact us at building@georgianbluffs.ca or call 519-376-2729.

Building Permit Fees

Permit fees will be calculated and collected prior to issuance of a building permit. Taxes are not applicable.

Residential Structures

Service or Item Description	Fee	Unit of Measure	Administrative Fee
New construction or additions (All floors including basement)	$1.15	Sq. ft	$200.00
Renovations, alterations, repairs to existing	$0.80	Sq. ft	$100.00
Decks and porches	$0.50	Sq. ft	$50.00
Attached garage, carport, unfinished space	$0.50	Sq. ft	$100.00
Accessory structure (i.e., Garage, shop, etc.)	$0.50	Sq. ft	$100.00
Renovation that cannot be measured in square feet (Sq. ft)	$10.00	Per $1,000 of work	$50.00

Farm Structures

Service or Item Description	Fee	Unit of Measure	Administrative Fee
New construction or additions	$0.25	Sq. ft	$200.00
Tarp structures (no livestock)	$0.10	Sq. ft	$200.00
Manure tanks or concrete horizontal silo	$500.00	Per unit	$200.00
Grain bins	$150.00	Per unit	$200.00

Institutional Structures

Service or Item Description		Fee	Unit of Measure	Administrative Fee
New construction or additions		$1.00	Sq. ft	$200.00
Renovations		$3.00	Per $1,000 of work	$100.00

Commercial/Industrial Structures

Service or Item Description		Fee	Unit of Measure	Administrative Fee
New construction or additions		$1.15	Sq. ft	$200.00
Renovations		$4.00	Per $1,000 of work	$100.00

Other Permit Fees

Service or Item Description	Fee	Unit of Measure	Administrative Fee
Demolition	$150.00	Each	$50.00
Tent (over 646 square feet)	$100.00	Each	$50.00
Change of use	$250.00	Each	$50.00
Swimming pool	$150.00	Each	$50.00
Moving permits for buildings	$200.00	Each	$50.00
Fireplace	$150.00	Each	$50.00
Plumbing (New construction or revision work)	$200.00	Each	$50.00
Solar panels (Roof or freestanding installation)	$250.00	Each	$50.00
Minimum permit fee	$150.00	Each	$50.00

Other Building Department Fees

Service or Item Description	Fee	Unit of Measure	Administrative Fee
Revision to existing permit	$10.00	Per $1,000 of work	$100.00
Compliance letters to lawyers (Building & Zoning)	$100.00	Each	Exempt
Curb compliance and miscellaneous	$100.00	Each	$50.00
Transfer of permit	$100.00	Each	$50.00
Re-inspection fee or extra inspections (1 hour minimum)	$100.00	Per hour	Exempt
Minimum distance separation calculation – required for all existing lots in the Rural Zone	$225.00	Each	Exempt
Wind turbines – for FIT applications a mandatory retaining fee of $10,000 is required. This is returnable after 20 years or upon site restoration to predevelopment	$20.00	Per $1,000 of work	$200.00
Fee where construction or demolition or change of use commenced prior to submission of permit application	Additional fee equal to the cost of the permit, or $500.00 (whichever is less)	Each	Exempt
Fee for occupying a building prior to the occupancy permit being issued	$500.00	Each	Exempt
Renew expired permit before 12 months	$150.00	Each	Exempt
Renew expired permit after 12 months – permits expire after 12 months, this provides a 12-month extension	$150.00 plus Permit cost	Each	$200.00

Grading and Drainage

All new construction requires a grading and drainage plan prepared by a qualified engineer. If your project affects shared drainage systems, work with your neighbours to resolve any issues. Persistent drainage problems may require input from a landscaper or engineer.

Planning or Land Use Questions?

If you’re considering buying property or building on vacant land, you may need more information about restrictions or zoning.

Visit the Planning Department Page.
Complete the Land Use Inquiry Form ($150 fee required).
The Planning Department will respond to your inquiry in writing.

For questions or more general planning inquiries, email planning@georgianbluffs.ca.

Helpful Documents

The following resources can help you through the process:

Building Services
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5

Email Building Services
Phone: 519-376-2729 ext. 906
Fax: 519-372-1620