Applying for a Building Permit

 A building permit is required when constructing a building greater than 108 Sq ft, or to construct a storage shed greater than 161 Sq ft.

Any building which contains plumbing will require a building permit.

Construction of a deck greater than two feet (0.61 meters) in height above ground level that is detached or attached to the building

• New construction or alterations to window openings, door openings, load bearing walls or partitions
• Additions to the home including constructions of apartments, secondary suites, finished basements or to convert a room into a bedroom (within a dwelling or an accessory building)
• To construct a deck, garage, balcony, carport, or to enclose an existing deck
• Replacing existing deck or installing guard rails to existing deck
• Any deck or landing adjacent to an exit
• Excavation of a basement or construction of a new or replacement foundation
•  Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression systems such as fire alarms, sprinkler or standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems
•  Install or modify any plumbing
• Installation of fireplaces, fireplace inserts, woods stove or reconstruction of a chimney
• Installation of a new or replacement HVAC system which includes new furnace or duct work.
• Erect signage
• Demolish or remove all (or a portion) of a building
• Change of use of a building

A building permit is not required for the following:

• Replacing an existing door or window (Permit would apply if alterations are being made to the original opening size)
• Installing siding on small residential buildings
• Installation of new shingles or steel roofing 
• Installation of eve troughs, if drainage is contained on your property
• Damp proofing an existing basement
• Painting or decorating, including interior finishes, but excluding insulation
• Reinstalling kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Erecting a fence
• Sheds not more then 161 Sq. Ft. in gross area; that are not more then one storey in height; not attached to a building or structure; do not contain plumbing and will be used solely for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot.
• Construction of other buildings less than 108 square feet which does not contain plumbing.

Northumberland County is responsible for septic permit issuance and through the process reviews plans, issue permits and performs inspections for septic systems.

A septic permit is required for the construction of a new home, changing the use of an existing building, changing or adding to existing plumbing, constructing an addition.

Please reach out to Northumberland County for more information regarding septic permits and when it may be required.

Set back permits are required prior to any development located off a county road.

To learn more about this permit and how to apply please visit Northumberland County

If your property is located near a water source or wet land, you may need an approval from the Lower Trent Conservation Authority prior to any development or obtaining a building permit.

If you are not aware if your property has an environmental constraints , you can view your property on the Lower Trent Conservation map viewer.

Please reach out to Lower Trent Conservation for further information, on whether a permit or clearance is needed for your property.

Application Permit to Construct Signage in Cramahe Township

Application for Heritage Designated Building Permit

Building Permit – New Residential Homes and Additions - Full Package

Building Permit – Alterations and Accessory Buildings Full Package 

Demolition Permit - Full Package

** Please note that the requirements for any additional hard copies will be at the sole discretion of the Chief Building Official