Building & Renovation

If you’re considering a renovation on your property or are interested in building a new structure or addition, the Township of Puslinch must approve your plans and provide you with a building permit before you can start construction or demolition. Property owners are also responsible for obtaining locates for all utilities/services prior to digging.

To assist applicants with the building permit application process the Township has created a variety of resources. In the accordions below you will find important information regarding how to apply for a building permit, when a building permit is required, building permit guides and more. Please click here to review the current Building Permits Fees and Development Charges handout.

What is a building permit and when is it required?

A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction. It means that plans for any new structure, addition or renovation have been reviewed by the Township, for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the local zoning bylaws and any other applicable laws and regulations. If you’re not the property owner, you will be required to have the property owner fill out the building permit owner authorization application.

Ontario has released a new Building Code that will come into effect January 1, 2025, with a three-month grace period until March 31, 2025 for certain designs that are already underway. The new Building Code aims to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry, increase safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to build housing.

When is a building permit required?

The Ontario Building Code Act (1992) requires a building permit when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished.

Definition of a building:

A structure occupying an area greater than ten square metres (107 square feet) 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 pertaining to the listed above;
A structure occupying an area of ten square metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing pertaining to the above mentioned;
Plumbing not located in a structure;
A sewage system; or
Structures designated in the building code.

Buildings that don’t require a building permit in the Township of Puslinch:

A detached shed that is not more than 15 m2 (161.46 sf), not more than one storey in building height, does not have plumbing, and is used only for storage purposes;
A fence (i.e. chain link, wood, wrought iron);
Removing the kitchen cupboards and replacing with new cupboards,
Installing new shingles on existing roof;
Removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling;
Replacing a fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub, or sink) with a new fixture; or
A detached deck that is 10′ x 10′.

Buildings that require a building permit in the Township of Puslinch:

A detached shed that is 15′ x 11′ including roof overhangs;
A retaining wall exceeding 1 metre (3’-3”) in height;
Renovation projects where plumbing fixtures are added or relocated;
Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam;
Renovations including finishing of unfinished basements (Note: if bedroom, code stipulates window sizes for emergency egress);
Building an attached deck, or any deck greater than 10 metres square (108 square feet);
Adding a woodstove or fireplace;
Installing a swimming pool (above or in-ground) or
Demolishing a building.

Apply for a Building Permit Application

The Township of Puslinch 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.

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

When you are ready to submit your building permit application click the “Apply for a Building Permit” button below.

Apply for a Building Permit

Note: Before submitting your building permit application, be sure to check the applicable law check list and review your property’s zoning requirements, conversation regulations, source water protection, and MTO. These contacts are found in each of the Building Permit Guides.

Cloudpermit Assistance

Use the documents below to help you get started in Cloudpermit.

Things to remember –
Dashboard – At any point you can return to “My Dashboard” page to see which applications you have made and if the Township is waiting for information from you to process your application further.

Delete – You can delete your application at any time by using the “Select Action” drop-down menu at the top of the page.

If you need help you can visit Cloudpermit support for answers to commonly asked questions. You can also contact our Building Services department at building@puslinch.ca or calling 519-763-1226 ext 181 during business hours.

Building Permit Guides

There are different requirements for different types of permits. Review the specific guidelines for the permit you’re seeking before applying:

Active Building Permits

The Township has an up to date map of all active building permit applications. Click here to view the interactive map.

Service/Utility Locates

As a contractor or homeowner, you are responsible for obtaining locates for all utilities/services prior to digging. These services include gas pipelines, electrical services, telephone and cable TV as well as your water and septic connections. Ontario One will confirm which utility company they provide locate services for. You are responsible for directly contacting utility providers, who are not members of Ontario One Call.

Ontario One Call is a free 24/7 service that helps homeowners make sure their digging location is safe before beginning a project. You can reach them toll-free at 1 (800) 400 – 2255

Natural gas in the Township of Puslinch is provided by Enbridge/Union Gas.