FAQs

A building permit grants you legal authorization to begin construction on your building project in accordance with approved plans and specifications. In the Township of Bonfield, building permits are issued by the Chief Building Official.

All building permit applications are carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Applicable Laws, Township of Bonfield zoning bylaws, and other relevant provincial and municipal regulations. This process helps protect public safety, health, and welfare throughout the community.

Under the Ontario Building Code Act everyone who constructs or places a building on a property is required to obtain building permit. 

A building permit is your best protection when making a major investment in your home or property. It provides important information about the Ontario Building Code and the Township of Bonfield’s bylaws and regulations. A permit ensures that your project meets minimum construction standards and uses appropriate materials, helping to safeguard the quality and safety of your building.

Having a building permit also gives you access to the expertise of Bonfield’s Building Department. They can offer professional advice during the design and construction phases, helping you avoid costly problems down the road.

Please note: Construction, renovation, conversion, or demolition work cannot begin until a building permit has firstly been issued by the Chief Building Official. Starting work without a permit is contrary to the Ontario Building Code Act and is considered a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act. This could lead to orders being issued against persons and/or the property which could lead to fines, charges, and at the very least, additional administrative fees. 

Not sure if you need a building permit?

Bonfield’s Building Department is here to answer your questions and guide you through the permit application process to make it as smooth as possible.

If you are altering or installing a new onsite sewage system, or increasing the load capacity to a septic system, please contact the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority to determine if a building permit is required. 

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority

• Address: 15 Janey Ave, North Bay, ON P1C 1N1
• Phone: 705-776-7807
• Email: bonfieldfair@hotmail.com
• Website: Bonfield Agricultural Society

If there is any proposed electrical work, please contact Electrical Safety Authority to determine is a relevant permit. 

Prior to excavating for any reason please call Ontario One Call for information. 

When applying for a building permit in the Township of Bonfield, property owners or their authorized representatives must provide detailed information about the project. The specific requirements will vary depending on the nature and scope of your construction.

Typical application requirements include:

Proof of property ownership, such as a deed or recent property tax bill, to confirm legal ownership and provide a legal description of the property.

A copy of a plot plan or a recent property survey showing:

• Lot dimensions
• Location of any easements
• Location of well and onsite sewage system
• Size and location of existing structures and proposed new structures
• Distances between existing and proposed structures
• Distances from structures to property lines
• Drainage patterns on the property
• Location of driveway(s)

The total estimated value of construction, including both materials and labour costs.

Check out the Application Check List Housing and Additions for all requirements. 

Fees for building permits and other permits governed by the Ontario Building Code are reviewed and adjusted annually by the Township of Bonfield.

We recommend contacting the Building Department for assistance in determining the correct permit fee before completing and submitting your application.

See Building Fee By-Law 2024-22 for complete details.

The Township of Bonfield's application process requires that you provide information about your construction project such as who, where, when and how the work will be done.

The approval process begins with staff reviewing your application for completeness. If there are problems with your application or drawings, staff will contact you by telephone or e-mail, if address provided.

Stages of a Review

If a complete application is submitted and accepted for processing:

• Zoning Review

• Review of Applicable Laws as they pertain to your permit

• Construction and Material Standards (Ontario Building Code Review)

• Approval granted to issue permit

Other Approvals

Depending on the location and nature of your project, approval from other municipal authorities or external agencies (NBMCA, Utilities or Ministry of Transportation) may be required, before your permit is issued. Staff will advise you if additional approvals are required and what you need to do to satisfy these requirements.

You are responsible for ensuring that all requirements are satisfied and that Building Services receives any required approval notices.

A permit cannot be issued until all requirements have been met.

Once a complete application has been submitted and where approvals from external agencies are not required the building permit can be issued as quickly as two days.