Building Permits

A building permit is a licence granting you legal permission to start construction on a project. The building permit process helps enforce the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, the Town’s zoning by-law, as well as other applicable laws and standards. It ensures compliance during construction as well as the structural safety of the completed building.

Most permits require building plans and a site plan, but some may also require a copy of your property deed, proof of entrance approval, conservation authority approval, septic or water and sewer approval, and/or payment of development fees.

Building without a permit is against the law

Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that a building permit is obtained before construction begins. Building without a permit is against the law and could result in you and/or your contractor being subject to fines or penalties as set out in the Ontario Building Code. 

When is a permit required?

Before you start construction of any type, please call the Building Department. Some of the projects that require a permit are listed below:

• Construct a new building
• Add an addition or make structural alterations, renovations or repairs to an existing building
• Change a building's use
• Make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
• Build a garage, balcony or deck
• Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
• Install or modify plumbing systems
• Install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces
• Build an accessory structure larger than 160 square feet
• Wood burning stove/fireplace installation
• Build a basement entrance
• Finish an existing unfinished basement
• Install a swimming pool, fence or sign

If your project includes adding a washroom or altering existing plumbing, you will require a Plumbing Permit. If you currently have an on-site private sewage disposal system, you may need to obtain a Septic Permit or have your existing system evaluated.

In many cases, designers or contractors will get permits on your behalf, but homeowners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that a building permit is obtained before construction begins. Failure to obtain a building permit can result in costly construction delays or legal action.

When is a permit not required?

Some of the projects that do not require a permit are listed below:

• Replace existing doors and windows (same size), subject to distance from property lines
• Install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
• Build a roofless deck under 0.61 metres (2 feet) that is not attached to a building
• Build a utility shed under 160 square feet
• Re-shingle a roof
• Dry-wall or plaster
• Paint or decorate
• Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards

For electrical and Union Gas related projects, please contact your utility provider for permit requirements

Apply for a Building Permit Online 

The Town of Essex uses cloud-based software called Cloudpermit. The software allows you to complete the entire building permit process online on any device. With Cloudpermit, you can:  

• Apply for building permits at any time, from anywhere 
• Check the status of your building permit or building inspection (when your application status changes, you’ll automatically receive an email letting you know) 
• Schedule or cancel building inspections 
• Communicate with your building department with time-stamped messages 
• Pay for your building permit with a credit card 
• Request and submit changes to an existing building permit  

Get Started:
To start, create your Cloudpermit account by visiting https://ca.cloudpermit.com/login. Cloudpermit currently supports Firefox, Google, and Safari browsers. Once registered, you can apply for building permits and track their progress online. 

Cloudpermit has a variety of resources to help you – check out Cloudpermit Support for instructions on the basics and watch the instructional videos below to learn how to use the software.

How to Submit a Building Permit Application:

How to Request an Inspection:

How to Send a Message on Cloudpermit:

Need additional assistance? Our Building Department is happy to answer your questions in-person by appointment, over the phone, or by e-mail. The Building Department can be reached at 519-776-736 ext 1400 or by e-mail at buildingdept@essex.ca

Permit fees

Permit fees vary based on the type of project and location within the municipality. All fees are payable upon issuance of the permit. View the Town of Essex Construction and Demolition Permit Fees.

Tent permits

• A Guide to Tent Permits in the Town of Essex

Tents or air-supported structures may require a building permit. Be sure to review the Guide to Tent Permits provided at the above link prior to construction.

Demolition application

• Demolition Permit Application

Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that a permit is obtained before demolition of any building begins.

Septic System Permits

Since January 1999, the Building Department has been responsible for issuing all sewage system permits within the Town of Essex.

Contact the Building Department to find out more about the permits and requirements of a septic system installation.

Sewage system permits issued before 1999

Prior to January 1, 1999, all sewage system permits were issued through the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Please direct inquiries about systems approved during that time to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146.