variety of building tools on wall in garage

A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property in the Township of West Lincoln. If you have any questions about building by-laws or building permits, please contact our Building department.

Before you start

If you start construction before you have obtained a building permit, you will be subject to double permit fees.

As part of the building permit process, our Planning department will review your plans to make sure they comply with the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-laws and any other applicable laws.

When do I need a building permit?

Common building permits in the Township of West Lincoln include accessory buildings, buildings, wood stoves, additions, decks/porches, renovations, demolition, plumbing/septic, temporary tents, change of use and swimming pools.

If your deck is less than 24"  from grade or your structure is less than 15m2, you do not need a building permit. However, you must obey any Zoning By-laws.

Apply for a building permit

You can find our popular building permit applications listed below. If you can't find the permit you are looking for, please visit our Applications, Licences and Permits page.

How do I submit my application?

Email submissions

Submit your completed application to buildingpermit@westlincoln.ca. 

In person

Bring your completed application to the Township Office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We are located at 318 Canborough Street in Smithville.

Alternatively, you may drop off your application in our secure drop box located at the rear of the building.

Typical permit submission requirements

All building permit submissions need to include the following information:

However, some building projects may require additional documentation such as:

  • Septic evaluation/permit if applicable
  • Engineered truss drawings if applicable
  • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority clearance if applicable
  • Nutrient management strategy if applicable (new barn housing animals)

For more information about what to include with your application, review our Permit Application Checklist and Survey Requirements.

Building permit fees

The size of your structure will determine how much your building permit costs. 

The minimum permit fee is $183.00 Please review our consolidated fee by-law starting on page 4 to find out how much your permit will cost. When your building permit is approved you will be notified by Township staff with the amount owing.  

Payment and security deposit

We only accept debit, cash or cheque payments at the Township Office. EFT or online payments are not currently available at this time. Please visit us between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, at 318 Canborough Street in Smithville.  Alternatively, you may drop off your payment in our secure drop box located at the rear of the building. 

Security deposits are taken to ensure damage is not done to municipal property and that proper inspections are completed. Once your permit is approved and closed, any deposit remaining will be refunded to you.

Timing

The permit process takes approximately three weeks. However, some projects may take longer depending on the type of permit and certain requirements that it may need to meet.