Building Services

New 2024 Building Code Updates

Ontario has released a new Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry, increase the safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to build housing.

The 2024 Building Code came into effect on January 1, 2025, with a three-month grace period until March 31, 2025 for certain designs that were already underway.

A summary overview of the major changes to the Building Code can be viewed here.

Considering constructing an Accessory Residential Unit? Our permit guides will help you through the application process!

What is an Accessory Residential Unit (ARU)?

An Accessory Residential Unit (ARU) is a self-contained living space within or on the same lot as a single-detached, semi-detached, or townhouse dwelling. The unit typically shares the property with the primary residence, and it could include a basement apartment, garden suite, in-law suite or coach house

Secondary suite:
• A self-contained dwelling unit: located in a building or portion of a building of only residential occupancy that contains only one other dwelling unit and common spaces, and where both dwelling units constitute a single real estate entity. (As defined by the Ontario Building Code, Division A Article 1.4.1.2).

Disclaimer: The information contained within these guides is intended for general information purposes only. It only highlights key changes to the Building Code. It is not intended as legal or technical advice, and it should not be relied on as such. Code users are strongly advised to consult the official records for specific legislative and regulatory requirements, including Ontario’s 2024 Building Code, O. Reg. 163/24 as amended by O. Reg. 203/24, 2020 National Building Code and Ontario Amendment Document (May 15, 2024) for the full extent and the exact wording of the changes.

Building a Legal Basement Apartment

Building an Apartment Above a Garage

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Building Permits - What are they?

Before starting to build or renovate any type of building, the Town of Espanola Building Services should be consulted regarding required permits.

A Building Permit is your formal approval to begin construction or demolition. It means that the Municipality has approved your plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning bylaws, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Building Permits regulate types of construction allowed in the community and ensure that minimum building standards are met. The Building Permit process protects each homeowner’s interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection and renovation of safe structures.

Permits help ensure that any structural change is safe, legal and sound. It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you receive and post your Permit in a conspicuous place. An authorized agent may get Permits on your behalf, but remember, it is the owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all Permit requirements.

In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter or repair a building.

The following are examples of projects that require building permits: 

Construction of any new structure, including but not limited to decks, garages, sheds and playhouses
Addition of a carport, garage, porch, room(s), dormer, roof over a deck, second storey to an existing home or second story dwelling unit
Renovations to the exterior of your home including construction or repair of foundation, installation of siding or brick and the addition or alteration of windows and doors
Interior renovations that change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls including installation of insulation, air/vapour barrier and drywall
Installation of a fireplace/woodstove or installation/repair of a chimney, installation of any wood burning appliance
Installation of a mobile home on your property
commercial and residential steel roofs

While a building permit may not be required for some of the following structures, a Zoning Permit or other permits may be required. Please consult the Town's Building Department directly prior to commencing construction.

Fences (other than for swimming pools/hot tubs)
Shed under 15 m²
Asphalt roof shingling
Eavestroughs
Minor repairs to masonry
Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air systems
Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing/Mechanical ventilation
Free-standing satellite dishes
Replace existing forced-air furnace (no duct work alterations)
Replacing windows (provided there are no structural changes)
Pool heaters
Painting and decorating
Landscaping

In some circumstances, Building Services staff will inform you that additional approvals are required before a building permit will be issued.

Examples include: 

A plumbing permit for installation, alteration and additions to a plumbing system
A demolition permit before you take down all or part of a building
An occupancy permit if construction is not complete at time of occupancy
A swimming pool enclosure permit for outdoor swimming pools with a capacity of 24 inches (61 cm) of water
A permit for electrical work, such as lighting, wiring, switches and outlets. Contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233 or visit on-line at www.esasafe.com
A sign permit if erecting a sign

The Town of Espanola's application process for building projects requires detailed information from the property owner or authorized representative. Requirements depend on the nature of the project.

Deed or tax bill to verify property ownership and to provide a legal description of the property. 
A copy of a plot plan or a normal property survey illustrating the following:

Lot Dimensions 
Location of easements 
Size and location of existing structures and proposed structures
Distance between structures and proposed structures 
Distance between structures and distance to property lines 
Drainage Patterns 
Driveway
Total value of construction, including materials and labour.
Two complete sets of construction plans which may include some or all of the following:
Foundation plan (new construction, an addition, installing a basement or repairing a foundation) 
Cross section showing load bearing walls and beams (new construction, interior renovations) 
Elevation plan (new construction, alterations to the exterior of your home) 
Floor plan (new construction, an addition, renovations to existing structure)

Building Permit Application and Fees

Available at:

Municipal Office , 100 Tudhope Street, Ste 2, please call for an appointment
or download the Building - Demolition Permit Application, Authorization of Owner for Applicant or Agent to Make Application, view Fees

For further building information, contact:

Marc Leclair– Chief Building Official
P.705.869.1540 ext 2109
[email protected]

John Maville – Building Inspector/Property Standards Officer
P.705.869.1540 ext 2110
[email protected]

Building Services

New 2024 Building Code Updates

Considering constructing an Accessory Residential Unit? Our permit guides will help you through the application process!

Building Permits - What are they?

You NEED a Building Permit in the Town of Espanola if you plan to:

You do NOT NEED a Building Permit in the Town of Espanola if you plan to build one of the following:

Are other Permits required?

Information required to apply for a Permit

Building Permit Application and Fees