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)