You may need to apply for a building permit before you build or renovate in the City of Kenora. Please speak to our Building Inspectors about the required building permit and how to apply for a permit for your project.
Building permit online application
How to apply for a building permit
You can apply online using Cloudpermit building permit application service.- Register to create a Cloudpermit account.
- Once you are registered, login to Cloudpermit to start your application.
You can start a new application, finish it later, and book a building inspection. Once your application is submitted through Cloudpermit to the City of Kenora, you can check the status of your application and receive email updates.
Before starting your application, it may be helpful to watch the instructional video for Cloudpermit or review the step-by-step instructions in our Guide to Cloudpermit Software.
When do I need a building permit?
- Construct any new building exceeding 107.64 square feet (10 meters square) in floor area
- Docks, boathouses/ports and shoreline structures exceeding 107.64 square feet (10 meters square) in floor area
- Renovate, repair or add to any building regardless of size of any addition
- Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building, other than a farm building on a registered farm
- Change a building's use (i.e., change from residential to a retail, office, industrial or farm use or vice versa)
- Install, change or remove partitions walls and load-bearing walls, add insulation and drywall, stairways, etc.
- Make new openings for, or increase the size of, or replace doors and windows – some exceptions may apply
- Build a garage, carport, balcony, deck or sunroom/gazebo.
- Excavate a basement, install drain tile, construct a foundation or raise a building.
- Install or modify heating ductwork or piping, plumbing piping, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
- Install or reconstruct a chimney
- Change or renew siding or stucco or add exterior insulation
When don't I need a building permit?
- Replace doors and windows of the same-size in existing frames – changing frames needs a permit
- Build a roofless deck under 2 feet (0.61 meters) in height
- Replace shingles of roofs of R1 and R2 zoned buildings
- Replace hot water heaters, oil or gas fired appliances
- Building a utility shed not exceeding 161 square feet (15 meters square) subject to zoning distance from property lines
- Install eaves troughs, provided that drainage is contained on your own property and not directed to neighbour
- Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without any alterations to plumbing
- Paint, decorate, lay new flooring or floor covering
Frequently asked building permit questions
View some of the common questions about building permits and the process of applying for a permit. What is a building permit? |
| A Building Permit is your formal permission 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 by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations. Building Permits control 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. |
How do I pay for a building permit? |
| Once the review of your application is complete, we will contact you to arrange for payment of the permit. Most permits can be paid for by credit card over-the-phone or in person at City Hall, One Main Street South, Kenora. Contact Customer Service at 807-467-2000. |
What happens if I don't get a permit? |
| If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work; you could be prosecuted, and even ordered to remove work already done. Contact the building department if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project. A required septic disposal permit must be issued prior to obtaining a building permit. |
When and why are building inspections necessary |
| Building inspectors review projects during key stages of construction to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the approved plans. Inspections are mandatory to be requested, depending on the project. Inspectors must be able to see the part of the work subject to inspection. Inspectors require a minimum of 48 hours notice to book an inspection. It is the responsibility of the owner or an authorized agent to contact the City of Kenora Building Division to request a required inspection. To schedule a building inspection, submit your building inspection request online. |
What is the role of the inspector? |
| Building inspectors review projects during key stages of construction to make sure there is compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the approved project plans in your building permit. The inspection take place at various stages of the project to see anything that will be covered later in the project. Examples of inspection items are:
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Who can apply for a building permit? |
| You can apply as the owner of a building or property or a person authorized in writing by the owner to apply for a permit on the owner's behalf. |
How long does it take to get a building permit? |
| The time required for the processing of a building permit application is prescribed in the Ontario Building Code:
The above time limits may not apply if any prescribed information is missing. |
What types of plans are needed to get a permit? |
| Permit plans must contain sufficient information to determine whether the proposed work conforms to all applicable regulations. Other details or plans may be required, such as:
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Who will review my permit plans? |
| Permit plans will be reviewed by Building Inspection staff for compliance with the Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code and other related standards and by-laws. |
Who will obtain the approvals from other agencies? |
| As the applicant, it is your responsibility to secure required approvals from other agencies (where applicable), prior to the issuance of a building permit. (e.g. Health Unit Approval for septic systems, or Electrical Safety Authority for electrical permits.) In most cases the other approvals must be in effect prior to a building permit being issued. |
How much will my building permit cost? |
| The fee for the building permit will depend on the project. The permit fees are calculated in accordance with By-law 42-2024. Payments for your building permit are accepted at City Hall, One Main Street South, Kenora. |
Can I apply in person for a building permit? |
| Application forms are available at: City of Kenora Operations Building
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Additional resources
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