Short answer: high decks and roofed structures usually need a permit, small sheds and most fences usually don't. But zoning rules about height and distance from the property line apply either way, and every municipality sets its own details. Always check with yours before you build.
Decks
Most municipalities in Ontario require a building permit for a deck that's more than about 600 mm (24 inches) above the ground at any point. Some also require one for any deck attached to the house, or above a certain size. A raised deck off a patio door almost always needs one. The permit usually needs a site plan and drawings showing the footings, framing and railings.
Sheds
Under the Ontario Building Code, a shed or accessory building of 15 square metres (about 160 square feet) or less usually doesn't need a building permit, as long as it has no plumbing. Bigger than that, it does. Small sheds still have to follow zoning rules for height, lot coverage and distance from the lot lines.
Fences
Most residential fences don't need a building permit, but they do have to follow your municipality's fence by-law, which sets maximum heights for front, side and back yards and sight lines on corner lots. Pool fences are different: most municipalities have a pool enclosure by-law with its own height, gate and latch rules, and a permit is usually needed before the pool is filled. See our fence guide.
Pergolas, gazebos and covered patios
Open pergolas are often treated more lightly than roofed structures. A gazebo or covered patio with a solid roof, especially one attached to the house, usually needs a permit because the roof has to be designed for snow.
Conservation authorities
If your property is near a river, creek, wetland or floodplain, you may also need a permit from the local conservation authority: Upper Thames River, Grand River, Long Point Region or Catfish Creek, depending on where you are in Oxford County.
Who issues building permits in Oxford County
Building permits come from your local municipality, not the county. In Oxford County, that's:
- City of Woodstock for Woodstock
- Town of Ingersoll for Ingersoll
- Town of Tillsonburg for Tillsonburg
- Township of Norwich for Norwich, Otterville and Burgessville
- Township of East Zorra-Tavistock for Tavistock and Innerkip
- Township of Zorra for Embro and Thamesford
- Township of South-West Oxford for Beachville and Mount Elgin
- Township of Blandford-Blenheim for Drumbo, Plattsville and Princeton
Why it's worth getting the permit
- Safety. Inspections check footings, ledger connections and railings, the things that fail when a deck collapses.
- Insurance. Unpermitted structures can cause trouble with a claim.
- Selling. Buyers and their lawyers may ask whether a deck was permitted, and an open issue can hold up a sale.
Most contractors prepare the drawings and apply for the permit as part of the job. Send the form at the top of this page and we'll connect you with a contractor who knows the process in your municipality.