Building

Before You Start

There are requirements you must meet depending on the project. Before you begin your home/business build or renovation, we recommended that you first:

Look into zoning and planning requirements
If you are building on a waterfront lot, site plan approval may be required
Review the building permit guide and building by-law to verify that all documents being provided meet the requirements
Some applications may require a copy of your property deed, proof of entrance approval (District, Township or MTO), septic or water and sewer approval and/or payment of development fees (District and/or Township)

How to Apply

To build, renovate or demolish, please apply for a building permit through Cloudpermit, online:

Register https://ca.cloudpermit.com/registration
Log in with your account https://ca.cloudpermit.com/login
Watch instructional video on how to apply

Building Permit Application

A building permit from the Township of Muskoka Lakes is needed when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished.

Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a building?

A structure occupying an area greater than 10m² consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works fixtures, and service systems appurtenant thereto

A structure occupying an area of 10m² or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto
Plumbing not located in a structure
A sewage system
Structures designated in the Ontario Building Code

What is a building permit?

A building permit is your approval to start construction. It means that plans for any new structure, addition or renovation have been reviewed by the Building department. The Building department ensures the plans meet the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-Laws and other applicable laws and regulations.

Why do I need a building permit?

A building permit is a way to regulate development in the Township of Muskoka Lakes to meet health, fire, structural and general safety standards. This is to protect individuals and the Community as a whole. It is illegal to conduct work without a permit. Conducting work without a building permit is against the Ontario Building Code Act.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is needed when a person constructs or demolishes a building or causes a building to be constructed or demolished. The Township of Muskoka Lakes also requires a building permit to be taken out when processing an application to connect to the District Water and Sewer. A permit to connect must be taken out first from the District of Muskoka. This permit must go with your application to the Township of Muskoka Lakes, along with the needed drawings.

Following the recent amendments of the Ontario Building Code (Ontario Regulation 451/22 Section 28), a shed intended for storage purposes only and is ancillary (accessory) to a principal building on a lot does not require a building permit providing that:

It is not more than 15 square metres (161 square feet) in gross area;
It is not more than one storey in building height;
It is not attached to a building or any other structure, and
It does not contain any plumbing
It is not to be used for human habitation.

Note: an accessory structure must comply with the Ontario Building Code, the Township of Muskoka Lakes Zoning By-Law, and all other applicable law. Please contact the planning department to find out setback and lot coverage information as it relates to your property.

What type of renovations require a permit?

The following is a list of common renovation projects that require a building permit:

Constructing an addition to an existing building, such as:
- second or third storey additions
- attached garages or carports
- “Muskoka rooms”
- porches, decks
Making structural or material alterations, such as:
- adding or removing walls
- new windows or doors where there were none before
- enlarging or moving existing windows or doors
- expanding an existing deck or dock
- enclosing an existing deck or porch
- replacing structural parts of a deck or dock
Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following:
- structural or material alterations
- installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
- excavating and/or constructing foundations
- basement underpinning
- constructing a basement entrance
- adding an additional unit or suite
Demolishing or removing all or part of a building
- Installing or reconstructing a chimney or fireplace
- Installing a wood burning stove or fireplace
- Replacing or repairing footing drains
- Upgrading or repairing a sewage system
- Installing or modifying heating and/or plumbing systems
- Constructing or replacing a retaining wall (if the retaining wall is adjacent to public property)
- Changing a building's use (example: residential to commercial or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is needed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit may be required.

Sewage System Permit Application

A septic permit is required when you are looking to install a new septic system, change the location of an existing system, or replace an old system. Refer to our sewage system permit guide.

Forms

Schedule 3A, 3B and 3C

Docks and Boathouses

Approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Navigation Protection Program, and Parks Canada may be required. Refer to the dock and boathouse permit guide.

Boathouse application will not be accepted until a dock permit has been inspected and closed.

If a dock is required to support an upper structure (boathouse or boat port), it has to be constructed in the following sequence.

Dock must be inspected and closed by the Municipal Building Inspector.
An Engineer or Structural Designer's review report will be required.
If site welding is performed, CWB Certification of the welding company and letter stating said company completed the work must be provided.

CWB Certification and Structural review letters must be submitted with the Boathouse Building Permit Application.

Outdoor Tents

For safety reasons, depending on the size and use, tents may be subject to provisions under the Ontario Building Code, and/or the Fire Code.

If your tent is larger than 60m2 (645 ft2), you will require a building permit. Use this tent construction checklist to help prepare you. A Tent Fire Safety Plan must be included with your building permit application.

If your tent is larger than 30m2 (323 ft2), you must comply with Fire Code requirements. See emergency services department for additional information.

For all tents over 225m2 (2421ft2) in Ontario, a General Review Report from a professional engineer is required.

Useful Resources

Fees

Refer to the fees and charges By-law 2023-109 Schedule "H"

Development Charges

View the Notice of Development Charges for the Township and District of Muskoka effective January 1, 2024.

Note: Township of Muskoka Lakes Development Charges By-law 2024-055 was approved by Council on June 12, 2024 effective July 1, 2024.

Township Development Charges

In accordance with By-law 2024-055, as of July 1, 2024:

Single family and Semi's - $17,064.00
Rows and other multiples - $11,663.00
Apartments (2 or more bedrooms) - $9,456.00
Apartments (Bachelor or 1 bedroom) - $6,304.00
Non-residential, per square foot of building space - $4.84

A summary of the development charges by-law can be found in the Township Development Charges Pamphlet.

District Development Charges

View the District of Muskoka Development Charges Pamphlet. District Development Charges do not apply if the addition to a non-residential building is 50% or less of floor area. Please view By-law 2019-49 for more information.