Building Services

Building permits are essential for safeguarding the health and safety of the public and building occupants. They prevent structural failures, fire hazards, fall hazards, and other safety concerns. Permits also provide a permanent record of work performed and inspections conducted, ensuring construction meets high standards.

The Thames Centre Building Services Division oversees the Ontario Building Code Act and Regulations to maintain public health and safety.

Step 1: Plan Your Project

Before you apply for a building permit, it's important to ensure that you review and understand the requirements of your particular project. Visit our Plan Your Project page to learn more about what you need ahead of time.

Step 2: Apply For a Permit

After you submit your application, we'll complete a plans examination to make sure everything meets the Ontario Building Code, by-laws and any other necessary regulations. Once the review is finished, we'll either issue the permit to you or let you know if any changes need to be made. If the permit is issued, you'll need to pay all applicable fees before you can start construction. Keep in mind that this process may take some time, so it's important to plan ahead.

To learn more please visit Applying for a Permit.

Cloudpermit - Online Permit Applications

Step 3: Book an Inspection

The Municipality inspects new, renovated and demolished structures—including pools and septic systems—to ensure that they're safe and up to code. Several different inspections may be necessary depending on the type and use of a structure. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor books the required inspections.

Book an Inspection

Applications / Forms

Application to Construct or Demolish – this form is the standard form for all construction projects within the municipality.
Letter of Authorization – this form provides authorizes the agent to submit on behalf of the owner.
Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineers
Schedule 1 – this is a form that is to be filled out by the designer of a project or a person who is providing design activities to a person.
Schedule 2 – this form is required to be filled out and submitted for any septic system and is required to be filled out by a qualified person under the Ontario Building Code.
Design Calculations For Class 2, 4, & 5 ON-SITE Sewage Systems
Blank Site Plan- feel free to use this to draw and include a site plan with your application.
EEDS Prescriptive – this form is the minimum standard for energy efficiency under the Ontario Building Code and is to be used for new houses, additions, and renovations when the prescriptive path approach under SB12 is being used.
EEDS Performance – this form is the minimum standard for energy efficiency under the Ontario Building Code and is to be used for new houses, additions, and renovations when one of the three performance approaches is being used under SB12. (Energy Star, EnerGuide, or SB12 performance).
SB10 Form A and SB10 Form B– these forms are required for energy efficiency requirements under SB10 of the Ontario Building Code for nonresidential projects.
Ontario Building Code Matrix – this form is to be used for all ICI (Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional) construction and is to be completed by a qualified person under the Ontario Building Code.
Sign Permit

Additional Links

Miscellaneous Requests

Planning and Development Services Document Search Request:

(E.g., property files, permit cards, septic plans, building plans, survey, reference or registered plan, etc.)

If you are the owner of the property:

Complete a Planning and Development Services Document Search Request Form and email it to astorrey@thamescentre.on.ca.
The request base fee is $5.00 and $7.50/15 minutes for record search/redaction if applicable.
Once the form has been received, you will be provided with next steps/payment instructions.
The timeline for this request is 2-5 business days.

If you are not the owner of the property:

Please reach out to clerk@thamescentre.on.ca to confirm whether a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request is required.

Zoning Certificate

(E.g., Open Building Permits, Outstanding Work Orders, Servicing Information, Planning Application Status, etc.)

Mail and fax a formal request letter to the municipal office.
The fee is $200.00 per property (roll number) or $250.00 for a rush request per property.
If payment by cheque is unavailable, contact the municipal office for additional payment options.
The timeline for this request is 2-5 business days.

Zoning Confirmation Letter

(E.g., Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), Propane Exchange)

Mail and fax a formal request letter to the municipal office.
The fee is $100.00 per property (roll number).
If payment by cheque is unavailable, contact the municipal office for additional payment options.
The timeline for this request is 2-5 business days.