Building permits are required for all agricultural construction projects, including manure storage facilities, grain bins, silos, barns, shops, and other similar structures.
Complete applications for farm buildings must include:
- applicable law approval documents when required
- completed application package
- building permit fees
- building application plot plan
- complete design drawings
The Ontario Building Code (O.B.C) allows farm buildings to be regulated by the National Farm Building Code of Canada (N.F.B.C), which provides additional requirements beyond those found in the O.B.C. In some cases the code requirements are lower for farm buildings.
| Farm Building Defined |
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Farm Building means a building or part thereof which does not contain a residential occupancy and which is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming and used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds. Another term that often applies to farm buildings is “low human occupancy”. This is defined as a situation where the occupant load is not more than one person per 40 m2 (430 ft2) of floor area. |
The information provided should be used as a sample only to help you with creating your application.
Before you Start
The construction of a livestock facility is usually permitted only in agricultural zones. In addition, setback distances from roads, lot lines, neighbouring houses and land uses often restrict the location of a livestock facility.
Minimum Distance Separation calculations may be required and take into account information such as:
- number of animals on the site before and after the proposed expansion
- type of livestock
- livestock and manure management system
- type of manure storage structure
Anticipate to be asked to comply with the following regulations:
Regulations |
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Please note that prior to applying for a building permit, it is your responsibility to ensure that all necessary approvals or permits have been obtained from other agencies for any Applicable Law identified in the Ontario Building Code that is relevant to your project. These approvals are required as part of a complete building permit application package.
Applying for a Permit
Please complete our Application to Construct or Demolish and make sure to include a Plot Plan with your submission. We will need the owner's authorization if you are not the property owner.
A Schedule 1: Designer Information Form or a Commitment to General Review Form is required to be filled out for all submissions. Property owners may be exempt from requiring qualifications. All other designers must have appropriate qualifications.
You will need to create an account to apply through our online portal. Be sure to have all you documents ready to attach.
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Apply in Person |
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You can apply for a permit, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at: Engineering and Development Services Department |
Required Design Documents
Typically requirements are listed below, additional information may be required.
Your plot plan should include:
- Lot lines including dimensions
- Measurements from the proposed farm building in relation to lot lines and all structures located on the property
- Lot area, proposed building area, and area of all other structures
- Proposed building height
- Location of septic systems and the distances to the farm building (if applicable)
- North arrow and Municipal address
Your foundation plan should include one of the following:
- Footings and foundation walls
- Slab-on-ground
- Post and base details
Your floor/ framing plan should include:
- One floor plan for each floor level proposed
- Wall location and thickness
- Window and door locations including sizes and lintels
- Roof construction including beams, rafters, joists or trusses, sizes and direction.
Your elevation plan should include:
- The general appearance of the farm building
- Windows and doors
- Exterior wall finish (e.g. siding)
Your cross section plan should include:
- Footing sizes and depths
- Foundation construction
- Floor construction
- Wall construction details
- Roof construction including roof pitch
- Roof ventilation (if required)
- Height from grade to roof peak
Additional design information:
- Truss drawings and truss layout as supplied from the truss manufacturer required for roofs constructed of pre-engineered roof trusses
- The floor joist layout as supplied from the manufacturer is required when pre-engineered floor joists are used
- Pre-manufactured building shop drawings
Proprietary Products and Materials |
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Not all products or materials sold are approved for use in Ontario as many products fall outside of the material requirements identified in the OBC. These products range from decking materials and guard systems to plumbing and foundation damp proofing systems. Where specific products or system types are required by the OBC any alternative materials or systems must have either a Building Materials Evaluation Commission (BMEC) authorization or a Minister's Ruling to be used in Ontario. |
Engineered Design |
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If a component of a structural system of a building falls outside of the limitations of Part 9 of the OBC, or the National Farm Building Code (ie: roof trusses, point loaded beams or aluminum and glass railing systems, etc.) the component or system must be designed in accordance with structural requirements of Part 4 of Division of the OBC. Part 4 design typically requires the services of a professional engineer. A professional engineer is required if the farm building:
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Required Inspections
- Excavation prior to pouring footings
- Foundation prior to backfilling
- Framing
- Insulation and vapour barrier (if required)
- Final
Any proposed changes from the approved plans must be approved by a Building Inspector prior to construction. Failure to have the required inspections performed may result in you having to uncover and expose the work for inspection.
Fees
Fees are based on our Building By-Law.
Building Permit Fee = $10.00 / $1,000.00 construction value, with a $100.00 minimum.