Building and Permits

The Building Department will be temporarily closed to the public due to the COVID-19 virus, in order to prevent the spread of the virus and to also keep the municipal staff and public healthy.

Effective March 26, 2020 the prescribed building inspections will resume on unoccupied buildings (new construction). Please contact Chantal Simmons via email at csimmons@osmtownship.ca to request an inspection and for more details.

In addition we will be accepting applications via email only and will review them during this time. However, we will not be releasing new permits to the public until the office officially re-opens. Please email applications to Chantal Simmons.

New planning applications will not be accepted during closure of the office to the public.

Building Permits allow the Township to regulate the types of construction in the community and ensure that proper building standards are met. The enforcement of building codes serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

New builders

If this is your first time building, the Township highly recommends scheduling a meeting with the Building Department to discuss your needs moving forward. Many properties have restrictions regarding zoning, wetland protection areas and other factors.

Building permits

Prior to applying for a building permit, please read the information package.

When you have received the necessary information and complete the building permit application, please bring it into the Township Office at 20 Third Street, Keene Ontario.

Prior to building permit issuance, it must be shown that you are in compliance with any other agencies that may have jurisdiction with respect to the proposal.

When you receive your building permit, you are required to pay a fee, based in the Building Permit Fee Schedule. The fees are calculated based on a number of items depending on the permit type. Please see our Development Charges page for more information on new construction development fees.

If you have had a building permit for one year and have not completed the construction, you will require a building permit renewal form to be filled out with the applicable fee.

Entrance Permits

Entrance Permits are required for any new proposed driveways or entrances to properties.

County Entrance Permits may be required if the property is located on a County Road.

Deck permits

If you plan to construct a new deck or add to an existing deck, please review the deck design guide.  If you plan to construct a new deck or a sunroom (enclosed porch or deck) at a recreational establishment, trailer park or trailer camp, please review the trailer park deck design guide.

Tent permits

If you require special event tent for a wedding or other event, please review and complete the tent permit form and information package.

Pool Permits

If you plan to install a swimming pool, please review and complete the pool permit form and information package.

Compliance Letter Fees

Authorizing Agents

If you are applying for a building permit on behalf of a property owner, you are required to complete an authorization form.

If you are applying for a building permit for billboard signs or commercial business signs on behalf of the property owner, you are required to complete an Authorization Form for Commercial Signs.

Please note that signs on a Provincial Highway or County Road will also require a Ministry of Transportation sign permit or a Peterborough County sign permit.