Building and Permits

During the current Provincial State of Emergency (April 2021), the OSM Building Department is still accepting and issuing new permits. The office is currently closed to the public, so pick up and drop off bins located outside the front office doors are available to use. When picking up an approved permit, cheques are to be placed in the secure drop box located in the office door. Permits are not valid until payment has been received. Inspections are still being performed, please contact the Building and Planning Assistant to schedule inspections with 48 hours notice. 

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. Please ensure application are legible and fully filled out to prevent delays.

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.