Building Services

Before you apply for a building permit, it is important that you read over the information package.

If you are comfortable with the requirements for your project, you can fill out the permit application.

Once the application is complete, bring it and all required documentation to the Municipal Office to be submitted for review.

If you are applying for a building permit on behalf of a property owner, you need to also complete and submit an agent authorization form. 

If you have questions about your permit application requirements please contact the Building Department at 705-295-6852 Ext. 233.

You will need a deck permit if you are looking to do any of the following on a property in OSM Township:

• • • • • • • • add on to an existing deck,
              • build a new deck, or
              • build a sunroom (enclosed porch or deck)

Our Deck Guide outlines all of the requirements for decks.
In order to get a deck permit, you need to complete a building permit application before you start the project.

If you have questions about your permit application requirements, please contact the Building Department at 705-295-6852 Ext. 233.

If you plan on installing a swimming pool, please review the pool information package
and complete the pool permit form included in the package.

If you have questions about your pool permit  application requirements please contact the Building Department at 705-295-6852 Ext. 233.

Please contact the building department for full details and requirements regarding the installation of a:

• billboard sign, or
• commercial business sign

If you are looking to install a billboard or commercial business sign on behalf of a property owner, please complete and return to the building department an authorization form for commercial signs.

If the location of the sign is along a roadway not owned/maintained by the Township you will require permits from those agencies.

1. Signs to be installed along Provincial Highways may require a Highway Corridor Management Permit from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
2. Signs to be installed along Peterborough County roads will require a permit from Peterborough County.

If you are going to use a tent for a wedding or other event, certain sized tents require a permit and inspection.

Please review the Tent Permit Information Package and Application Form.

If you have questions about the requirements for the tent you plan on using, please contact the Building Department at 705-295-6852 Ext. 233.

Fire Department requirements for special event tents.

Your special event tent may require a special events fire safety plan.
Please contact the Fire Department Administration office if you have questions about a fire safety plan. 705-295-6880.

Before you can get a permit for your project, you need to provide proof that your proposed project is compliant with all other agencies who may have jurisdiction on the property/project.

Typical agenices our ratepayers need to engage with are:

• Peterborough Public Health
• Otonabee Conservation (ORCA)

Other agencies might also need to review your proposed project.

It is best to discuss your whole project with the building department before you start the application process. This will make sure you know all requirements and associated costs before you begin.

You can contact the Building Department at 705-295-6852 Ext. 233.

Before you can receive your building permit you are required to pay a fee.
Fees are based on the
building permit fee schedule

These fees are calculated based on a number of items depending on the permit type.

New construction is also subject to Development Charges.

Once you have your building permit for one (1) year and have not completed the construction, you will need to fill out the building permit renewal form and submit it with the applicable fee.

To get an entrance permit, you need to fill out the entrance permit application form.

This completed form and applicable fee need to be submitted at the Township Office, located at 20 Third Street, Keene.

An entrance permit is required for any proposed new driveway, or entrance to a property in OSM Township.

If your proposed entrance is off of a County Road, you need to apply to the County of Peterborough for your entrance permit using the Peterborough County Roads Entrance Permit online application form (After you read the information on the County site (link above), click on Continue in the bottom right to move on to the online form.)

To book an inspection, you need to provide a minimum of two (2) days (48 hours) notice.

Inspections can only be booked by contacting the Building Department by phone at 705-295-6852 Ext. 233.

When you are booking your inspection, you need to check with the building department to determine if there are any special requirements that must be in place to allow the inspector safe access.

Follow the requirements set out in the Expectations for Inspections information.