Building a House
Building permits are required for all new construction and for all additions to existing Single Family Detached Residential Buildings.
Download the Building Permit Application Form 
Adobe PDF, 3 pages, 69 KB
What do I need to provide to the City in addition to the completed Building Permit application?
The following documents are required for all applications:
- Schedule 1: Designer information, completed, with designer’s signature
Download Schedule 1 Adobe PDF, 1 page, 33 KB
- Written authorization from the owner of the building, if the application is submitted by someone other than the owner, such as a contractor
- Proof of ownership: for new homes, either a property deed or offer to purchase; for additions or renovations to existing homes, either a property deed or tax notice
- Three sets of the following types of working drawings designed by a Registered Designer:
- Site plan requirements and a sample, indicating existing buildings and the proposed structure
- Site drainage plan showing finished grade at dwelling and at lot lines (may be included with site plan)
- Foundation plan requirements and samples
- Floor plan requirements and samples. Additional information is needed for floor trusses (see below)
- Roof plan, showing complex or non-standard roof framing that cannot be adequately shown on the building section. Additional information is needed for roof trusses (see below)
- Building sections requirements and samples
- Building elevation requirements and samples
- Two sets of isometric plumbing drawings prepared by a qualified designer or the building owner. See Guide to Plumbing Applications for more information
- Permit fee, calculated using the Building Permit Fee Calculation Sheet
Building Permit Fee Calculator Adobe PDF 1 page, 31 KB
- Additional departmental or agency approvals required (e.g., Thunder Bay Engineering Division or Lakehead Region Conservation Authority)
The following documents are required, depending on the design of the building
- Roof truss layout/floor truss layout: engineered drawings are required, and are usually provided by the truss manufacturer
- Engineering beam details for manufactured products such as microlam or gluelam beams, or complex, non standard wooden beams
- Fireplace/woodstove/chimney details, including manufacturer’s installation instructions. See Guide to Solid Fuel Burning Appliances
- Mechanical ventilation design for HRV and dedicated systems, including data sheets from a qualified designer
- Hydronic heating system details, including system summary information, piping layout, and details of the hot water heating appliance
Inspections
Once you receive a building permit, it is your responsibility to arrange for building inspections. Call at least 48 hours in advance to book an appointment. You can call at any time to leave a message.
For building inspections, call (807) 625-2570 (North Ward) or 807-625-3124 (South Ward)
For plumbing inspections, call (807) 625-2280 (North Ward) or (807) 625-2868 (South Ward).
In most cases, the following inspections are required:
- Readiness to construct footings
- Connection to sewers (or septic tank) and to water lines
- Foundation before backfill
- Plumbing groundwork
- In-floor hydronic heating
- Framing, ductwork and piping for HVAC
- Plumbing rough-in
- Insulation
- Vapour/air barrier
- Before occupancy (both building and plumbing)
- Final
Excavations
Call before you dig! Contact the following agencies to check the location underground services:
- Gas lines: 1-800-400-2255
- Thunder Bay Hydro: (807) 343-1111
- Sewer and water: (807) 625-2195
- Bell Telephone: 1-800-465-6924
- TBayTel: (807) 684-8344
- Cable television: (807) 767-4422
City of Thunder Bay
Building Division
Victoriaville Civic Centre
111 Syndicate Avenue S
P.O. Box 800
Thunder Bay ON P7C 5K4
Tel: (807) 625-2574
Fax: (807) 623-9344
Office hours:
Counter Service Only Available on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
