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The Township Administration Office is closed, planning to re-open on January 26th, 2022 due to the latest government restrictions. Staff are working from home and available by appointment. Call 519-463-5347 or visit blandfordblenheim.ca to find what you need. The Arena and all Halls are also closed.

Home > Services > Building & Planning Services > Building

Building

The Building Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various Provincial legislation and policies including the Ontario Building Code Act and Planning Act as they apply to buildings, structures and their occupancy.

The main role of the Building Department is to ensure that the building environment in which we live and work is safe and healthy. This is accomplished through permit application reviews and ensuring they comply with The Ontario Building Code, The Township Building By-Law , The Township Zoning By-Law , and Site Plan Control By-Law .

building

Building Permits

When a building permit is required

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, demolitions, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit. Here are some common projects and whether or not they require a permit. Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning permits (HVAC), and/or plumbing permits may also be required as a separate permit but are usually reviewed as part of the building permit. It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain a building permit. The approved drawings should be kept on the building site and be readily accessible at all times.

  • Finishing previously unfinished spaces such as rec. rooms, family rooms, attics, etc.
  • Repair and underpinning of foundations
  • Construction of temporary buildings
  • Construction of accessory buildings (sheds, etc.) exceeding 10m2 (107.6 ft2)
  • Installation of pool enclosures
  • Construction of decks in excess of 60.96 cm (24") above grade
  • Construction of attached and detached garages
  • Demolitions

When a building permit is not required

The following are examples of projects that do not require a building permit:



Note: Although your project may not require a building permit, it does not relieve you of your responsibility to comply with the zoning by-law.

  • Replacement of stucco, siding, or shingles with the same material
  • Replacement of doors when the opening is not altered
  • Construction of fences (other than Pool Enclosure Fences)
  • Patching, painting and decorating
  • Installation of cabinets and shelves
  • Decks less than 60.96 cm (24”) above grade

Getting a building permit

Building permit applications may be downloaded from the Township website or retrieved from the Township office. It is recommended that building permit process begin well ahead of the construction schedule in order to avoid any untimely delays.

View permit guidelines, an explanation of how to obtain a permit, as well as complete application package.

  1. Accessory
  2. Deck/Porch
  3. Demolition
  4. Farm Building
  5. Industrial/Commercial
  1. New or Addition/Renovation to Single Family Dwelling
  2. Pool
  3. Water Connection
  4. Septic
  5. Tent 

Building Permit Costs

Building permit fees are calculated depending on the type of construction and size of building. In addition to permit fees, additional fees might apply such as township development charges, county development charges, septic permit fees, deposits, etc.

If you don't get a permit

It is unlawful to commence construction without a building permit! If the work does not comply with the Ontario Building Code requirements:

  • Costly repairs may be required to gain compliance
  • Removal of work done not in compliance may be required
  • Legal action may be initiated by the Building Department to gain compliance

If you are still not certain whether or not your project requires a building permit, contact the Building Department. Our staff will be able to assist you in making that determination.

Property Compliance Request

The Township makes information available for zoning, building, by-law & Fire, finance and tax matters. This property information is generally requested by lawyers and real estate agents who want to ensure that properties are in compliance with Township of Blandford-Blenheim by-laws. This information is however, also available to any home owner. Property Compliance Information Request Form.

water

Septic System Maintenance

Septic systems are the responsibility of the homeowner. It is up to you to keep your system working properly to protect your environment, your health, and your investment. When properly designed, constructed, and maintained, a septic system should provide long-term, effective treatment of your household wastewater. If you take good care of your system, you will save yourself the time, money and worries involved in replacing a failed system. Failed systems can be hazardous to your health, the environment and your pocketbook. It can degrade water supplies and reduce your property value. For more information regarding the the maintenance of septic systems please look at the Septic Smart Brochure.

Township Staff
Chief Building Official
John Scherer
Phone: 519-462-2697 (East Zorra Tavistock Office)
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: jscherer@ezt.ca
Building Inspector / Property Standards Enforcement Officer
Ray Belanger
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7429
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: rbelanger@blandfordblenheim.ca
 
Planner
Dustin Robson
Phone: 519-539-9800 ex 3211
Email: drobson@oxfordcounty.ca
 
Drainage Superintendent
Jim Harmer
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7433
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: jharmer@blandfordblenheim.ca
 
CAO/Clerk
Rodger Mordue
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7427
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: rmordue@blandfordblenheim.ca
 
Deputy Clerk
Sarah Matheson
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7422
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: smatheson@blandfordblenheim.ca
 

 
Director of Finance/Treasurer
Denise Krug
Treasury, Budgeting, Financial Reporting & Planning
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7424
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: dkrug@blandfordblenheim.ca
Deputy Treasurer/Revenue Co-ordinator
Katie Koski
Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Property Tax Administrator
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7425
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: kkoski@blandfordblenheim.ca
Finance/ Customer Service Clerk
Shanna Kamenar
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7421
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email:skamenar@blandfordblenheim.ca
 

 
Director of Protective Services
Fire Chief
Rick Richardson
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7423
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: rrichardson@blandfordblenheim.ca
 
Protective Services Administrator
Michelle VanWyk
Protective Services Administration / CEMC
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7432
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: mvanwyk@blandfordblenheim.ca
Director of Public Works
Jim Borton
Phone: 519-463-5347 ex 7426
Fax: 519-463-5881
Email: jborton@blandfordblenheim.ca
 
Road Supervisor
Ben Minutillo
Drumbo Shop: 519-463-5389
email: bminutillo@blandfordblenheim.ca
Manager of Community Services
Trevor Baer
Arena Contact, Maintenance Lead
Phone: 519-684-7482
Fax: 519-684-6886
Email: tbaer@blandfordblenheim.ca