Building
Building Services is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of the Ontario Building Code. Through the building permit application and inspection process, Building Services ensures that all building projects meet the minimum standards as set out in the Ontario Building Code as well as any applicable by-law of the Town of Midland and other applicable regulating bodies.
When thinking about any kind of construction or demolition work, it is essential to understand the process and requirements before beginning. Most construction projects, large or small, require that the property owner apply for and obtain a building permit. Within this section you will find information on the most commonly asked questions and assistance with determining whether your project requires a building permit.
Please feel free to contact Building Services with any questions you may have. We are here to help you through the building process.
Building Services Delays
The Building Department is currently experiencing higher than normal volumes of requests, resulting in delays. We are working hard to respond to customer requests as quickly as possible.
Please submit your inquiry, including address and relevant information to building@midland.ca.
Staff will make every effort to provide an initial response to your inquiry within 2 business days. Please note that depending on the complexity of the inquiry, the unique characteristics of the property, and the volume of customer inquiries, a response could take up to 5 business days, or longer. We thank you for your patience as we work to meet all of our customers' needs.
Building Regulations:
By-law 2021-25 - Building Permit Fees & Administrative Charges
Building Permit Applications and Guidelines
To simplify the building permit process and help applicants submit a complete permit application the most common forms required at the time of permit submission are provided below.
Building Applications
Guidelines
Related Documents
Notice to Applicants
Please be advised...
Please
be advised that most Building Permits require approval from the Planning
Department before they can be processed by the Building Department. Once
approved by the Planning Department, a Zoning Certificate will be issued for
the file. The fee for the review and issuance of a Zoning Certificate is
outlined in the Town’s Composite Fees and Charges By-law that is in force at
the time of the application. Until such time as a Building Permit application
is considered complete, the target times as set out in the Ontario Building
Code, and as listed below, do not commence.
Application Processing Times
Residential (houses): 10 working days
Small Buildings: 15 working days
Large Buildings: 20 working days
Complex Buildings: 30 working days
Zoning
Certificate: 5-10 working days (not
regulated under the Ontario Building Code)
Building Contacts
Building Inspection Request Line: 705-526-4275 Ext. 2248
Chief Building Official: Ext. 2222
Building Inspector: Ext. 2220
Building Assistant: Ext. 2252
Annual Building Department Financial Reports
Planning First
Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact the Planning Department at 705-526-4275 ext. 2217 or at planning@midland.ca for additional information.
What information is required to be able to issue a Zoning Certificate?
The following information is required in order for Staff to review:
- Site Survey (from a Ontario Land Survey) or a Sketch of the property (see Example Sketch)
- Construction drawings including: interior and exterior building changes and building elevations
If the proposed construction is exempt from requiring a Zoning Certificate, no Planning approvals are required. The following is a list of exemptions from requiring Planning approvals:
- Foundation Repairs (provided no expansion to foundation footprint)
- Solid Fuel Burning Woodstoves and Fireplaces including chimney repairs
- Septic System Tank Replacement/Installation
- Repair to Retaining Walls
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Back Flow Prevention Devices
- Roof Top Solar Panels
- Finishing of Basements unless they are related to Duplexes or Secondary Suites
- Interior Renovations unless they are related to Change of Use
- Fire/Smoke Alarms
- Roof Repairs unless change in size or height
- Window Replacement
- Water Meter Installation
Resources
Septic System Maintenance Inspection Program
What is this program?
The Town of Midland has initiated a Septic System Maintenance Inspection Program (SSMIP). The goal of this program is to encourage regular maintenance of septic systems, through mandatory inspections. If unmaintained, septic systems can become a threat to public health and the environment. Regular maintenance can assist in ensuring that systems work efficiently and safely, protecting the natural environment.
Links
Planning & Building Links
Community Improvement Plans
The Town of Midland has a Community Improvement Project Area and a Community Improvement Plan for the Downtown pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning Act. The formal process of formulating the Plan commenced in 2003 with the approval of the Town of Midland Official Plan, advanced significantly with the completion and adoption by Council of the Downtown Master Plan and Community Improvement Plan in 2015, and has culminated in 2016 with the adoption of this Plan by Council by By-law 2016-56 on August 22, 2016.
The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) includes a set of goals and objectives that are consistent with the Downtown Master Plan and Community Improvement Plan and a set of revitalization initiatives in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act.
The Downtown Community Improvement Plan applies to the lands within the Community Improvement Project Area as described in the Plan and By-law 2016-56. The Project Area corresponds with the limits of the Downtown District as described in the Town of Midland Official Plan and as described in the Downtown Master Plan and Community Improvement Plan.
Two incentive programs for property owners in the Downtown already exist. One is the Town policy to waive Development Charges on new commercial and residential developments in Downtown. The second is the Façade Program administered and funded by the BIA, which offers grants to cover 50% of the cost of exterior façade improvements, such as repainting, restoration, window and sign replacements, up to a maximum grant of $3,000. Both of these programs will be continued.
Revitalization efforts will be focused on encouraging the development and redevelopment of privately held lands in the Downtown. This Plan will implement a comprehensive package of the following three component programs to stimulate investment in buildings that require improvements to meet current building code requirements, or require improvement in their façade or business entrance for appearance or accessibility requirements.
This CIP provides three (3) programs to offset the costs of site improvements and development in the Downtown:
1. Façade Improvement Grant Program
2. Building Renovation Grant Program
3. Application Fees Grant Program
Notice of Adoption CIP Aug 25
Bylaw 2016-56 - Community Improvement Plan
Community Improvement Plan - Fillable Application (*External Link to Midland BIA site and Facade Improvement Program HERE)
Maps
The Town has the capability to print in colour and copy in black and white large format plans and mapping products. The cost for prints is based on the number of pages, page size and colour use. Site-specific area maps may also be created upon request at an additional cost.
The Town has the a variety of large-sized maps available for purchase including: Official Plan Maps, Zoning Map, Street Name Map, Historical Town Boundary Map identifying amalgamations, Assessment Maps, Ward and Poll Maps, Municipal Park Location Map and more. Several letter-sized maps, such as Tourist Information and Recreational Trail Maps, are available at the NSSRC, VIC and Town Hall for free.
The County of Simcoe may also be contacted to obtain the Town's 911 maps. Or visit https://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/it/gis for interactive maps and aerial photos.The Municipality does not provide digital copies of maps with the exception of those that are available on this website.
Please contact Zachary Fleras at zfleras@midland.ca or call (705) 526-4275 ext. 2242 for more information
Municipal Record Search
If you require information on a property in Town regarding information related to the Planning, Building and Fire Departments, you will be required to submit a Municipal Record Search Form. Typically, these forms are requested by solicitors performing a property transfer or placing a mortgage. Please fill out the top portion of the form as complete as possible and return it along with the accompanying fee(s) to the Planning Department. If a survey is included ensure that it is to scale.
The Municipal Record Search Fee is $60.03 with a response provided within five to seven days, upon receipt of the form and fee. If a survey is resubmitted after being returned with comments that it is not to scale or illegible, or if a survey is submitted after the Municipal Record Search Form, a fee of $25.00 will be charged.
Other municipal search options that are available include:
Subdivision Clearance Form and Site Plan Clearance a fee of $50.00 each, and Septic Search, a fee of $25.00.
Planning Applications
The Planning and Building Services Department is responsible for the processing and management of all development applications, including but not limited to Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments, Site Plan Control Approval, Plans of Subdivision, Plans of Condominium, Provisional Consent and Minor Variances. A complete listing of application fees is set out in the Composite Fees by-law No. 2022-15.
On June 24, 2013, Council passed Official Plan Amendment 3 which establishes a mandatory Consultation Meeting with Town Staff for applications for a Plan of Subdivision, Plan of Condominium, Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, Provisional Consent and/or Site Plan Approval. Applicants are also encouraged to consult with the Town for all other applications. For those applications with a mandatory Consultation Meeting, a completed Pre-Consultation Form will be required as part of a complete application. This form should be downloaded, and the relevant sections filled out, prior to the Consultation Meeting. Individuals requiring a Pre-Consultation Form are to contact the Manager of Planning Services by email at sfarquharson@midland.ca.
Application Forms:
Notice Signs
On January 28, 2013, the Town of Midland resolved to require applicants to install approved Notice Signs for the following applications: Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision and Draft Plan of Condominium. Please click here for the Notice Signs: Procedures and Protocols.
Sign By-law
Site Plan Control By-law
