The Township of Lanark Highlands Building Department issues building permits, reviews construction and development plans, and performs onsite project inspections.

The Building Department's mandate is to promote and assist development in compliance with the regulations established by the Ontario Building Code , Lanark Highlands Zoning By-Law and all other applicable law.

If you plan to begin a construction project, we recommend you contact our office in your early planning stages so we can help identify the steps for your consideration and this will avoid potential costly delays and disappointments.

If you are unsure whether you require a building permit, contact the Building Department. It is the property owner's responsibility to obtain a building permit prior to any construction launch or alterations.

If you are planning to build near a waterway, or if your project will in any way disrupt, reroute, alter, fill or impact a nearby waterway, you must contact your local conservation authority to determine if you need additional permits or permissions.

Here are some definitions from the Ontario Building Code Act. Check also the Guide to Building for more information on what does and doesn't require a permit.

"Building" means any of:

• a structure occupying an area greater than ten square metres consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto
• a structure occupying an area of ten square metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto
• plumbing not located in a structure
• a sewage system
• structures designated in the building code

Looking for more information on Additional Residential Units? By-Law No. 2023-1841 A By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law No. 2003-451 to Allow Additional Residential Units (ARUs).pdf

Interested in Tiny Home Information? Tiny Home Information.pdf

All building within the Township of Lanark Highlands is governed by the Ontario Building Code and local By-laws. Any new construction over 15 square meeting, if it will be attached to an existing building or is a major renovation will require a Building Permit. In order to obtain a permit the application form must be filled out and submitted with a complete set of drawings, specification, permit fees and approvals from any other relevant agencies. The Building Department will review all items and issue a permit accordingly.

"Construct" (or "construction") means to do anything in the erection, installation, extension or material alteration or repair of a building and includes the installation of a building unit fabricated or moved from elsewhere.

"Demolish" (or "demolition") means to do anything in the removal of a building or any material part thereof.