Farm Buildings

What is a farm building?

According to the Ontario Building Code a farm building does not allow for residential occupancy and is primarily located on land used for farming and used essentially for housing farming equipment, livestock, or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds.

When are building permits required?

A building permit is required for all buildings having an area greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet).

Learn how to apply for a building permit.

What you need

1. A complete building permit application and pay the applicable building permit fee.
2. A signed farm building declaration that indicates whether the proposed structure will house livestock.
3. A complete Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) data sheet if applicable.
4. Two sets of drawings showing dimensions, size, and type of all structural components, such as footings, posts, beams, etc., to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. Schematic plumbing drawings are required if plumbing is contained within the building.
5. A site plan showing the location of all existing and proposed buildings. Include all setbacks from the proposed buildings to the property lines. If required for MDS calculations indicate the distance from the proposed building to the existing houses on adjacent properties included in the MDS.
6. Two sets of roof trusses, shop drawings sealed and signed by a Professional Engineer.
7. Two sets of mechanical drawings (if applicable).
8. Other approvals as required, such as Conservation Authority, Durham Region Health, Ministry of Transportation, et cetera.

Note: The designer may need to be registered and/or qualified. Designers of farm buildings of low human occupancy, greater than or equal to two storeys in height and greater than 600 square metres in building area are not required to be qualified and/or registered. Designers of farm buildings other than above must be qualified and/or registered. For more information, see the Qualification and Registration section of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website. The Municipality will not issue a building permit if the designers are not appropriately qualified and/or registered. This includes architectural and engineering firms or drafting firms that provide design services.

We will review your submission to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Building Code Act, zoning by-law, and all applicable laws. We will issue your building permit promptly if the proposed construction meets all the requirements.

Note: Section SB-11 of the Ontario Building Code prescribes the structural requirements for low human occupancy farm buildings. A Professional Engineer must seal the drawings for all structures beyond the scope of Section SB-11.

What inspections are required?