Sewage System Permit Applications

Niagara Region is responsible for regulating and enforcing Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code (Private Sewage Systems) for all local area municipalities, except Wainfleet, West Lincoln and Welland.

All sewage systems under 10,000 litres per day are regulated by the Ontario Building Code.

A private septic permit or approval is needed for:

• Construction of a new house
• Proposed alteration that will affect the capacity of an existing system
• Change of use that increases the flow of the building
• Relocation of a septic system
• Installation of a sewage tank, or holding tank
• Replacement of a failing system

Applications can be submitted by homeowners, contractors and designers.

Permit application types

Download and complete the required forms before starting the application process.

• Sewage system permit

  A sewage system permit is needed for new construction or when replacing an existing sewage system.
  

  The building code requires that sewage systems be designed and installed by licensed professionals qualified by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

  Property owners may install sewage systems on their property. However, a permit is needed and detailed drawings will need to meet Building Code requirements.

  All septic installations require onsite inspections by Niagara Region septic inspectors.

  Required forms

  The following form(s) must be included with your application:

  • Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Application for septic system (email an inspector for an application)
  • If a tertiary system is proposed, a copy of the Service and Maintenance Agreement between the owner and authorized service provider as per Ontario Building Code requirements

  Other information

  • New development on vacant lots may require a lot grading and drainage plan

  Application fee: $1,100

• Holding tank permit

  Holding tanks are only permitted as per the Ontario Building Code for existing building where a Class 4 sewage system cannot be installed.

  Holding tanks are NOT permitted for new construction, additions or expansions to dwellings.

  Required forms

  The following form(s) must be included with your application:

  • Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Application for holding tank (email an inspector for an application)
  • Holding tank pump-out contract

  Application fee: $1,100

• Tank replacement permit

  A tank replacement permit is needed for the replacement an existing septic tank.

  Required forms

  The following form(s) must be included with your application:

  • Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
  • Application for tank replacement (email an inspector for an application)
  • If a tertiary tank is proposed, a copy of the Service and Maintenance Agreement between the owner and authorized service provider as per Ontario Building Code requirements

  Application fee: $600

• Tank decommissioning

  A tank decommissioning application is needed for the decommissioning or removal of an existing septic tank.

  This is usually completed before a demolition permit or service connection with the local municipality.

  Required forms

  The following form(s) must be included with your application:

  • Application for tank decommissioning (email an inspector for an application)
  • A detailed drawing
  • Septic tank pump out receipt

  Application fee: $400

• Special requests

  Special request applications are used to review a proposed building addition on a existing dwelling or an external building / amenity on the property.

  The review determines what improvements to the existing sewage system are needed based on the proposal.

  An upgrade to the sewage system to meet the requirements of the building code may be needed if the proposal includes:

  • Greater than 15 per cent of the existing living area
  • Bathroom(s)
  • Bedroom(s)

  The review is also to confirm that the location of external buildings or amenities, such as garages, pools, sheds, etc. meet the minimum building code setbacks on the property and enough usable land remains to replace the sewage system in the future.

  Required forms

  The following form(s) must be included with your application:

  • Application for special requests inspection
  • A site plan showing existing buildings, septic system and property lines
  • If an addition to a dwelling, floor plans

  Other information

  • The septic tank lids must be exposed and loosened before the onsite inspection
  • Do not pump out the septic tank before our inspection
  • Permit review and issuances are cancelled after one year

  Review fee: $400
  

• Real estate inquiries

  There are two types of real estate requests:

  • File search only which is for real estate transactions
  • Site inspection and report which is an onsite, visual inspection of the sewage system to ensure it is not defective or has building code violations.

  Required forms

  The following form(s) must be included with your application:

  • Application for real estate transaction
  • A copy of the offer of purchase or homeowner authorization of inspection

  Other information

  • The septic tank lids must be exposed and loosened before the onsite inspection

  Site inspection and report fee: $565
  Permit review and issuance fee: $282.50