The Town of St. Marys has a by-law for the registration and regulation of animals. The Animal Control By-law (By-law 39-2008) requires that every owner of a dog register and licence their dog each year. More information on animal licenses is available on our Pet Licences page.
A building permit is required for construction projects that are governed by the Building Code, including renovation work, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and swimming pools. For more information, review By-law #23-2006.
Note: Building permit fees will increase as of January 1, 2023. A list of fees for 2023 is available here.
The Town's Sign By-law requires a permit for the erection of signs.
Apply for a permit
You can apply for a building or sign permit through Cloudpermit, an online tool that allows you to see the status of your application anywhere, any time. You can start an application and finish it later and you will receive updates by email on the status of your permit applications.
Follow these steps or watch the tutorial video below to create an account, submit an application and request an inspection.
Create a Cloudpermit account
You will need to create an account to start using Cloudpermit. An email address is required to create an account.
Click the Apply for a Permit Button in the upper right-hand corner.
Click Create New Project and give it a name. The name will consist of the property address, the project and the date (e.g. 408 James St. S addition). Then select Next.
Provide the location where the work will be taking place. Change the municipality to St. Marys using the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner.
Type in your address or roll number, or find your property on the map. Once you have the correct location (it appears under the map), select Next.
Select the Application Type and Category appropriate for your project. Most of the categories are self-explanatory, but note that you would select "Accessory Structures" for smaller structures like sheds and detached garages. Then select Next.
At this point, you'll see a summary. Review the information to ensure it is accurate. If you need to make changes, use the Back button. If everything is correct, select Finish & Create.
Review a draft building application through Cloudpermit
After following the steps above, you should be able to see your draft building permit application. You will need to provide a bit more information before submitting your application request.
Ensure Receive Email Notifications is marked as Yes. Email is the primary way in which we will communicate with you throughout the permitting process.
Under Parties of the Application, you can add email addresses for other people and/or companies that should have access to the application. You may wish to add your spouse, contractor, architect, etc.
You must have an owner and an applicant. Make sure to include contact information for both. Note the owner and applicant may be the same person.
When you provide another party's information, you'll be asked to give them permission to modify (change) the application and/or add new applications to the project. For example, you may wish to give your heating contractor the ability to add a new application for a heating permit.
You can also opt to type in the information manually, in which case the party will not receive an email indicating they have been added to the application.
Under Application Data, indicate what type of work you are doing and the type of building on which you'll be working. When you do that, any additional forms that you are required to complete will appear. Click on the forms and complete the required information.
You may also be required to provide attachments like site plans, architectural drawings, etc. Click Attachments to see what is required for your project.
Upload your items by dragging them into the grey box or using the Click Here button to select them from your computer.
Once the have uploaded, select the type of attachment and then select Done. Do this for all the required attachments.
If at any time you need to change or update the attachments (prior to submitting your application), you can delete by clicking the garbage can icon and upload again.
If there is an attachment option that does not apply to you, upload a document that has N/A written on it. The system will register that you have provided the attachment, and we will know that that attachment type does not apply to your permit.
At this point, you are ready to sign off on the application.
Review the items listed and indicate if they apply and/or you agree with the terms. Then click Sign off on Application. Note that you can download a copy of the sign-off form at the top of the page.
Submit a building permit application through Cloudpermit
You can submit your building permit application once you have completed the steps above and all of the information has been gathered. You will receive an email to confirm your application has been submitted, and you’ll receive other emails regarding its status. You will also receive an email advising you when the building permit is ready and how to pay.
Pay for a building permit
A bill will be produced in Cloudpermit once the permit has been reviewed and issued. You will receive an email once the permit has been issued and you will see the bill.
The balance owing can be paid in person by cheque, debit or cash at the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James Street South) during business hours. Cheques can also be placed in the drop box beside the doors of the Municipal Operations Centre.
You can also pay using online banking. Use Town of St. Marys-General as the payee and the building permit number as the account number with additional zeros to the end to get a 9 digit account number (e.g. Permit # STM-2021-1 would be 202110000 for online banking).
Request an inspection through Cloudpermit
Once you have received your permit and the work is underway, you will require building inspectors to visit your site and sign-off on your work at various points in the project. You can request these inspections through Cloudpermit.
To book an inspection, log in to Cloudpermit and select Go to Project under the project requiring an inspection. Then select the application by clicking on the address.
A page will pop up with the details of your project’s location. At the bottom of that page you’ll see the heading Work & Construction and a box entitled Inspections. Click on Show Upcoming Inspections and select Request Inspection under the building element you are ready to have reviewed.
Under the New Inspection Request box that pops up, select the date and time you would like to request. Inspection requests must be made one business day in advance, and inspections are conducted in the morning or afternoons. You’ll see the unconfirmed request listed. Once staff receive the request, you will receive an email confirmation for the inspection.
Note: If you need to change the date or time, or cancel the request, select Modify Request.
Cloudpermit tips and support
Cloudpermit tips
Dashboard: At any point of your application process you can return to the My Dashboard page to see which application you have made and if any further information is required to process your application.
Delete: You can delete your application at any time by using the Selection Action drop-down menu at the top of the page.
If you need help with an application that has not been submitted yet, send a message in the message portal on Cloudpermit such as “I need help”. Once the message is sent, someone from the Building Department can access your application and walk you through it.
Cloudpermit Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact for help with Cloudpermit?
Call 519-284-2340 ext. 221 or click Message in the top right-hand corner of your application and that will give you direct access to the Building Department.
Once I submit my application, what are the next steps?
Cloudpermit will send emails letting you know what stage your application is in.
What do I do once I receive the email for balance owing?
The balance owing can be paid in person by cheque, debit or cash at the Municipal Operations Centre (408 James Street South) during business hours. Cheques can also be placed in the drop box beside the doors of the Municipal Operations Centre.
You can also pay using online banking. Use Town of St. Marys-General as the payee and the building permit number as the account number with additional zeros to the end to get a 9 digit account number (e.g. Permit # STM-2021-1 would be 202110000 for online banking).
Where do I find my building permit and approved permit drawings?
Once payment is received your approved drawings will be available in the Work tab under Permits. Download the document and you will have access to the permit and drawings.
How do I access the inspections?
The inspections are available in the Work tab of your application.
The Town of St. Marys Community Grant Program provides limited funding for programs that enhance and enrich our community. Council makes all funding decisions based on local needs and priorities and in concert with Council's approved budget, strategic goals and objectives. Completed applications must be received by the Municipal Clerk's office by November 30.
The General Review Commitment Form warrants that the project will be designed and reviewed during construction by an architect, professional engineer or both that are licensed to practice in Ontario.
The General Review Form provides a summary and confirmation to the Chief Building Official that an owner has retained the appropriate consultants to conduct field reviews during construction, and is required to be completed before a building permit can be issued.
The St. Marys Designated Heritage Property Grant Program is available to owners of heritage designated properties in the Central Commercial District in order to help them in the conservation and preservation of our built heritage resources. Visit our Grant Programs page for more information.
Prior to the receiving any building permit or site plan approval in the Heritage Conservation District, the property owner will contact the Planning and Zoning Department to determine whether a Heritage Permit will be required.
In accordance with Subsection 5.11 of the St. Marys Zoning By-law, applicants are required to complete the Home Occupation Application Form to determine conformity of the Home Occupation with Municipal Zoning regulations.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the lottery licensing program in the province - municipalities are partners with the AGCO in issuing lottery licenses to eligible charitable and religious organizations. Lottery License applications are processed through the Clerk's Department.
The Province of Ontario requires Ontario residents to purchase a marriage license. Applications are available at the Municipal Operations Centre, Town Hall or the Government of Ontario website.
To complete your application, please visit the Municipal Operations Centre at 408 James Street South and bring the following:
Completed marriage forms
Identification for both people to be married (driver’s licences, passports or birth certificates)
A certified copy of divorce certificate if applicable
Cost: $125.00
Civil ceremonies are offered during and after business hours. For details contact Leslee Stacey at 519-284-2340, ext. 239 or lstacey@town.stmarys.on.ca.
Memorial Plaques
Memorial Plaques for trees or benches are available.
The Town owns and operates several parking lots within St. Marys' downtown core.
Any resident who lives downtown and does not have access to overnight parking can apply for a Downtown Parking Permit. This permit gives the resident access to a dedicated parking spot in the Water Street North or Elgin Street East lots.
Residents who live at certain addresses on Water Street South and do not have access to overnight parking can apply for an Opera House Parking Lot Permit. This permit allows the resident to park overnight in the Opera House Parking Lot, located on Water Street South.
Short-term parking permits are available for these lots for residents who are visiting St. Marys. The permits are for a term of seven days.
If you are planning to obstruct, occupy or close the Town's Right of Way (road, lane, sidewalk or boulevard) road occupancy approval is required. A Temporary Road Occupancy Form must be submitted and approved before starting any work on or occupying any portion of the Town right of way or road allowance.
Working the same way as gift certificates, St. Marys Money is a great way for customers to support local businesses. Available in denominations of $5, $10, and $20, the attractively decorated money will be purchased through municipal offices to be used at participating businesses. Businesses can complete this form to be part of the program.
The tax pre-authorized payment plan allows you to pay your taxes in 12 monthly installments (January - July and we revisit your August-December amount once taxes have been set for the year and will be deducted from your bank account the first banking day of every month) or have the due date amount automatically deducted from your account four times a year for quarterly installments. Please note that taxes must be in good standing to join this program.
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