Public Open House for Building Permit Fee and Building By-law Review

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Building Permit Fee & Building By-law Review

The Town of Pelham is initiating a review of its building permit fees and Building By-law to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and to maintain full cost recovery for building services. Interested members of the public are invited to attend a Public Open House concerning an update of the Building Permit Fee & Building By-law Review

Date: June 10, 2026

Location: Station 2 Fire Hall, 766 Welland Road, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0

Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

What to expect at the Open House:

The June 10, 2026, Building Permit Fee Study Open House will include a short presentation at 5:30 pm from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., followed by a Questions & Answers/ Comments period.

Information on this process, including timelines and next steps, can be found on the Town’s Webpage at www.pelham.ca/buildingfeeandbylawstudy

BACKGROUND
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, municipalities are required to fund building department operations through building permit fees rather than municipal taxation. Any surplus revenue must be placed into a dedicated reserve fund to support future building services and related capital needs.

WHY A REVIEW IS BEING CONSIDERED
Pelham’s building permit fees have not undergone a comprehensive review since 2016. While annual increases of 1–3% have been applied in recent years, construction costs, staffing requirements, technology use, and Ontario Building Code requirements have increased significantly over the same period.

Data from the Building Construction Price Index (BCPI) indicates that construction costs have risen substantially faster than permit fee increases, resulting in ongoing operational shortfalls.

The review may also identify additional permit classes or fee categories that are not currently included in the Town’s existing Building By-law.

PROPOSED NEXT STEPS
Following the open house, the Town will consider the feedback provided and will assist in developing the draft report for Council’s approval.

Once the draft report has been heard before Council, the Town will produce a final report based on the direction provided by the draft report. The final report will indicate the required fees for various building permit classes.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS
As required under the Ontario Building Code, the Town will:
• Hold at least one public meeting
• Provide a minimum of 21 days’ public notice
• Share information regarding anticipated costs, proposed fees, and the rationale for any changes

Residents, builders, and stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback as part of the review process.