Should Septic System Permits Move from Health Units to Local Municipalities?

Official title: Proposed administrative changes to Ontario’s Building Code related to the transfer of enforcement authority of on-site sewage systems, and a proposed technical clarification.

Open Regulations & Permits Housing & Communities
Nine municipalities in Northern Ontario want to take over septic system permits from the Sudbury Health Unit and North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority. Right now, if you're building a home in these areas, you need two separate permits—one from the municipality for the building, another from the health unit or conservation authority for the septic system. The municipalities say combining these into a 'one-stop-shop' would speed up approvals and cut costs.

Why This Matters

Building a home or cottage in Northern Ontario? This could make your permit process faster and cheaper. Instead of dealing with two different offices, you'd go to one place. The municipalities promise lower fees and quicker inspections.

What Could Change

St.-Charles, French River, Markstay-Warren, and Killarney would take over septic permits from the Sudbury Health Unit. Perry, Seguin, McMurrich-Monteith, Armour, and McDougall would take over from the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority. A technical fix would also clarify pipe size requirements for shallow buried trenches.

Key Issues

  • Should septic system enforcement transfer from Sudbury Health Unit to four municipalities?
  • Should septic system enforcement transfer from North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority to five municipalities?
  • Should the Building Code clarify pipe size requirements for shallow buried trenches?

How to Participate

  1. Review the 2024 Building Code Change Request Form for technical details on the pipe size clarification.
  2. Submit your comments through the consultation page or email buildingcode.consultation@ontario.ca by the deadline.

Submit Your Input

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Key Documents