Permit drawings in Paris and the County of Brant.
The County of Brant reviews building permits for Paris, St. George, Burford and the rural County. It is a separate department from the City of Brantford. We prepare the permit drawings for second units, additions, renovations and new homes, and take the application through to an issued permit.
- Covers
- Paris, St. George, Burford
- Conservation
- Grand River Conservation Authority, Long Point Region Conservation Authority
- Serviced lots
- Up to 4 units in Paris and St. George
- Well and septic
- 0.4 ha lot, up to 2 extra units
- House review
- 10 business days, complete application
- From Ancaster
- About 30 minutes
Servicing decides the unit count.
In the County of Brant, the same house can hold 4 units or none, depending on where the water comes from and where the sewage goes.
- 01Where is the property?
- 02How is it serviced?
- House
- Unit 2
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Urban residential zones in Paris and St. George allow the house plus 3 additional units, with no more than 2 in a detached building, as long as every zoning rule is met.
- Servicing capacityThe County confirms water and sewer capacity for the area at the time of application.County confirms
- Parking1 extra space per unit, on top of the 2 for the house.Site plan
- Lot gradingLot grading approval comes before the permit application is accepted.Before you apply
- Floodplain and slopesNo unit in a floodplain, within 10 m of a valley or steep slope, or where access crosses one.Check the map
- Service linesUnits usually connect through the house's existing services. Ask whether they need upsizing.Early question
Other zoning rules (setbacks, coverage, height) still apply lot by lot. Four units is the ceiling, not a promise for every lot.
Finishing, framing and plumbing all need one.
The County lists finishing a basement, adding or removing walls, structural changes and new or changed plumbing as permit work. Work outside the existing footprint also gets a grading review.
| Work | Permit in the County of Brant |
|---|---|
| Finishing a basement | Yes |
| Adding or removing walls, structural changes | Yes |
| Adding or changing plumbing | Yes |
| Additions, sunrooms, attached garages | Yes |
| A unit inside the house or a detached unit | Yes |
| Decks | Yes, if any point is over 24 in (600 mm) above grade, or it has a roof |
| Accessory buildings | Yes, if over 10 m² (108 sq. ft.) or with plumbing |
| Storage shed | No, if 15 m² (161 sq. ft.) or less, one storey, detached, storage only, no plumbing |
| Wood stoves, fireplaces, chimneys | Yes |
The County's small projects page uses 10 m² for accessory buildings in general and 15 m² for a storage shed that meets every condition above. Not sure about your project? Start with Do I need a permit?
Four units on a serviced lot, two on a septic.
Since May 2025, urban residential zones in Paris and St. George allow up to 4 units as of right: the house and 3 additional units. That is one more than the provincial minimum. On private or partial services, including Burford and the rural County, the limit is 2 additional units and the lot has to prove it can carry them.
Paris and St. George, full municipal services
| Rule | What the County allows |
|---|---|
| Units per lot | Up to 4: the house and 3 additional units. No more than 2 in a detached building |
| Servicing | The County confirms area water and sewer capacity at the time of application |
| Parking | 1 extra space per unit, plus the 2 for the house |
| Access and address | Unobstructed access from the street or driveway, and a secondary civic address for each unit |
| Inside or attached | House, semi or duplex: 4.5 m street setback (with a 5.6 m driveway), 1.2 m side, 6.0 m rear, 40% lot coverage, 10.0 m height |
| Detached unit | 4.5 m street setback; 1.2 m side and rear up to 4.5 m tall, 3.0 m above that; 15% coverage for all accessory buildings |
| Detached height | 6.5 m for a habitable building; 4.5 m for a non-habitable one |
| Hazards | Not in a floodplain or within 10 m of a valley or steep slope. 10 m from woodlands, 30 m from wetlands |
Burford and the rural County, well and septic
| Rule | What the County allows |
|---|---|
| Lot size | At least 0.4 ha |
| Units per lot | Up to 2 additional units. Outside a settlement area, at least one inside or attached to the house |
| Servicing | A well and septic report with the permit application. Partial services may need a hydrogeological assessment |
| Placement | Within the building cluster and within 40 m of the house. Minimum Distance Separation from livestock applies |
| Size | 450 m² development area for all additional units |
| Detached unit | Rural and non-urban residential zones: 140 m² floor area for all accessory buildings, 5.0 m height. Agriculture zone: 5% of the lot, 7.0 m height |
| Parking | 1 extra space per unit. Driveways shared outside settlement areas |
Burford sits on private wells and septic while the County studies servicing for the village. The 4-unit rule does not reach it yet. Related: Garden suite requirements, Basement vs. garden suite.
What the County charges.
Planning numbers from the County's 2026 fee schedule, not quotes. The County confirms the fee when it takes the application.
| Permit | County fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| New house | $150 permit fee, plus $1.60 per sq. ft. finished floor and $1.00 per sq. ft. attached garage |
| New detached unit | $1.60 per sq. ft. finished floor |
| Unit inside an existing building | $14 per $1,000 of construction value |
| Renovations and additions | $14 per $1,000 of construction value |
| New septic system | $630 |
| Septic repair or tile bed replacement | $400 |
| Building without a permit | Double the permit fee, up to $5,000 (under 600 m²) |
Last verified 2026-10
Development charges. The Province exempts certain additional units from development charges, and the County's guides point to that exemption. For a fourth unit, or a unit that does not fit the exemption, confirm the charge with the County before you price the project.
- OpenOntario Renovates (through the City of Brantford)
Open to County of Brant residents. A loan forgiven over 10 years, for homes valued up to $350,000. The posted deadline for 2026–2027 funding is October 31, 2026.
- Check statusRural Prosperity CIP: Housing/Residential Unit Improvement Grant
Can cover part of the cost of an additional unit for owners with a Farm Business Registration number. No amount or intake date is published: ask the County's economic development team before work starts.
How an application goes in.
Zoning and applicable law
Check the zoning map and complete the County's Applicable Laws Checklist. Until applicable law is met, the application is not complete.
Lot grading approval
Required before the building permit application is submitted.
Conservation authority
Grand River or Long Point Region permits, where the lot is regulated, often come first.
Apply online
Drawings with the designer's name, BCIN and signature, and a water pipe sizing worksheet, through the County's online permit form.
Permit issued
The County's review figure for houses, additions and renovations is 10 business days for a complete application.
We prepare the drawings and the forms the County asks for, submit the application and answer the examiner's comments. Structural work is coordinated with an outside licensed professional. Full breakdown: Renovation process.
Near the Grand or the Nith? Check this first.
Heritage. Paris is known for its cobblestone buildings. If your house is listed or designated, changes to it may need heritage review as well as a building permit. Confirm with the County before drawings start.
Rural lots. Minimum Distance Separation from livestock barns and the setbacks from woodlands and wetlands can move a unit, or rule out a spot, before zoning setbacks even come into it.
What we design in the County of Brant.
Basement apartments and garden suites
Permit drawings for a legal second, third or fourth unit.
Additions
Rear, side and second-storey additions.
Alterations
Permit drawings for renovations to an existing home.
Load-bearing wall removal
Drawings with the structural work coordinated.
New home drawings
Detached homes within BCIN House scope, on serviced or rural lots.
Do I need a permit?
A self-check before you call anyone.
County of Brant questions.
Is Paris part of the City of Brantford?
No. Paris, St. George and Burford are in the County of Brant, a separate municipality with its own building department, fees and zoning. A Brantford address goes to the City of Brantford.
Building in BrantfordCan I have 4 units on my lot in Paris?
Up to 4 units (the house and 3 additional units) are allowed in urban residential zones in Paris and St. George, provided every zoning rule is met and the area's servicing has capacity. No more than 2 can be in a detached building.
Does my property qualify?Can I add a unit on a lot with a well and septic system?
Possibly. On private or partial services the County's guide asks for a lot of at least 0.4 ha and a well and septic report with the permit application. Up to 2 additional units are allowed. We do not design septic systems, but we flag the question first.
Does the 4-unit rule apply in Burford?
No. The 4-unit rule covers urban residential zones in Paris and St. George. Burford homes are on private wells and septic, and the County is still studying servicing options for the village.
What does the County charge for a renovation or addition permit?
In 2026, renovations, additions and a unit created inside an existing building are $14 per $1,000 of construction value. A new house or a new detached unit is $150 plus $1.60 per sq. ft. of finished floor.
What our part costsDo I need lot grading approval before I apply?
Yes. The County says lot grading review and approval must be obtained before a building permit application. Conservation authority permits are often needed first too.
How long does the County take to review a permit?
For houses, additions and renovations, the County's figure is 10 business days, for a complete application that meets zoning. Lot grading and conservation authority approvals come before that clock starts.
Next door to the County.
What the County allows on your lot.
Units, servicing, parking and the permit path for your address, before you spend on drawings.