Getting started with the Cloudpermit building permit system

Our Cloudpermit building permit system allows you to apply for and to see the status of your building (and septic system) permit application anywhere, at any time. You can start an application and finish it later, and receive email updates on the status of your permit application.

Create an account

To get started with Cloudpermit, you need to create an Account.

You will need an email address to use the system.

  1. Go to the Cloudpermit site at ca.cloudpermit.com.
  2. Click on "Create a new account" found under the "Continue" arrow.
  3. Provide your email address.
  4. Cloudpermit will send an email to the address you have provided.
  5. Open the email and complete the registration process.

The next time you visit the site, you'll login using the email and password you created during this process.

Start a new application and submit it

Tutorial Video

Create a new project

  1. Login to the Cloudpermit site at ca.cloudpermit.com.
  2. Click the "Apply for a permit" button in the upper right-hand corner.
  3. Create a New Project, and give it a name. Then select "Next"
    Some combination of your address and the project type might be a good way to keep track if you'll be applying for multiple permits (for example - 123 Happy Day – Basement Reno).
  4. Provide the Location where the work will be taking place. Change the municipality (using the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner) to Highlands East. You can then type in your address or roll number, or you can find your property on the map. Once you have the correct location (it appears under the map), select "Next".
  5. Select the Application Type and Category appropriate for your project. Then select "Next".
    Most of the categories are self-explanatory, but note that you would select “accessory structures” for smaller structures like sheds and detached garages.
  6. At this point, you'll see a Summary. Check if the information is accurate. If you need to make changes, use the "Back" button. If everything is correct, select "Create".

Complete your draft permit application

You'll now see your draft building permit application. You'll need to provide a bit more information before submitting your application located under the headings outlined below.

Ensure the "Receive email notifications" is marked as "Yes". (Email is the primary way in which we will communicate with you throughout the process.)

Under "General"

  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. Click on the forms and complete the required information.

Under "Attachments"

You may be required to provide attachments like site plans, architectural drawings, etc.

  1. Click on the "Attachments" heading to see what is required for your project.
  2. Upload your items by dragging them into the grey box or using the "Click here" button to select and upload them from your computer.
  3. Once they have uploaded, select the type of attachment and then select, "Done".

    If at any time you need to change or update the attachments (before to submitting your application), you can delete the file by clicking on the garbage can icon, and upload again.

Repeat the steps above for all of the attachments that are required for your application.

Sign off on your application

Once the steps above have been completed, you are ready to sign off on the application and have it automatically submitted to us.

  1. Click on the "Sign off" button at the top right-hand side of the page.
  2. Review the items listed and indicate if they apply and/or you agree with the terms.
  3. Click on the "Sign off application" button and your application will be submitted to us.

You can download a copy of the sign-off form at the top of the page.

After submission

  • You will receive an email to confirm that your application has been submitted.
  • You will receive subsequent emails regarding its status.
  • You will also receive an email when the building permit is ready and how to pay.

Pay for your permit

We offer a variety of methods for payment:

  • Telephone and Internet Banking
  • Electronic Fund Transfer
  • Credit Card payments using Plastiq
  • Cash or Debit in person at the Municipal Office

For details on these payment methods and more, please visit our Online Payments page.

Request an inspection

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.

Tutorial Video

Book an inspection

  1. Login to Cloudpermit and select “Go to project” under the project requiring an inspection.
  2. Select the application by clicking on the address. A page will appear with the details of your project’s location. At the bottom of that page you’ll see the heading “Work & Construction” and a box titled “Inspections”.
  3. Click on “Show upcoming inspections” and select “Request inspection” under the building element you are ready to have reviewed.
  4. Under the “New inspection request” that appears, select the date and time you would like to request.

    Inspection requests must be made two business days in advance. Inspections may be requested for either the morning or afternoon, but will be conducted at the discretion of the inspector.

  5. You'll see the unconfirmed request listed. Once our staff receive the request, you will get an email confirmation for the inspection.

If you need to change the date or time, or cancel the request, select “Modify request”.

Tips and getting help

Dashboard

At any point, you can return to the "My dashboard" page to see which applications you have made and if we are waiting on any information from you to process your application further.

Delete

You can delete your application at any time by using the "Select action" drop-down menu at the top of the page.

Get help

Visit the Cloudpermit support website for answers to commonly asked questions.

Contact the Building Department for help during business hours by calling  
705-447-0051 x441.