Your project type
New homes, additions, renovations, garages, decks, basement apartments, second units, garden suites, ADUs, and structural alterations.
For Barrie, Alliston & Simcoe County homeowners
Free BCIN Permit Readiness Check
Find out what drawings, approvals, and information your residential project may need before you apply for a building permit or begin construction.
New home, addition, garage, deck, basement apartment, garden suite, renovation, or existing work—we’ll review your starting information and explain the likely next steps in plain language.
- No existing drawings required
- Optional file uploads
- No obligation to proceed
A clear place to begin
You don’t need to understand the Building Code before contacting us.
Many homeowners know what they want to build but are unsure what their municipality may ask for. Before committing to construction, it helps to understand the likely drawing, property-information, and consultant requirements.
The free BCIN Permit Readiness Check reviews your starting point. We explain what you have, what may be missing, and what to confirm with the municipality before a formal application.
Request my free review →What we review
Three parts of your permit starting point
Your existing information
Surveys, house plans, measurements, site plans, previous drawings, engineering reports, photos, and municipal comments.
Likely permit needs
Architectural drawings, existing-condition documentation, site information, energy documentation, engineering coordination, and application support.
Requirements vary by property, municipality, and project scope. The review identifies likely needs; the municipality makes official determinations.
- You just purchased a property
- You’re planning a renovation or addition
- You want to build a garage or deck
- You want to add a second dwelling unit
- You received an Order to Comply
- You already spoke with the municipality
- You’re unsure whether a permit is required
- You’re comparing residential design companies
How it works
Four straightforward steps
Tell us about the project
Share the address, municipality, proposed work, and the questions you want answered.
Add files if you have them
Upload optional PDF drawings, surveys, municipal comments, sketches, or property photos.
We review the information
A BCIN-qualified residential designer evaluates the information within the firm’s design scope.
Receive the next steps
We summarize what you have, what may be needed, and a practical route forward.
What you’ll receive
Useful guidance—not a generic checklist
This is an informational review, not a permit approval, code ruling, legal opinion, zoning confirmation, or guarantee of municipal acceptance.
Why ESCL Design
Residential permit guidance that stays practical and personal.
Municipalities we serve
Local help across Barrie and Simcoe County
- Barrie
- Alliston
- Innisfil
- Orillia
- Springwater
- Essa
- Bradford West Gwillimbury
- Collingwood
- Wasaga Beach
- Midland
- Oro-Medonte
- Simcoe County
Frequently asked questions
Questions before you request the check
Every project is different. These answers explain what the free review can—and cannot—determine.
Is the Permit Readiness Check really free?
Yes. The initial informational review is free and there is no obligation to retain ESCL Design for paid services.
Do I need drawings before contacting you?
No. Send the property address and a description of what you want to build or change. Existing drawings, photos, surveys, or sketches are helpful but optional.
Can you tell me if I need a building permit?
We can provide an initial project-specific assessment and identify likely permit considerations. The applicable municipality is the authority that makes official permit determinations.
Can ESCL Design prepare my permit drawings?
Yes, for eligible residential projects within the firm’s qualified design scope. After the readiness review, we can outline a proposed drawing scope and identify other consultants when required.
Can ESCL Design submit my permit application?
Permit submission support can be discussed as part of the project scope. The property owner remains responsible for application information, fees, authorizations, and municipal decisions.
What if I already received municipal comments?
Upload or describe the comments. We can review design-related items and identify whether architectural revisions or another consultant may be needed.
Can I upload drawings and photos?
Yes. PDF drawings and common image files are optional. The form accepts up to eight files with a combined limit of 10 MB.
How long does the review take?
Timing depends on current availability and the complexity of the information submitted. ESCL Design will confirm the expected review timing after receiving the request.
Free informational review
Request Your Free BCIN Permit Readiness Check
Share what you know. Existing plans and photos are helpful, but they are not required.
- No obligation to proceed
- Files are used only to review your inquiry
- Official determinations remain with the municipality