A building permit gives you legal authorization to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Building permits are issued by the Building Dep, Building permits are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, applicable municipal zoning bylaw, and other provincial and municipal regulations for the protection of public safety, health, and welfare.
An architect or contractor may obtain a building permit on your behalf but the property owner is ultimately responsible.
It is very important to first inquire at your Municipal Office as to whether or not the construction you are proposing complies with the Municipal Zoning By-law. If it does not, you must then decide if you wish to proceed with the variance or amendment process – estimated time for an application to be processed, including required notice and appeal periods – 8-10 weeks. Details of this process can be obtained from cities
In order for your building permit to be processed in a timely manner, it is important to ensure that all requirements of outside agencies have been met BEFORE you submit your application. These requirements could include a septic tank permit, approval of the Ministry of Transportation, or if your property is within a regulated area, a permit from the Conservation Authority. These permits must be obtained and submitted with the building permit application.
In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter or repair a building. The following are examples of projects that require building permits:
Note: Although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law, and other applicable laws and regulations.
HVAC (Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning) CALCULATION – When building a new house, or if the planned renovations involve updating the heating or air conditioning systems, the homeowner is required to submit an HVAC calculation completed by a qualified HVAC technician.
PLANS – the Inspector requires 2 sets of building plans (floor plans, elevations and cross sections, roof trusses, and heating as appropriate) for both large projects and smaller projects such as a garage or similar accessory buildings.
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTIONS – For those properties serviced with private septic systems, a septic review will be required if the proposed addition exceeds 15% of the existing area. In addition, a septic review will also be required if planning approval is necessary prior to proceeding (ie. minor variance, consent, zone
amendment).
If an existing structure is being removed, you will require a demolition permit. If you are rebuilding on the site, the demolition permit can be issued in conjunction with the building permit. If the building to be demolished is served with municipal water and/or wastewater, the operating authority of these systems (OMI) must complete the capping and all inspections.
When most residential applications are submitted, the Building Inspector has 10 business days to review the submission. If all the required information is provided, (including the septic tank permit, if applicable) the building permit will be issued within the 10-day review period. If during the review, the application is deemed incomplete, the applicant will be notified as soon as possible of the documentation needed. Once all the required documentation is received, the inspector has 10 business days to issue most building permits however the time period may vary depending on the class of building/structure.
During construction, several mandatory inspections are required to ensure that all work is done in compliance with the approved plans and the Ontario Building Code. Inspections do not happen automatically – it is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the Municipality to arrange for an inspection. The required inspections are listed on the permit and include ( but are not limited to)
footings, foundation pre-backfill, framing, insulation–air and vapour barrier, completion of the air barrier system, fire separations, plumbing, HVAC, final interior and exterior. Please note, the inspector must be able to see the part of the work to be inspected.
This is an independent decision-making group made up of citizens, appointed by the Town Council under the authority of the Planning Act of Ontario, to make decisions regarding requests for variances from any of the town’s zoning by-laws. (A zoning by-law regulates how land and buildings are used, the location of buildings, lot coverage, building heights, and other provisions necessary to ensure proper development). Town Council is not involved in the decision-making process or the decision of this committee.