Building Permit Process
According to the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992, a building means:
- a structure occupying an area greater than 10.0 square metres consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto;
- a structure occupying an area of 10.0 square metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto:
- plumbing not located in a structure:
- a sewage or septic system;
- structures designated in the Building Code.
What is a Building Permit & when is a Building Permit required?
A Building Permit is a license, which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project & is required for the following:
- New buildings, temporary buildings, additions, renovations;
- Demolitions;
- Prefabricated structures, mobile homes;
- Plumbing and/or septic systems;
- HVAC Systems (heating, ventilating & air-conditioning);
- Miscellaneous residential (fireplaces, pools, decks, etc.).
The permit process, step by step...
1. Contact the Town's Building Department
Speak directly with a Building Official (Inspector) & discuss your proposal in detail in order to determine if the project complies with the applicable zone regulations & any other applicable policies.
This initial contact will provide the resources & information necessary to make your project a success & avoid potential problems, which could cost time & money.
Should your proposal comply, an application for a Building Permit, along with any other related information or contacts will be provided. The Building Official (Inspector) will then explain the necessary requirements in order to proceed.
2. Submit the Building Permit application & associated drawings
The Building Permit Form must be fully & properly filled out. You will be asked to document who will perform the work, what work will be done, where the work will be done, when the work will be done & how the work will be done.
To ensure that the correct documentation is submitted, please refer to Schedule B - By-law No. 80-2014 for a list of the required information, documents & drawings required for submission for the various types of permits.
3. Building Code Review
The Building Official (Inspector) will review the building plans to determine compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), the Town’s By-laws, provincial regulations & other applicable agencies.
A. If compliance with the OBC, the zone regulations & other applicable law & regulations is determined, the application is approved & the Building Permit is issued.
B. If compliance is not achieved, Building Staff will notify the applicant/owner via email or a letter outlining all deficiencies & requirements, information & documents necessary to gain compliance.
Once all relevant information, documents, correspondence, etc., is submitted, Building Staff will re-review the information to determine compliance. If compliance is achieved, then the Building Permit is issued.
4. Obtaining the Building Permit
A Building Permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. The construction must proceed accordingly with the approved Building Permit & plans.
Once the plans are approved & stamped, one set will remain on file & the other set will be returned to the applicant or owner.
The Building Permit must be posted in a window or other prominent place at the construction site. A copy of the stamped approved construction plans must also be kept on site. Any proposed changes must be brought to the attention of the Building Official (Inspector) immediately. Changes may require a review & approval in the same manner as the original application.
5. Schedule Required Inspections
Each phase of construction must be inspected by the Building Official (Inspector) to ensure that the work conforms to the approved plans. A list of the required inspections accompanies each Building Permit.
The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection. Allow 24 to 48 hours advance notice to schedule an inspection.
If a Building Official (inspector) finds that some of the work does not conform to the approved plans, he or she will advise (& possibly provide written notice) that the situation be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be required before the work is resumed.
For further information with the Building Permit process, please review the following video.
House Additions & Renovations require Building Permits. The construction must meet or exceed the OBC standards for the design & construction in order to achieve a legal, safe & compliant development.
For further information with the Home Addition & Renovation Permit process, please review the following video.
Buildings/Structures noted below also require Building Permits & must include specific information & drawings for permit submission. As a result, Building Staff have provided the following links outlining the requirements necessary & level of detail required. Please note that sample drawings are strictly intended to be used as examples for Building Permit submission.
Chief Building Officials of Niagara (CBON) Newsletter & Information Bulletin
CBON has created a Newsletter & Information Bulletin in an effort to keep the industry & public informed with Provincial changes & Building Department requirements. The objectives are to establish standard Permit submission requirements & inspections to streamline the building and permit process.
Significant By-laws noted below will influence development proposals, therefore, review each By-law as it pertains to your parcel & proposal. Should you acquire additional information, please contact the Planning and Development Department - Building Division at 905-871-1600, Ext. 5510.
Swimming Pool By-law No. 149-08
Water Works By-law No. 66-2016