Permit Application process

A new standardized permit application is to be used for all permit applications across Ontario. The application must be completely filled out. The application requires detailed information about the property, owner, builder, and project. Schedule 1 relates to the Designer information. If a designer is required for the project (see below) then he/she or their firm must fill out the Designer Information page in its entirety. A separate 'Designer Information Form' is required for each designer responsible for the various design activities required by the Ontario Building Code. Similarly, Schedule 2 relates to Sewage System Installer information, and is required to be filled out by the Sewage system installer (if applicable).


IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION:

  1. Owner Information
  2. Builder Information (if applicable)
  3. Project Information; including location, type, proposed use and estimated value of construction

Permit timeframes have been established for the review of a building permit application and are identified in Table 2.4.1.1B in the Ontario Building Code. Below are some examples timeframes extracted from the Table:

  1. Detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse, or row houses where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit, if it is not subject to an agreement under Section 6 of the Act. - 10 DAYS
  2. Detached structure (such as an accessory shed, garage, etc.) that serves a building as defined above and which does not exceed 638ft2. - 10 DAYS
  3. Farm buildings which do not exceed 6460 ft2 - 15 DAYS
  4. Buildings of Group C (residential), Group D (business and personal services), Group E (mercantile) or Group F, Div 2 and 3 (medium and low hazard) which do not exceed 3 storeys in height and having an area not more than 6460ft2 - 15 DAYS

The timeframe begins once an application, its required drawings, approvals and an other required information has been submitted and ACCEPTED by the Township office. An application will not be accepted if it is missing required information, missing necessary construction drawings or survey, or is lacking the necessary approvals. We will NOT be accepting applications in parts or via fax.

Information packages are available at our office for new construction/renovations/additions. These packages contain all the relevant information for preparing a complete and accurate application. A complete application will ensure that you receive your permit promptly within the required timeframe.

Inspections

The Building Code requires mandatory stages during construction where the building permit holder must notify the municipality of work completed. These notices are followed by mandatory inspections by the township, which are also subject to prescribed timeframes. An inspection sheet will be included in your Permit Package outlining the key stages of construction and their required inspection. We require 24 hours notice when requesting an inspection.

Qualification & Registration for Designers

Designers are individuals who:

  • prepare designs or give information/opinions about whether a building or part of a building complies with the Building Code, where such information is submitted as part of a permit application.
  • prepare written reports on building construction based on a general review, where required by the Building Code.

Under the new legislation, designers may need to be qualified. Read section 15.11(5) of the Building Code Act, 1992 and section 2.17 of the Building Code for further details.

Similarly, Firms engaged in the business of providing design activities to the public may need to be registered. A design firm may be a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation. This includes architectural or engineering firms, or interior design firms that provide design services.

BECOMING QUALIFIED

Designers must be qualified, unless they are exempted under the Building Code. To become a qualified designer, one must:

  • successfully complete the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing examination program in your area(s) of practice, and
  • file your examination information with the Director of the Building and Development Branch.

Once you apply for an exam, you receive a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number). You will later need this number in order to complete the process to become qualified, and to submit permit applications.

Exemption from qualifications

The Building Code lists a number of exemptions to the qualification requirement. For example, you may be exempt if you are designing:

  • a home of which you are the owner
  • a detached structure that serves a home whcih does not exceed 538ft2 
  • low occupancy farm buildings not more than 2 storeys in height and not more than 6460 ft2
  • certain signs and tents

BECOMING REGISTERED

Design firms must be registered, unless they are exempted under the Building Code. To be come registered, a design firm must:

  • ensure that all persons working in the firm who will review and take responsibility for design activities have successfully completed the exam program for their area(s) of practice
  • file the qualification information with the Director of the Building and Development Branch;
  • carry insurance, as stipulated by subsection 2.21.2 of the Ontario Building Code;
  • after filing, the firm will receive a BCIN.
  • Registrations are to be renewed on an annual basis.

Exemption from registration

The Building Code lists a number of exemptions to the registration requirement. For example, you may be exempt from registering if your firm's activities are:

  • related to designing homes governed by Tarion where the design work is done "in-house"
  • related to commercial, industrial or institutional buildings you own
  • for certain house renovations
  • low occupancy farm buildings not more than 2 storeys in height and not more than 6460 ft2
  • certain tents and sign