Building and Renovating

The Ontario Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act. The Code is essentially a set of minimum provisions respecting the safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protection and structural sufficiency. It is not intended to be a textbook on building design, advice on which should be sought from professional sources. Its primary purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of appropriate uniform building standards. The provisions in this Code are intended to provide a minimum acceptable level of public safety and building integrity. They are not intended to be applied to voluntary installations unless specified in the Code.

Definitions:

“building”

means a structure occupying an area greater than ten 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 ten square metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto, plumbing not located in a structure, a sewage system; or

“construct”

means to do anything in the erection, installation, extension or material alteration or repair of a building and includes the installation of a building unit fabricated or moved from elsewhere and; “construction” has a corresponding meaning; (“construire”, “construction”, “travaux de construction”)

Accessory Structures

Construct a Deck

Temporary Tents

Site Plan

Homeowners Guide to Building

A Floor Plan is a drawing of the structure as seen as if it is cut horizontally a few feet above the floor lines. One floor plan is required for every floor of the house which is affected by the new construction. Each plan shows the interior layout in question as well as providing the structural framing information for the floor or roof above.

Floor plans should include:

• Scale
• Use of rooms and spaces
• Dimensions
• Extent of new construction including new work within existing building
• Size, type and location of exterior and interior walls and partitions
• Widths, locations and lintel sizes of all openings
• Location, dimensions and direction of stairs
• Sectional arrows
• References to detailed drawings
• Material specifications or notes
• Heating details and calculations

Elevations show the exterior view of each side of the house. Each elevation is identified by the direction it is facing and should include:

• Scale
• Extent of new and existing construction
• Vertical dimensions of walls, windows and doors
• Grade level
• Exterior wall cladding, finishes and flashing
• Overhang dimensions
• Roof shape, slope and finish
• Rainwater leader and eavestrough

A section represents a view of the house along an imaginary line at a particular location and illustrates construction details. The extent of the sections should correspond with the sectional arrows shown on the plans. Sections should indicate the following:

• Scale
• Details of footings, foundations, walls, floors and the roof
• Distance from grade to floor and underside of footing
• Attic and crawl space ventilation

Mechanical drawings are required to ensure the furnace selected has the capacity to heat or cool your house. This requires heat loss and heat gain calculations to determine the capacity of the furnace required and drawings of the duct design and layout (by a qualified designer). This information is generally available from the mechanical/heating contractor.

Can I do my own drawings?

Yes, if you are the homeowner (registered owner of the land) you are able to complete your own drawings on certain projects. Please see Div. C Part 3 of The Ontario Building Code for information of project exemptions.

Note: It is the role of the designer to provide documentation that is sufficiently detailed to ensure the design meets compliance with The Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code. The Chief Building Official has the right to refuse to issue the permit if the construction or demolition will contravene The Building Code Act, the Ontario Building Code, or any other applicable law(s).

How long do I have to wait for my permit?

A complete application generally takes between 10-20 business days, depending on the type of application. A more complex application may take longer. A complete application consists of all required documents that are in accordance with applicable law(s), the Building Code Act, and the Ontario Building Code.

What is a complete application?

A complete application consists of;

• A permit application form (if applying online, this is a digital form filled out through the application process)
• A schedule 1 and/or a schedule 2, dependant on project type
• A detailed site plan (all existing buildings labelled, all proposed structures labelled, the septic system (if applicable), the measurements from the proposed structure to all sides of the property and to the septic, and lot coverage)
• Approval confirmation from outside enforcement authorities (Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, etc.) as required
• Specification drawings, detailing the proposed construction or demolition as per the Building By-law. Designs must be in accordance with the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code
• Any additional information required dependant on the project type

What happens after the permit has been issued?

Once a building permit has been issued, the Ontario Building Code, Div. C Article 1.3.2.1, requires a copy of the building permit to be posted and visible at all times during construction or demolition. Div. C Article 1.3.2.2 requires that at least one copy of the approved architectural drawings and specifications—certified and redlined by the Chief Building Official—be kept and maintained on the construction or demolition site. You must schedule inspections as the construction project progresses. Once completed, you must have a final inspection to close the file.

What if I want to make changes to the approved drawings after the permit has been issued?

Any changes must be submitted and approved by the Chief Building Official prior to commencing construction of said changes.

How long is a permit issued for?

A building permit is issued for 1 year. An extension can be request for an additional year, with a renewal fee.

Please note that the Chief Building Official has the right to revoke a permit, if in the opinion of the Chief Building Official, the construction or demolition of the building is substantially suspended or discontinued, or if any by-laws are being violated.

How do I book inspections?

As the Ontario Building Code mandates inspections throughout the construction of projects, the building permit issued will state the required inspections for your specific project. Please review your permit for the required list of inspections.

To book your inspection, please book online through your application in Cloudpermit, or call the Building Department at 705-434-5055 ext. 232. We require 48 hours notice prior to the requested inspection.

Do I need a permit for a shed?

In the Ontario Building Code, Division C, Article 1.3.1.1, a shed is exempt only if;

1. Is not more than 15m2, in gross area,
2. Is not more than one storey in building height,
3. Is not attached to a building or any other structure,
4. Is used only for storage purposes ancillary to principal building lot, and
5. Does not have plumbing

Note: In any case, please speak with the Planning Department regarding Zoning By-Laws and setbacks.