Working Drawings for Permit
Building permits - what are they?
A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction or demolition. It means that the municipality has approved plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.
It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you get a permit.
Building permits regulate types of construction allowed in the community and ensure that building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection of safe structures.
Permits help ensure that any structural change is safe, legal and sound.
By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.
de sousa / designs offers full permit administration service for all permits.
You need a building permit if you plan to:
construct a new building
renovate, repair or add to a building
demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
change a building's use
install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
build a garage, balcony or deck
excavate a basement or construct a foundation
install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
reconstruct a chimney.
You do not need a building permit to:
replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from
property lines
install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from
property lines
build a roofless deck under two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached
to a building
build a utility shed under 100 ft2 (9.29 m2)
reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
replace or increase insulation, dry-wall or plaster
damp-proof basements
paint or decorate
install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
erect a fence (except for swimming pools outside pools require permits)
electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect
electrical installations)
What happens if you do not get a permit?
If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, prosecuted, and even ordered to remove work already done. Contact your local civic centre if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project.
