Minimum building setbacks (distance from the buildings to the property lines)

building height restrictions

Total building floor area and lot coverage permitted

WHAT IF MY PROJECT WILL NOT COMPLY WITH THE ZONING BY-LAW?

Zoning By-Laws are designed to control the use and massing of buildings on a lot, however, in some situations it may be impossible to work within the set regulations.

In such a case you, as the homeowner, may apply for a Minor Variance to the Committee of Adjustment. This process is a public process, be aware that an approximate time line for this process from start to finish is two months. A completed application with the fee must be submitted to the Clerk’s Department. These applications can be obtained from the Township office. The application will proceed to a public hearing. If the Committee deems your proposal to be appropriate they have the authority to grant you permission to vary from the specified zoning provisions. Be advised that a building permit will NOT be issued prior to the 20 day appeal period after the hearing.

APPLYING FOR A BUILDING PERMIT

An application for a building permit can be obtained from the Building Department in the Municipal Office. With your application you will be required to submit detailed construction drawings and sufficient information for us to establish that your project complies with the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable laws.

TWO COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH AN APPLICATION. ALL PLANS MUST BE DRAWN TO SCALE FULLY DIMENSIONED AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITY.

Examples of the minimum degree of information and quality to be submitted are available on sample drawings from the Building Department.

Outlined below are drawing and information requirements for a number of specific projects. If you find that you’re not able to produce these documents, then you should retain the services of a qualified person to prepare the necessary information.

ADDITION TO HOUSE

• Site plan, showing all buildings on the property dimensions to lot lines and location of easements

• Foundation plan

• Plan(s) of addition, in detail (complete framing of floors and roof), AND floor plan(s) of the existing house

• Cross-section of addition including connection between new and existing

• Exterior elevations of all views, dimensioned, showing all doors and windows

ATTACHED GARAGE

• Site Plan as for additions

• Foundation Plan

• Floor Plan

• Roof framing plan, new and existing

• Elevations of ALL views, dimensioned, showing all doors and windows

• Floor plan showing location and sizes of all windows and doors

DETACHED GARAGES AND SHEDS

• Site plan as for additions

• Foundation Plan

• Floor Plan

• Roof Framing Plan

• Cross Section

• Exterior elevations of all views, dimensioned, showing all doors and windows

• Floor Plan showing location and sizes of all windows and doors

CARPORTS

• Site Plan as for additions

• Foundation Plan

• Floor Plan

• Roof Framing Plan

• Exterior elevations of all views

• Cross section, showing roof, beam, post and pier details as well as connection between new and existing

STANDARD DRAWINGS

To assist you, Building Staff can provide standard drawings for the following types of small projects: Decks, masonry fireplaces, basement entrances, porches, carports, and garages.

These drawings are available at the office for review. The Building Department will assist you in establishing the degree of additional information required for your submission.

THESE DRAWINGS ARE A GUIDE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE COPIED.

SAMPLE DRAWINGS FOR AN ADDITION TO A HOUSE.

These drawings are available at the office for review. The Building Department will assist you in establishing the degree of additional information required for your submission.

THESE DRAWINGS ARE A GUIDE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE COPIED.

DEMOLITION PERMITS

If you propose to demolish any structure occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) or part of such a structure, you will be required to have a Demolition Permit. An application must be filed with the Township. Process information can be obtained from the Building Department.

PERMIT FEES & PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

Building and other applicable fees will be calculated after your application is reviewed by the various departments within the Township. Remember, until such fees are paid a Building Permit has not been issued. Any construction prior to a permit being issued may result in legal action.

If in the process of reviewing the application it is found additional information is required and if we are unable to contact you by phone we will forward a letter to you stating specifically what is required in order for us to continue the processing. It is suggested that you respond to our requests for information as promptly as possible in order to avoid any further delays in obtaining your permit.

PERMIT ISSUANCE

Your building permit will be at the building department counter upon completion of our review of your submission. If you wish to have your permit mailed, you must indicate this on your permit application. NOTE: All fees must be paid before the building permit will be mailed.

The Building Permit must be posted on the construction site for the inspector to verify at all times. The permit drawings and documents must also be available on site for use by the various inspectors assigned to your project.

Please read the permit documents thoroughly before commencing construction. The construction must be in compliance with the plans and documents issued with your permit. Any deviation from the approved drawings must be reported to the Chief Building Official in the form of a Revision Permit. Please contact the Building Department should this situation arise since, depending on the degree of change, revisions can get quite complicated.

THE CONSTRUCTION MUST BE INSPECTED

The Township’s Building Inspectors serve you be ensuring that the construction complies with the Ontario Building Code and the reviewed drawings for which the permit was issued. It is mandatory for you to call for inspections. Mandatory inspections are listed on documents issued with your permit drawings.

The phone number to request an inspection is (519) 638-3313 Ext. 29 or 1-800-385-7248. Please leave your permit number when you call. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required.

If you have hired contractors to construct the project, it is your responsibility, as the owner to ensure that they have called for the mandatory inspection. It is in your best interest to have these inspections carried out and any deficiencies identified by the inspectors corrected prior to the contractor’s completion of the project.

OTHER PERMITS AND APPROVALS

Plumbing Permits

A Plumbing Permit is required for the installation of drains, sewers and plumbing fixtures. However, if your project involves construction that requires a Building Permit, the plumbing approval will be incorporated, and a separate Plumbing Permit will not be necessary.

After your permit has been issued, you, as the homeowner may install your own plumbing, drains and sewer. If, however, you are hiring a contractor, ensure that they are licensed.

SEWER, WATER AND ENTRANCE PERMITS

If you are constructing a new dwelling in an area serviced by municipal sanitary sewers and water, you are required to connect to those services. Application for sewer and water connections can be obtained from the Municipal Office.

An Entrance Permit will also be required for any new or revised entrances to a Township or County Road or Provincial Highway. Entrance Permit applications for Township Roads can be obtained from the Township Office.