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A building permit is formal approval from your municipality to construct, add to, or renovate a building on your property. Building permits allow a municipality to protect the interests of both individuals and the community as a whole. By reviewing and approving plans before any work is done, the municipality can ensure that buildings comply with the Ontario Building Code (which sets minimum standards for design and materials), the local zoning by-law (which controls building location and height, parking and uses that are suitable to the area) and other health and safety regulations.
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction or installation of a new structure, or for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of over 10m2 (107 square feet). The following is a list of typical projects that require a permit:
- Any new structure over 10m2 (107 ft2).
- Any addition to a structure, regardless of the size of the addition.
- Interior alterations for non-residential units.
- Interior alterations for residential units if; a bedroom is created, a garage is converted to living space, a seasonal room converted to a year round use, a new dwelling unit is being created
- Building a new fireplace or installing a woodstove.
- Any structural changes or repairs.
- A new entrance or a new window opening.
- A deck.
- Adding new dormers.
- Enclosing a porch.
- Any change of use to one of greater hazard (see chart O.B.C. 2.4.1.A.).
- Signs installed on an exterior building face or roof.
- Free standing signs.
- Any installation or alteration of a plumbing system (water supply, drain, waste or vent). Including alterations to install a water softener.
- Converting from a septic system to City sewer or water.
Applications for building permits are received by Permit Co-ordinators at our front counter on the 8th floor of City Hall, 70 Collier Street. The applicant may be the homeowner, contractor, engineer, architect, developer, commercial or industrial tenant or an agent for the owner. The Permit Co-ordinator explains and helps you with your permit application. Some permits such as decks, in most cases, may be issued the same day. Other permits will require more time to circulate the application to other branches and departments. Details of specific permit application requirements are on separate information pages. The following is a list of some of the types of permit applications:
- Construction permits
- Demolition permits
- Conditional permits
- Sign permits
- Private On-Site Sewage Disposal System permits
- Pool enclosure permits
- Retaining Wall permits
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- No person can construct or demolish a building without first obtaining a permit from the Chief Building Official.
- Applications are available at the planning and Development Department, 70 Collier Street, 8th Floor, Barrie, Ontario or on-line at permit application.
- Structures less than 10 sq.m (107 sq.ft ) do not require a permit.
- Fees are assessed according to the type of building and its size
- Additional fees for Development Charges may apply.
- Projects that increase the assessed value of the property will increase taxes
- Constructing a building without a permit may be subject to penalties including fines and removal.
For more information on permits, please consult the following links: |
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