Building Inspections

Building projects are subject to mandatory inspections at specific stages of construction or demolition to confirm building standards are met.

Building Services regularly posts bulletins regarding industry-related developments that may impact customer experience.

View Building Bulletins

Inspection Requests

The City offers an easy and convenient way to request inspections 24/7 through APLI, our online permit application and building inspections portal. Any project stakeholder can request single or multiple inspections on one or more permits at a time. Watch our “Inspection Requests" video in APLI's resource section to learn more.

​Mandatory Inspections

Requirements

Mandatory inspections are required at certain stages of construction or demolition as regulated under the Ontario Building Code. The Inspector will record observations and provide a report of the inspection onsite. To verify your inspection requirements, see the Required Notification for Inspection or contact ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca.

Timeframe

Building inspections will be conducted within 2 business days in accordance with Division C, Sentence 1.3.5.3.(1) of the Ontario Building Code. The time period to conduct the inspection commences on the business day after the request was made, excluding weekends and statutory holidays.  

How to Prepare for an Inspection

  • Ensure all work remains exposed until inspected and approved
  • Printed issued building plans and drawings must be available on-site for the Inspector to review
  • Provide suitable and safe on-site access for an efficient inspection (stairs and ramps with handrails, no ladders)

Occupancy

New buildings and additions are required to be inspected prior to occupancy. This verifies that all items related to occupant and building safety are completed to the minimum requirements.

Understanding Inspection Results

After an inspection is completed, the applicant, agent, prime consultant and site supervisor will receive the inspection results by email. The results will show the inspection status, identify any deficiencies that need to be corrected and, where applicable for smaller projects with a clear inspection sequence, indicate which inspection should be requested next.

The inspection "status" indicates the outcome of a particular inspection. Depending on the result, the inspection may be complete, or additional information, corrective action, site access or further inspections may be required before the work can be approved, or the inspection process can be passed.

Notes: 
1. If your inspection result identifies deficiencies, review the comments carefully, complete the required corrections and request the next inspection when the work is ready.

2. Questions about your inspection result? Please contact the assigned Building Inspector. If the inspector is unavailable or you require further assistance, contact Building Services at building.official@barrie.ca.

3. An inspection result applies only to the work reviewed during that inspection. Additional inspections may be required before the permit can be closed. While the "Required Notification for Inspection" document identifies the inspections typically required for your project, additional inspections may be necessary based on the work being completed. Contact your Building Inspector to confirm all required inspections have been completed and obtain documentation that your permit file has been closed.

4. Any inspection result other than "Passed" requires follow-up. It is the property owner's responsibility to request any required re-inspections or additional inspections until a passing result is achieved.

5. A re-inspection fee may apply in accordance with the Building By-law and Fees By-law.
Inspection StatusMeaning
PassedThe inspection was successfully completed and appeared to comply with the associated requirements at the time of inspection. 
Partial PassedThe inspection forms part of a multi-stage inspection process. The work inspected to date is satisfactory and has passed this ‘stage’; however, additional inspections of the next stages are required before the inspection process can be considered completed and a passing result can be issued. 
CancelledThe inspection did not proceed as scheduled and no assessment of the work was completed. A new inspection is required before the work can proceed. 
No Access5The inspector was unable to gain access to the property, building, unit, room or area requiring inspection. As a result, the inspection could not be completed. A new inspection request is required once access can be provided.
In ProgressThe work is generally satisfactory and construction may proceed. Minor deficiencies or outstanding items remain, and will be verified at a future inspection before final approval of the inspection is considered completed and a passing result can be issued. 
Site VisitAn inspector attended the property to review a specific concern, gather information or assess site conditions. This was a proactive inspection initiated by the Building Department.
Failed5The work inspected was not satisfactory, in whole or in part, and cannot be approved at this time. Significant deficiencies have been identified that must be corrected, and verified by the inspector before the inspection can be considered completed and a passing result be issued.
RequestedAn inspection has been requested and is awaiting scheduling and assignment. A Building Services Inspector will contact the requestor to arrange a time and date for the inspection to occur.
ScheduledThe inspection has been scheduled and is expected to occur on the assigned date.

Other Required​ Inspections

Depending on the project, other inspections may need to be satisfied through other City departments including:

Did you know?  The City’s Septic Reinspection Program ensures on-site septic systems are properly maintained and functioning to protect public health, drinking water quality, and the environment.

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