DO ASK, WE'RE HERE FOR YOUEvery question answered
Can I start construction while the permit is in the process or without permit?
No. It is illegal to start construction without obtaining a permit. You need to wait till you get approved drawings from the city. In case you have started such construction you need to hold on till consulting a professional and obtaining a building permit. Construction without a permit may contradict the zoning bylaw and building code. This will result in an unsafe living place for the people residing on the property.
How long a building permit is valid for?
The building permit is usually valid for 6 months. During this 6 months you need to start the work and book for inspection. If you cannot start the work during this period you may need to extend your building permit. However, there are some fees for extension.
What are the submission requirements for building permit applications?
The list of documents and drawings you need to submit for a building permit varies from different municipalities and the type of project you are undertaking. However, most cities/municipalities require a similar list of documents/drawings for building permit applications. (See the typical list below for reference).
- Site Plan
- Floor Plans
- Elevations and Sections
- Construction Details
- Permit Forms
It is always best to check with your local municipality building department or have professional help getting a building permit. For example, for renovation work most often you will need architectural, structural and mechanical drawings. In any exterior work like addition projects, you need those plus a Site Plan, Grading Plan, Survey and sometimes an Arborist Report (if there are trees that are affected).
What is zoning or zoning permit?
A building permit is consisting of 2 steps. The first one is the zoning approval. In this stage, the proposed project will be checked for compliance with the zoning bylaws. Each city and area has its specific zoning bylaw. When the zoning application is approved then the building examiners will check the proposed project for compliance with the building code.
Do I need a building permit for my deck?
The short answer is, that if your deck is not more than 60 cm (24 inches) above ground and complies with the zoning bylaw, then a permit is not required. You will require to obtain a permit when your deck is more than 60 cm (24 inches) above ground, attached to the house, more than 100 sq. ft, changing the existing deck footprint, or adding a covered roof above the deck.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR PROJECT?Project related questions
What is the difference between a Finished Basement permit and a Legal Basement permit?
- Finished Basement permit: are only for utilization of basement space for the Principle Unit (Original Unit). You can not have a kitchen (Stove) in Finished basement permit. It can not be rented but can have bedroom(s), wet bar (sink) and washroom. If there is a bedroom an egress window needs to be provided.
- Legal Basement permit (are also called 2nd Unit, Accessory Apartment, 2nd Suite): This kind of permit allows the basement to be used as a rental unit. There are more design work and construction cost involved in this permit. City requirements and processing times are different as well. The design needs to consider Zoning bylaws, Fire Separations, Egress requirements…
What should I do if I have a finished basement without permit?
If you bought a house which came with a finished basement you can ask the city if the basement is finished with a permit. If you have finished your basement without a permit or you found that there was no permit for the finished basement that came with your purchased house; you must apply for a building permit. The construction without a building permit is called as-built and contravenes zoning bylaws and building code. In case of damage to the building, fire, or injury resulting from this construction the owner of the building will be held responsible. These violations will void your insurance coverage.
What is a Stop Work Order / Order to Comply?
A Stop Work Order (SWO) is issued when a building inspector observes unsafe work or conditions on a property. In addition, a Stop Work Order may be issued in conjunction with a violation and when the scope of the construction work is not part of what was permitted.
When you receive an Order To Comply (OTC) stating that your property violates Code, read the order carefully to identify which items:
• require a permit
• find contact information for the inspector or supervisor
• determine what fees may be applied and penalties if not paid on time
• determine appeal/remediation procedures
Both notices need a professional to assist the owner in resolving any issues raised. Permit Plans is here to put its experience and know-how to offer a solution to this obstacle.
Who is responsible for getting a building permit? The homeowner or the Contractor?
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to have a valid building permit for any construction work done within their property. While the contractors might get fines or penalties for constructing unpermitted work, but ultimately legally and financially responsible for any infractions.
If you don’t get a permit, there are four common ways you may run into trouble:
- A neighbor complaint
- Home inspection upon sale
- Insurance Claim
- Future renovations or repairs
In the most city, risks of not obtaining a valid permit for your deck project include:
- A hefty fine often double your permit fee
- Delay of the construction work while permit application is in process
- A potential to remove constructed work prior to obtaining permit approval
- An unexpected increase in the scope of work and budget to meet the requirements
- Potential future legal issues when selling your house or filing an insurance claim
STILL HAVING DOUBTS?Usual questions from our clients
- Clients
- Consultations
- Timings
- Style
Difference between a Finished Basement permit and a Legal Basement
Finished Basement permit: are only for utilization of basement space for the Principle Unit (Original Unit). You can not have a kitchen (Stove) in Finished basement permit. It can not be rented but can have bedroom(s), wet bar (sink) and washroom. If there is a bedroom an egress window needs to be provided.
Legal Basement permit (are also called 2nd Unit, Accessory Apartment, 2nd Suite): This kind of permit allows the basement to be used as a rental unit. There are more design work and construction cost involved in this permit. City requirements and processing times are different as well. The design needs to consider Zoning bylaws, Fire Separations, Egress requirements…
What should I do if I have a finished basement without permit?
If you bought a house which came with a finished basement you can ask the city if the basement is finished with a permit. If you have finished your basement without a permit or you found that there was no permit for the finished basement that came with your purchased house; you must apply for a building permit. The construction without building permit is called as-built and contravene zoning bylaws and building code. In case of damage to the building, fire, or injury resulting from this construction the owner of the building will be held responsible. These violations will void your insurance coverage.
What is a Stop Work Order / Order to Comply?
A Stop Work Order (SWO) is issued when a building inspector observes unsafe work or conditions on a property. In addition, a Stop Work Order may be issued in conjunction with a violation and when the scope of the construction work is not part of what was permitted.
When you receive an Order To Comply (OTC) stating that your property violates Code, read the order carefully to identify which items:
• require a permit
• find contact information for the inspector or supervisor
• determine what fees may be applied and penalties if not paid on time
• determine appeal/remediation procedures
Both notices need a professional to assist the owner in resolving any issues raised. Permit Plans is here to put its experience and know-how to offer a solution to this obstacle.
If you don’t get a permit, there are four common ways you may run into trouble:
- A neighbor complaint
- Home inspection upon sale
- Insurance Claim
- Future renovations or repairs
In the most city, risks of not obtaining a valid permit for your deck project include:
- A hefty fine often double your permit fee
- Delay of the construction work while permit application is in process
- A potential to remove constructed work prior to obtaining permit approval
- An unexpected increase in the scope of work and budget to meet the requirements
- Potential future legal issues when selling your house or filing an insurance claim
If you need deck design, building permit drawings and building permit service you can give us a call please contact us
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