Permits

As is evident from our project count, our team is very experienced with project development from scratch as well as obtaining all the necessary permits for the project.

OBTAINING PERMITS

Getting a building permit can be one of the most overwhelming and time consuming processes for the homeowners and even some builders. Wellcore team utilizes their knowledge gained from dozens upon dozens of obtained permits to ensure a smooth, transparent and efficient application process. 

As part of our services, we will be responsible for all communications with the city, including zoning or building examiners as well as any changes that may be required while we are obtaining permits. We will ensure that your project complies with Ontario Building Code, municipal zoning, and any other applicable laws. 

While the city building department checks the permit drawings/blueprints to determine if they meet all the laws and bylaws you may be wondering if there are any other items you will be responsible for.  

The Various Acts that Govern the Building Process:

 All construction companies have to adhere to the Ontario Building Code (or OBC), according to which any modification of the area than 108 square feet, requires a building permit.

OBC establishes the technical and administrative requirements and minimum construction standards such as:

• structural sufficiency

• construction materials

• plumbing and mechanical systems and safety

• fire protection

• public health & safety

• resource conservation

• environmental integrity

• accessibility

The purpose of the OBC is to ensure that all buildings meet uniform safety standards, so that every neighborhoods, home, business and public building is accessible, safe, and responsibly built. For a full view of the text please visit this page. 

The Zoning Bylaw

The Zoning Bylaw regulates the placement of buildings on a lot, and it is different for each municipality. It takes into account height, size, placement, location, minimum and maximum height, location of other buildings on the lot, location of building on adjacent lots, parking requirements, land and building uses, density and minimum and maximum lot sizes and dimensions.

Applicable Laws

As well as the local Zoning Bylaws and the OBC, there may be other factors that apply to a project of proposed construction. These are called applicable law. The most common acts a project has to comply with are:

Ontario Heritage Act

This act applies to properties possessing the heritage status, meaning that the house or lot belongs to the heritage inventory or is located in a heritage conservation district. If these apply, approval from the City Heritage Advisory is required to make any alterations, construction or demolition. The proposed project needs to comply with the heritage criteria of the area, which may dictate the style, size and architectural design of the area.

Conservation Authorities Act

This law regulates and may prohibit work from taking place in valley, stream corridors, and wetlands, areas of interference and portions of the Lake Ontario waterfront. If your property is regulated by the Conservation Authorities Act, you will need to apply for a permit from the TRCA before any construction begins. For a more detailed look at Applicable Laws please visit the link.

Know your timelines 

Once your building permit application has been lodged with the City, it is important to educate yourself on the city timelines. If the complete application was submitted for custom home or home addition, the building permit (or written refusal decision) should be issued within 2 weeks. However, if the application is not complete (for example, if the zoning certificate was not included, or there is no confirmation that the applicable laws have not been satisfied), the paperwork can bounce back and forth with no results.

For Wellcore obtaining the building permits in a timely manner is always the result of professional planning, focused effort and commitment to excellence.