A building permit refers to a legal document issued in compliance with, in this case, the Ontario’s Building Code. This document is necessary before constructing, renovating, demolishing, or changing the use of a building. Your municipal building department carries out the issuing of building permits and other tasks involving the enforcement of the Building Code.
So, how do you apply for a building permit on vacant land? In this post, you’ll learn how you can apply a building permit for your vacant property.
But, before that, you should know when you need to get a building permit and the requirements needed.
When Do You Need to Get a Building Permit?
In London Canada, you must get a building permit before:
- Constructing any new building (more than ten square meters) in place of another structure, like a mobile home, on a property
- Making repairs or renovations or adding extensions to a building
- Changing the use of a building
- Excavating or constructing a foundation
- Constructing a seasonal building
- Undertaking work, such as installation, extension, repair, or alteration of an on-site sewage system
Steps to Apply for Building Permits In Ontario, Canada
When are building permits necessary?
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The Ontario Building Code Act states that you must have a building permit before erecting a new building, or making any additions or alterations to an existing construction that has a building area of more than ten square meters. This is approximately one hundred and eight square feet.
You can either obtain application forms for a building permit from your municipality or call 1-800-668-9938.
On the application you will supply the building department with relevant information about your project. Who, what, where and how, plans to scale, drawings or any other documents of the work you are proposing to construct must be submitted for review with your application.
- 2 sets of the building plans ( if you need additional help, you can phone 519-740-4613)
- 3 copies of your property survey or site plan
- Your building permit fee (fee schedule)
Upon receipt of your completed building application by the Building Services, the staff will review the application according to the mandated timelines of the Ontario Building Code Act.
- 10 business days for a residential building permit application
- 15 business days for a small commercial building permit
- 30 business days for a large commercial building permit application
Accordingly you will be notified in writing, as mandated by the province, whether your permit is issued or the reason why it was rejected.Â
Most building permits are issued without delay as long as your plans comply with the Building Code in terms of zoning, municipal by-laws and the provincial regulations. The drawings are reviewed to ensure they conform to the Building Code for structural, fire and safety, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing requirements.
If all is compliant with the Building Code your permit will be issued, granting you legal permission to begin building. This must be done in accordance with the Review process and a copy kept on site. Notify the Building Official immediately if any changes are proposed. Changes may require review and approval the same way as the original application.
As part of your agreement with the contractor, they will often apply for and obtain any necessary building permits on your behalf. This license legally grants permission for commencing construction of the project. Anyone found constructing or demolishing a building without a permit is subject to a fine. The responsibility for obtaining all permits ultimately falls on the owner of the property. Building permits are essential for ensuring that zoning requirements, fire and structural and any other building standards are met as required by the Building Code.
What’s the Consequence of Violating the Building Code Act?
Anybody who’s found guilty or charged of an offense under the 1992 Building Code Act will be fined up to $50,000 for a first offense, such as constructing a building on vacant land without a permit. For subsequent offenses, the fine is up to $100,000.
For a corporation, the maximum fine is $500,000 for the first offense and $1,500,000 for subsequent offenses. Also, it’s considered an offense if you fail to comply with a municipal building department order under the Building Code Act of 1992.
Conclusion
When applying for a building permit on vacant land in Ontario, Canada, you should know the right requirements to submit. Comply with the Building Code Act of 1992 to avoid fines by submitting your application online or directly through your municipal building department. Your application will be reviewed and you’ll be notified accordingly.
