Planning and Development Services

City of Temiskaming Shores
325 Farr Avenue
Haileybury, Ontario P0J 1K0

P: 705-672-3363
F: 705-672-2911

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2050
Haileybury, Ontario P0J 1K0

Building

2010 Annual Building Report

The whys and hows:

The City of Temiskaming Shores mandate is to ensure a safe, clean, healthy, functioning community which secures the well-being of its residents. That philosophy extends to the private and publicly-owned buildings of our community. By enforcing building codes, and assisting builders, designers and homebuilders, we ensure that the structures they create are safe not only for today, but for many years to come. Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions concerning building permits including when they are required and how the application process works.

What is a building permit?

A building permit is a document which grants legal permission to start construction of a "building," as defined by the building code act of Ontario.

What is a building?

The building code act of Ontario defines a building as: (a) a structure occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (108 sq. Ft.) Consisting of a wall, roof and floor, or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto, (b) a structure occupying an area of 10 square metres (108 sq. Ft.) Or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto, (c) plumbing not located in a structure, (c.1) a sewage system or (d) structures designated in the building code. 

The building code act states that: no person shall construct or demolish or cause a building to be constructed or demolished in a municipality unless a permit has been issued therefore by the chief building official. The building code act also defines construct to mean the doing of anything in the erection, installation, extension, material alteration or repair of a building which also includes installation of a building unit fabricated or moved from elsewhere.

What construction activities require building permits?

A building permit is required for any new building greater than 10m (108 ft), any addition to an existing building, any material alterations to an existing building which effects: the structural design of the building; mechanical; electrical; plumbing services (no limit on size of building); fire separations; exiting; fire protection systems; and the use of buildings or parts thereof. Below you will find a list of typical residential and commercial, industrial and institutional projects that require a building permit: 

For residential dwelling units (single family, semi-detached and row housing), projects requiring a building permit include: 

• Decks greater than 600mm (24 inches) above ground or serving the principal entrance for dwelling units
• Interior structural alterations
• Adding or removing most walls, (i.e., creating different room sizes and/or uses)
• Porches
• Basement or main floor walkout alterations
• Sunrooms
• Solariums
• Replacement of brick veneer
• Carports
• Attached or detached garages, sheds
• Replacement of masonry chimney below roofline
• Dormers or finishing of attic space 
• Installation of irrigation systems
• Additions
• Installation, repair of storm, sanitary and water service
• Finishing a basement or a portion thereof
• Furnace and ductwork replacements
• Installation of cleanouts
• Conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
• Plumbing and/or drains (except replacing fixtures)
• Insulating exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
• New or structural alterations to windows or doors
• Installation or repair of private sewer systems and water service
• Installation of backflow preventers for lawn irrigation systems
• Structural fire damage

For all other buildings, (commercial, industrial, institutional) projects requiring a building permit include:

• Change of use (where construction is proposed or the change constitutes an increase in hazard)
• Interior renovations within a floor area affecting fire separations, exits or structural capacity
• Interior finishing of shell buildings for tenants (i.e. Occupancies in commercial or industrial malls and office buildings, etc.)
• Fire places and wood burning stoves
• Fire and water damage affecting interior renovations within a floor area affecting fire separations, exits or structural capacity
•  Additions to any building having a combined area of 10m (108 sq. Ft.) Or more
• Installations and major alterations of sprinkler, standpipe, fire alarm or mechanical (HVAC) systems
• Plumbing installation and alterations, except replacement of fixtures
• Installation or replacement of storm and sanitary sewers, water service (i.e. Catch basins, weeping tile, clean-outs, change from septic system to sewers)
• Installation and repairs to sewage systems (septic systems and holding tanks)
• Installation of back flow preventers
• Retaining walls exceeding 1 metre (3 ft.- 3 inches) in exposed height adjacent to public property, to an access to a building, or on private property to which the public is admitted
• Tents greater than 60m (645 sq. Ft.)

You do not require a building permit to:

A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) Which measures less than 10m (108 square feet) in area. Below is a list of other projects that do not require a permit. Note: although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the zoning by-law and Ontario building code requirements.

• Fences (other than for swimming pools)
• Decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a dwelling unit and less than 600mm (24 inches) above grade
• Asphalt roof shingling
• Eaves troughs
• Minor repairs to masonry
• Damp proofing basements
• Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air systems
• Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Free-standing satellite dishes
• Replace existing forced-air furnace (no duct work alterations)
• Replacing siding or windows (provided there are no structural changes)
• Pool heaters
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping

Why are building permits needed?

Permits ensure that construction within our municipality meets with standards set out in the Ontario building code. In addition, building permits are necessary to ensure that other applicable laws such as zoning by-laws, site plan control by-laws etc.

Who should apply?

It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit, but the owner should ensure that they have the permit prior to any work starting. 

What services are provided by the building department?

The planning and development services department reviews all applications for building permits to ensure compliance with zoning by-laws and building code requirements.

As well, we perform inspections upon notification to ensure work complies with the approved plans and the Ontario building code. Department staff are available to answer any questions you may have.  The Building permits home owner's guide  explains the City's approval process, including the various regulations involved in a variety of projects.

For additional information call 705-672-3363. 

When can work start?

The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. No work can start until the building permit is issued; this is normally no longer than a one-week process for residential building additions and alterations, depending upon the information submitted. For other types of buildings, the process time will depend on the nature of the work as well as the information submitted. For example, two weeks is the normal processing time for new single detached dwellings.

You must proceed with construction as approved by the application review process. The building code requires you to post the building permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the building official immediately. Changes may require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

What inspections are required?

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by our building officials to make certain the work conforms to the building code, the building permit and the approved plans. The mandatory inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit.

How do I get my project inspected?

Inspections do not happen automatically. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the City (705) 672-3363 to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work proceeds from one inspection stage to the next. Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection or the commencement of legal action. Allow 48hrs notice for an inspection as specified by the building code.

If our building official finds that some work does not conform to the approved plans, he or she will advise (and, possibly, provide written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.

Some things to consider when choosing a contractor:

• Check for contractors experience in the type of construction proposed.
• Interview the contractor and check on previous jobs the contractor has completed and other clients' satisfaction.
• Arrange a contract and ensure the contract covers all the work including who prepares drawings and who arranges for inspections.
• Before signing the contract, check the drawings to ensure they comply with what you want. Also check specifications and materials proposed.
• Confirm the type of warranty that is being given, and, on a large contract, you may wish to obtain legal counsel before signing.
• Confirm whether the contractor is obtaining the building permit or if you are expected to handle the building permit. When the contractor is applying for the permit, make sure you see the permit before allowing work to start.