Building | City of Temiskaming Shores

Permits

Building permits and inspections help ensure that design and construction comply with the Ontario Building Code, providing safe and healthy environments in homes, workplaces and public buildings throughout Ontario.

Building Code Act, 1992

Under subsection 8(1) of the Building Code Act, 1992, no person shall construct or demolish a building, or cause a building to be constructed or demolished, unless a permit has been issued by the Chief Building Official.

Offences

Under the Building Code Act, 1992, a person may be guilty of an offence if they knowingly provide false information in an application, certificate, statement or return required under the Act or regulations; fail to comply with an order, direction or other requirement made under the Act; or contravene the Act, regulations or a by-law passed under section 7.

When is a Building Permit Required?

A Building Permit is a document that grants legal permission to undertake construction or other work regulated by the Ontario Building Code.

A Building Permit is required for:

Construction of a new building 10 square metres or greater
Construction of a designated structure listed in OBC 2024, Division A, 1.3.3.5
Placement of an existing building on a property
Erection of a tent or group of tents exceeding 60 square metres in area, or a tent attached to a building
Erection of an air-supported structure
Erection of a shelf and rack storage system
Construction of a public pool or spa
Renovation of an existing building or part of a building
Replacement, alteration, extension or repair of a building system, including decks and ramps
Construction or replacement of a deck 24 inches above grade or a deck attached to a building
Construction or replacement of a deck that forms the primary entrance into a building
Plumbing work not located within a building

When is a Building Permit Not Required?

A Building Permit is not required for:

A storage shed that is accessory to the primary-use building, is 15 square metres or less, is one storey in height and does not contain plumbing
Finish flooring and painting
Installation of cabinets
Replacement of roof shingles and siding
Replacement of doors and windows where there is no change to the size of the opening
Electrical work. An Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit may be required

Although a Building Permit may not be required, your project must still comply with applicable zoning requirements.

Building Permit Process

Pre-Consultation

Staff of the Building Department are available to meet with you before you submit your application and can assist you in navigating the permitting process.

Application

Once you submit an application for a Building Permit, a Building Official will review the application to ensure the plans and construction details meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and applicable laws, as identified in OBC 2024, Division A, 1.4.1.3.

Complete Building Permit Application

You can obtain an Application for a Building Permit by dropping by City Hall or view/print a copy of the application for a permit to construct or demolish.

Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

A complete Building Permit application includes:

Completed application form
Waste Diversion Plan
Complete set of construction plans
Entrance Permit for the driveway
Connection to Services Permit
Septic Permit, if municipal services are unavailable at the building site
Payment of the Building Permit fee

Additional documents may also be required, including:

Letter of authorization if the application is submitted by an authorized agent of the owner
Designs prepared by an Engineer or Architect must be signed and stamped accordingly
Designs prepared by a BCIN Designer must be accompanied by Schedule 1
Engineer/Architect commitment letter where professional design and review are required under OBC 2024, Division C

Construction Plan Requirements

A complete set of construction plans must provide sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable requirements. Depending on the project, plans may include the following:

Lot Plan

Property lines and total area of the property
Location of all existing and proposed buildings, including building type and footprint size
Location of streets, driveway, easements, rights-of-way, wells, septic tank, septic bed and overhead hydro lines
Setbacks between buildings and from buildings to property lines
Location of the nearest fire hydrant

Foundation Plan

Location and size of strip, pier and stepped footings
Location, size and spacing of reinforcing steel
Size and height of foundation walls
Type of ICF blocks, where used

Architectural Floor Plans

Room dimensions and ceiling heights
Room labels, such as bedroom and bathroom
Location of stairs, doors and windows
Location of fireplaces or wood stoves
Location of all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Structural Floor Plans

Location, size and spacing of supporting columns
Location, size and span of supporting beams, including specifications for engineered beams
Type, size and spacing of floor joists, including layouts for engineered joists
Type, size and spacing of wall studs
Type, size, spacing and pitch of roof rafters or trusses, including sealed specifications and layouts where applicable

Elevations and Cross-Sections

North, south, east and west elevations
Top of foundation elevation
Elevation of each floor
Roof peak elevation
Cross-sections showing the components of foundations, floors, exterior walls, interior walls and ceiling/roof assemblies

Construction Notes

Engineered beam and post connections
Deck and stair details
Required testing

Door and Window Schedule

Size and type of unit
Header size and minimum end bearing
Energy efficiency and fire rating

Surface Drainage Plan

Elevations affecting surface water drainage
Direction of water flow over the property
Location of storm drains or swales

Additional Documents

Engineer reports
Test results
Shop drawings

HVAC Package

Heat loss/gain report
Equipment specifications
Duct sizing and layout
Hydronic piping layout and manifold location

Other Permit Types

Demolition Permit

A Demolition Permit grants legal permission to demolish and remove a building or part of a building.

A complete Demolition Permit application includes:

Completed application
Letter identifying whether hazardous materials are present within the structure
Letter describing the demolition methodology to be used

Note: Demolition of large, tall or complex buildings may require supervision by engineers.

Change of Use Permit

A Change of Use Permit grants legal permission to change the occupancy classification or use of a building.

Certain changes that increase the building's hazard index or increase occupant load by more than 15% may result in additional construction requirements.

Occupancy Permit

An Occupancy Permit grants legal permission to occupy and use a building in the manner and for the purpose for which it was constructed.

An occupancy inspection must be conducted to ensure all requirements for occupancy have been met. If all requirements are satisfied, an Occupancy Permit will be issued by the Chief Building Official.

Fences

Except in the case of a swimming pool fence, no permit is required for the construction of a fence. No person shall construct a fence that does not comply with the requirements of By-law No. 2013-183.

By-law No. 2013-183 - Regulate Fences

Swimming Pool Fence Application

Building Permit Fees

The fee structure for each type of permit and other Building Department services is provided in Appendix "A" of Schedule "A" of the applicable Building By-law.

Building Permit application fees are set by Council and reviewed annually. Fees are based on the value of construction, including materials, labour, design costs and special equipment. The value of land and landscaping is not included.

Current Building Permit fees are available in the City's By-laws section under By-law No. 2019-163.

Bylaw No 2013 052

Permit

Once you submit all of the required information the "complete" application is approved and the building official issues the Building Permit. Staff will call or email you to let you know when your Building Permit is ready for you to pick up.

How long does it take to get a Building Permit?

Type of Project	Review Period
Residential projects under Part 9	10 working days
Commercial buildings and farm buildings under 600 m²	15 working days
Large buildings exceeding 600 m²	20 working days
Post-disaster buildings and complex buildings	30 working days

The applicable review period begins on the day after a complete application is received.

Please note: Within the applicable review period, the Chief Building Official will issue the Building Permit or advise the applicant in writing why a permit cannot be issued.

When can construction begin?

Construction may begin once your Building Permit has been issued.

Your project must be constructed in accordance with the plans certified by the Chief Building Official.

The Building Code requires the Building Permit to be posted in a window or other prominent location at the construction site. A copy of the building plans and specifications must also remain available at the site.

Changes proposed after a permit has been issued must be reviewed by the designer of record and approved by an inspector before changes are made to the certified plans.

Inspections

Required Inspections

Each major phase of construction must be inspected by a Building Official to confirm that the work complies with the Ontario Building Code, Building Permit and approved plans.

The mandatory inspections applicable to your project will be identified on the Building Permit.

Important: Work must not be covered until it has been inspected and approved by a municipal Building Inspector.

Arranging an Inspection

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to notify the Building Department when work is ready for inspection at each required stage and before proceeding to the next stage of construction.

The inspector will complete the inspection within 48 hours, beginning the day after notice is received.

If work is covered before the required notice and municipal inspection have occurred, an order to uncover may be issued so that the work can be inspected.

This should replace the current website wording about officials being "generally able" to inspect with 24 hours notice.

Building Department Contact

Mel Bursey

Chief Building Official

Phone: 705-672-3363 ext. 4131

Email: mbursey@temiskamingshores.ca

Gabriel Tasse

Building Official / By-law Officer

Phone: 705-672-3363 ext. 4133

Email: gtasse@temiskamingshores.ca

Reports and Forms

Forms

Application for Entrance Permit

Municipal Services Form

Swimming Pool Fence Application

Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish

Demande de permis de construire ou de demolir

Waste Diversion Plan

Application for Change of Use

Notice: Reediness for Inspection

Completion Notice: Reediness for Occupancy

Property Standards

To regulate property standards for property within the municipality.

Please contact the By-Law Officer for information, questions or concerns.

Ken Ashik

By-law/Property Standards Officer

Phone: 705-672-3363 ext. 4135

Email: kashick@temiskamingshores.ca

2018 081 Property Standards By Law OC

Must not have rubbish/debris, objects/conditions that may create a health, fire, or accident hazard.
Must not have deep ruts/ holes or pests.
Must not create a nuisance to other properties.
Must prevent ponding of storm water, instability or erosion of soil and surface water run-off from entering basements.

Vegetation

(trees, shrubs, grass, etc.)

Must be kept pruned, free from dead branches and show no signs of disease.
Must not interferer with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Driveways and Walkways

Must be in good repair and free from debris including accumulation of snow and ice.

(sidings/cladding, masonry, fascia and trim components)

Must be in good repair, in uniform colour and in a structurally sound condition.
Must be protected from deterioration by the application of appropriate weather resistant material. (paint, coatings, etc.).
Foundation walls supporting buildings must be in good repair.
Must not have loose or improperly secured objects, materials or surface defects (paint pealing or flaking, siding and trim secured).

Windows and Doors

Windows, doors and screening must be in good repair, weather tight and draught free.
May not be damaged (frames, glass, paint).
Windows must be able to lock from the inside.
Doors must be able to lock from the inside and outside.
Doors must be free from debris including accumulations of snow and ice.

Roofs

Must be in good repair, in a weather tight condition, free from loose or unsecured objects or materials (shingles, accumulations of snow and ice, etc.).
Eave troughs or roof gutters must be in good repair free from obstructions and properly secured.

Stairs, Handrails, Porches and Balconies

Must be in good repair and shall be constructed in conformance with the Ontario Building Code.

Garages

Must prevent gas fumes and carbon monoxide from entering the area of a dwelling unit.

(trailer, boat, motorized snow vehicle, ATV, etc.)

Must be operatable and licensed, not in abandoned condition (wrecked, discarded, dismantled, etc.).
Must be stored in the property driveway or backyard.

Must be in compliance with the property zoning and building standards.
Must be in good repair and may not be dilapidated, collapsed, partially collapsed or partially constructed.
Must not have sustained damage due to flood, fire, wind, rain or snow, that render the building unusable.

Fences

Must be in good repair free from accident hazards and in an structurally sound condition.

What does this mean?

A minimum standard of the physical condition to be in compliance with the standards set out by the property standards bylaw with the discretion of the City appointed property standards officer.

in good condition
well taken care of
operating well
normal upkeep

Tips - Exterior Maintenance

All properties must be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion, and may not exhibit an unsightly appearance in comparison to adjacent property.

View or print a copy of the below information sheets.

Property Stanadars Tips Property Stanadars Common Violations