When are Building Permits Required?

Permits Required:

• Any new building, regardless of use.
• To make structural alterations, renovations or major repairs to existing buildings or structures.
• To construct an in-ground swimming pool.
• To complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building.
• To demolish or relocate a building.
• To do trades work involving plumbing installations or modifications.
• To move and place a mobile home on a foundation.
• To place a temporary mobile, building or structure.
• To construct or install a chimney.
• Retaining wall over 4'.

Permit Not Required:

• 100 sq./ft or less.
• Kitchen cupboards or planters
• Painting
• Driveways and landscaping
• Fences when the height complies with the Zoning Bylaw Regulations
• Replacement of plumbing fixtures
• Exterior finish repair or replacing.

NOTE: STOP WORK ORDERS WILL BE ISSUED FOR SITES WHERE CONSTRUCTION HAS COMMENCED WITHOUT A VALID BUILDING PERMIT.

Blueprint Requirements:
Site Plans / Floor Plans / Elevations

The District requires two sets of plans (except Commercial where four sets are required), which must be to a scale not less than ¼"=1', be clear and indicate the nature and extent of the work. Following are the basic requirements for each plan view. The Building Official may require further information or professional approvals (i.e. P. Eng.). The drawing area should be labelled (i.e. Main Flr)

Site Plans Must Include:

• Scale not less than 1/8" = 1'
• Civic address of project
• Legal description of project (see tax certificate)
• Property owner's name
• Size of site and adjoining streets
• Size & location of existing & proposed buildings, including accessory buildings, showing required yard setbacks from all property lines (see Zoning Bylaw).
• Existing & proposed elevations at the corners of the property and around the perimeter of the building.
• Drainage patterns must also be indicated showing how surface water is going to be directed to ensure no run off onto neighbouring properties.

Floor Plans Indicating:

• Scale not less that ¼"=1'
• All rooms and their use
• Size of each room
• Size of windows and doors
• Size of hallway and stairs
• Rise and run of stairs
• All plumbing fixtures

Elevations Indicating:

• Scale not less that ¼"=1'
• Full view of front, rear and both sides of the building
• Exterior finishes
• Details of deck railing construction and height
• Details of rise and run of stairs
• Elevation drawings are NOT required when the scope of work does NOT include exterior works.

Structural Indicating:

• Scale not less that ¼"=1'
• Cross sections showing the method of construction
• Type of material
• Dimensions of all of materials