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The purpose of a building permit is to ensure the minimum standards of the Ontario Building Code are met in order to protect the health and safety of building occupants by regulating design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy of buildings and structures.
Before starting any work you must ensure that a building permit has been issued.
What Projects Require a Building Permit? |
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Where can I obtain a Building Permit application? |
Follow the links below for the permit application form:
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Can I submit my permit application electronically? |
Yes, a permit can be submitted directly from the website (complete permit application and attach supporting documents). Make sure you have all of the required information completed/available prior to submitting. |
What does the Building Permit Application consist of? |
As of July 1, 2005, building permit applications submitted to municipalities must use the provincially mandated building permit application form. In addition to the “Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish”, there are Schedules for “Designer Information”, “Sewage System Installer information”, and “Plumbing Information”. As an application can not be considered until it is “complete” there is a check list with the link above to assist the applicant when completing the documentation. |
What Should I do before I apply for a Building Permit? |
It is very important to first inquire with the Town's Planning Services Branch as to whether or not the construction you are proposing complies with the Town of Bracebridge Comprehensive Zoning By-law. If you are contacting the Town's Planning Services Branch, details on the property including address and/or roll number along with details on your proposed project will be required. This review can take up to 10 business days. If your project does not meet the requirements of the Town's Comprehensive Zoning By-law, you must then decide if you wish to proceed by changing the location of your buildings or, to undertake a variance or amendment process. The estimated time for an application to be processed, including required notice and appeal periods can range between 4 and 6 months. Details of this process can be obtained from the Planning Services Branch. In order for your building permit to be processed in a timely manner, it is important to ensure that all requirements of outside agencies have been met BEFORE you submit your application. These requirements could include an approval of the Ministry of Transportation, or the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. These permits must be obtained and submitted with the building permit application. |
Can I do my own drawings for a Building Permit Application? |
Yes. Under the Ontario Building Code there is an exemption for the owner to create their own drawings, provided the design falls within the scope of Division C part 9. However, if the drawings are below standard or missing information, the owner will be asked to complete them or hire a designer who carries the qualifications as required by the Ontario Building Code. |
What other information may be required for a complete Building Permit Application? |
HVAC (Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning) CALCULATION - When building a new house, or if the planned renovations involve updating the heating or air conditioning systems, the homeowner is required to submit an HVAC calculation completed by a qualified HVAC technician. |
Is a Permit required to demolish a building? |
If an existing structure is being removed, you will require a demolition permit. If you are rebuilding on the site, the demolition permit can be issued in conjunction with the building permit. |
When can I expect my building permit to be issued? |
A complete building permit application is usually processed within the following number of business days, based on the building classification of the project listed below:
Incomplete applications will not be processed or issued until all zoning and planning approvals and relevant information and all other applicable law requirements are completed. These applications are exempt from the timelines listed above. NOTE: Since the COVID-19 Emergency was declared in March, 2020, the Town of Bracebridge staff have been working remotely. Permit applications may not be reviewed as quickly has they had previously. Applicants are advised that delays in processing applications may occur. |
Do I need a Building Permit for Landscaping? |
Most types of landscaping, such as hedges and patio stones, do not require permits. Structures greater than 10 square metres require a permit as do some retaining walls It is recommended that the Town's Comprehensive Zoning By-law be reviewed to determine what is considered landscaping. |
What permits do I need for a Dock? |
A Building Permit is required for a dock and are subject to the provisions of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law. |
Do I need a permit for electrical work? |
For electrical permits and information, contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) at 1-877-372-7233, the regulatory body responsible for electrical work permits and inspections across Ontario. |
How long is my Building Permit Valid? |
You have six months after the permit is issued to start construction and have an inspection completed on your project or the permit may be revoked as per section 8 of the Building Code Act. Once the first inspection is completed, the permit will not expire, but may be revoked, as per section 8 of the Building Code Act, if construction discontinues for more than one year. |
What happens after I get a building permit? |
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When do I need to call for a building inspection? |
During construction, several mandatory inspections are required to ensure that all work is done in compliance with the approved plans and the Ontario Building Code. Inspections do not happen automatically – it is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the Town of Bracebridge to arrange for an inspection. The required inspections are listed on the permit, and include (but are not limited to) footings, foundation pre-backfill, framing, insulation–air and vapour barrier, completion of air barrier system, fire separations, plumbing, HVAC, final interior and exterior. Please note, the inspector must be able to see the part of the work to be inspected. Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection. Inspections must be booked at least 48 hrs in advance. |
What is the best way to reach a member of staff or building inspector? IMPACT OF COVID-19 |
If you require information, regarding the submission of a building permit application or details on what would be required, please email the Building Services Branch or visit the Town's Staff Directory. Town staff are working remotely with limited access to incoming phone calls and therefore please forward your questions by email. |
Contact the Building Services Branch of the Planning and Development Department for further details or questions at 705-645-6319 ext. 236.