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Building Department

CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL (CBO)

PLEASE NOTE: The Chief Building Official will be away from the office during the week of April 15-19, 2024 and will also be away from the office on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

The Chief Building Official administers the statutory duties prescribed in the Building Code Act.  This is accomplished by working with both home owners and builders to ensure the responsibilities of the Ontario Building Code are being met.

A Building Permit Application can be acquired at the following locations:

  • Municipal Office, 280 Main Street North, Callander
  • Satellite Office, 26 Main Street North, Unit #9, Callander
  • Permit Applications can be downloaded from the website under the heading Forms

Office hours

  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  • 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

 

 

What is a building permit?

Why is a building permit required?

Who should apply?

When is a building permit required?

What projects require a building permit?

What drawings are required to be submitted for a building permit?

What other departments and jurisdictions may I require approvals and permits from?

What is the length of time to obtain a permit?

How long is the permit valid?

What are the mandatory inspections for new home construction?

 

What is a building permit?

  • A building permit is a licence
  • It grants legal permission to start construction of a building project
  • It gives Building Officials the means to enforce the requirements of various standards

Why is a building permit required?

  • To ensure that construction within our municipality meets the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code.
  • To ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards, and other building standards are met.

Who should apply?

  • A homeowner
  • You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit
  • The owner should ensure that they have a permit prior to any work starting

When is a building permit required?

  • For new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, and repairs.
  • For the rehabilitation of a building or structure
  • Plumbing/Septic systems
  • Is not required for some minor repairs

What projects require a building permit?

Generally, a building permit is required for the construction/alteration of a building or structure, for additions, a fireplace or wood stove and the installation of plumbing systems.

A building permit is NOT required for:

  • Landscaping (sidewalks, driveways)
  • Painting and Decorating
  • New flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.)
  • Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
  • Replacing windows and doors in existing openings
  • Electrical projects
  • Replacing plumbing fixtures
  • Replacing roofing or shingles (non-structural)
  • Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
  • Decks less than 600mm (24 inches) from existing grade that do not require guards
  • Accessory structures less than 10m2(108 ft2)

** Not all projects or scenarios can be listed

If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, contact the building department to discuss the details of the project and what steps may be necessary to move forward.

** Although a building permit may not be required, the project may be subject to zoning requirements.

What drawings are required to be submitted for a building permit?

For most projects 2 sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following:

  • Site Plan
  • Foundation Plan
  • Floor Plan(s)
  • All Elevations
  • Cross section(s)
  • Roof Plan (for complex roof designs)
  • Truss Engineered Specifications (floor or roof), if required
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning information package and layout
  • Lot grading plan, if required
  • Any other applicable information that is unique to the project

What other departments and jurisdictions may I require approvals and permits from?

Municipality of Callander

  • Planning department and Municipal By-laws, Planning Advisory Committee, Site Plan Control Agreements, Land Severances, and Committee of Adjustment
  • Operations Department (entrance permit, road occupancy permit)

Ministry of Transportation

  • Entrance Permit from highways
  • Building and land use Permits

North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority

  • DIA (Development Interference Alteration) Permits
  • Septic Systems

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

  • Working within the water

Ministry of Natural Resources

  • Working within the water

Electrical Safety Authority

  • Electrical Permits

Union Gas

  • Disconnects  

Hydro One

  • Disconnects

What is the length of time to obtain a permit?

The Ontario Building Code allows a time period of 10 to 30 days depending on class of building. Most residential projects can be issued within 7 business days, provided the Permit Application is complete and the necessary documents (drawings/specifications) have been provided.

Extended timelines may result from:

  • Incomplete Application
  • Incomplete Drawings
  • Delays in permits/approvals from other departments and jurisdictions

How long is the permit valid?

  • Construction or Demolition must start within 6 months of issuance of the permit. Failure to do so may result in the permit being revoked.
  • Construction or Demolition must not be substantially suspended or discontinued for more than one year. Suspension or discontinuation could result in the permit being revoked

What are the mandatory inspections for new home construction?

Stage 1Readiness to construct footings

Stage 2Foundation/prior to backfill

Stage 3Below grade plumbing rough in (Interior Drains)

Stage 4Structural Framing (includes all rough-ins for HVAC, plumbing, electrical)

Stage 5HVAC rough in

Stage 6Plumbing rough in

Stage 7Insulation/vapour barrier

Stage 8Occupancy inspection prior to completion

Stage 9Final (construction is complete, interior and exterior including site grading)

A complete building permit application will include:

  • A completed application form (Application to Construct or Demolish)
  • Owner’s Authorization, if required
  • Schedule 1
  • Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineer, if required
  • Site Plan
  • Foundation Plan
  • Floor Plan(s)
  • All Elevations
  • Cross section(s)
  • Roof Plan (for complex roof designs)
  • Truss Engineered Specifications (floor or roof), if applicable
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning information package and layout
  • Lot grading plan, if required
  • Approval from other Departments and Jurisdictions may be required
  • Any other applicable information that is unique to the project

Drawing Requirements

  • If you are unable to draw the plans yourself, you may require the services of a qualified person
  • Single line drawings will not be accepted
  • 2 copies of all drawings and specifications are required upon application submission

Permit issuance

Once the Building Permit Application has been deemed complete, and the proposed construction meets all the legal requirements, the building permit will be issued within the prescribed time period outlined in the Ontario Building Code.

If during plans review any additional information is required to be submitted, you will be contacted via phone or email.

Inspections are required at various stages in the construction process and are indicated on the Building Permit.

Stage 1Readiness to construct footings

Stage 2Foundation/prior to backfill

Stage 3Below grade plumbing rough in (Interior Drains)

Stage 4Structural Framing (includes all rough-ins for HVAC, plumbing, electrical)

Stage 5HVAC rough in

Stage 6Plumbing rough in

Stage 7Insulation/vapour barrier

Stage 8Occupancy inspection prior to completion

Stage 9Final (construction is complete, interior and exterior including site grading)

Failure to request the mandatory inspections will result in a deficiency recorded against the project and create unnecessary delays in the construction process.

Approved (stamped) permit drawings/specifications MUST be on the project site for the purpose of inspections. Approved drawings/specifications NOT on site at time of inspection will deem the inspection incomplete and may result in a re-inspection fee being administered upon rebooking the inspection.

Information required to book an Inspection:

  • Permit Number
  • Project location (municipal address)
  • Preferred Date and Timeframe (AM or PM)
  • Type of inspection being requested
  • Contact name, phone number and email address

Booking your Inspection

  • Please book inspections at least 1-2 days in advance, same day inspections are NOT guaranteed
  • Inspections can take place between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Finalizing and Closing your Permit

Every building permit issued MUST also be closed. The responsibility of closing a building permit is that of the permit applicant or property owner. Permits may only be closed when all inspections are complete (passed) and any necessary reports have been submitted.

Possible impacts that may result from NOT closing a permit:

  • May hold up the sale of your home
  • May affect the ability to receive home insurance
  • May affect the ability to remortgage or refinance your home
  • May affect the ability to apply for a future building permit

In addition to the duties associated with the building department, the Chief Building Official administers the Property Standards By-law.

The Property Standards By-law sets minimum standards to ensure property owners maintain their properties. The intent of these standards is to protect the health and safety of occupants/tenants as well as the general public.

How to file a Property Standards complaint?

The complaint needs to be filed on the approved Property Standards Complaint Form. The form needs to be completed in full and signed by the complainant. The complainant should provide as much detail as possible to help define the area(s) of concern.  The identity of the complainant shall remain anonymous, unless the matter proceeds to court, where the complainant may be summoned.

The Property Standards Officer cannot proceed with an Order against a property based on anonymous complaints.

While we do appreciate the concerns of all residents in regards to local properties and their conditions, action will only be taken against a property in response to a valid signed complaint.

Community Standards By-law 2022-1761

Property Standards By-law 2022-1753

Property Standards Complaint Form

 

For information please contact:

Cameron Karpenko C.B.C.O.
Chief Building Official
26 Main Street North, Unit 9
Callander, ON P0H 1H0
(705) 752-1410, Ext. 307
ckarpenko@callander.ca