Permit Requirements

What is a Building Permit?
A building permit gives you the legal authorization to construct or demolish a building. Building permits are issued by the Building Division and are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the County Zoning By-Law and other applicable provincial and municipal regulations. Building permits are necessary to ensure that building construction standards, zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards, and other applicable standards are met.

When a customer is applying for a permit he/she will most likely deal directly with the same County Inspector who will oversee the permit from the initial inquiry stage through to issuance and inspection of the project. Our one on one method enables the staff to serve the public in the most efficient manner possible.

When is a Building Permits Required?
In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter, repair or demolish a building. The following are examples of projects that require building permits:

•  Construction of a new home.
•  Addition of a carport, garage, porch or room(s) to an existing home.
•  Construction or finishing of rooms in the basement or attic.
•  Any structural work, including alterations to interior partitions or the installation of new skylights, windows or doors.
•  Deck more than 60cm (2ft) above grade
•  Enclosing a porch or deck.
•  Constructing or installing detached accessory buildings such as a garage, shed, or playhouse larger than 10m2 (107.6ft2).
•  Installation of fireplaces and other heating appliances.
•  Replacing or installing new plumbing, including repair or installation of an on-site sewage system.
•  Installing a ramp or elevating device.

If your type of project is not listed or you are not sure if a permit will be required, please contact the County Building Division, describe the work to be done in detail and investigate what the requirements are, prior to construction.

NOTE: Although a building permit may not be required, you MUST still comply with the requirements of the County of Brant Zoning By-Law.

The Permit Process

1. Submit Application
The Permit Application requires information about the construction project. You will be asked to document "who" will perform the work, and "what", "where", "when" and "how" the work will be done.

Two sets of Site Plans;Scaled Construction Drawings including a min. of floor plans, building elevations and building section; and any other applicable documentation (eg. Heat loss calculations, truss drawings, ONHWP Declaration, etc of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review.

2. Zoning Review
The County has zoning regulations for the use of land, the location, size, and height of the buildings as well as other matters such as parking and open space. Some of these regulations, such as how close to the lot line you can build, or how large your building can be, may conflict with your proposal.

You are responsible for finding out the applicable laws and take appropriate measures if they affect your proposal. Staff members will advise you on the zoning regulations for your property if you provide sufficient information about the site and your proposal, such as an updated survey and a site plan.

3. Ontario Building Code (OBC)
Your application will also be examined for compliance with the OBC which regulates:

•  building occupancy;
•  construction and material requirements for structural and fire safety;
•  heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other building related requirements.
•  other approvals

You may need approval from County Council or other municipal departments (Planning or Public Works), or from external agencies (Grand River Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation) before getting your permit. Your are responsible for ensuring that all requirements are satisfied and that the Building Division receives any required approval notices. A permit cannot be issued until all requirements have been met.

4. Issuing the Permit
When the application process is completed, and the total fees paid, you will get the appropriate permit. Construction and/or demolition may then begin.
While work is being done, the permit must be posted in a conspicuous location on site. The plans and/or specifications reviewed by the Building Division must also be kept on site. Any changes to the plan must be approved by the Building Department.

5. Required Inspections
The building inspector will check your project at key stages during construction. The inspector's responsibility is to ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the Building Code requirements and your reviewed plans.
Before you begin work, contact the County Building Division and confirm that inspections will be required. Inspectors must be able to see the area of the building they are required to inspect. The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection allowing 24 to 48 hours advance notice.
If a 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, an order may be issued until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.

SEE INSPECTION PROCESS

What can I do if my permit is refused?
If your application is incomplete or there are major reasons for refusal, the Building Division will tell you why. You can then make the necessary corrections and re-apply.

If your application is refused for zoning non-compliance, you can either apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance to zoning requirements, or apply to the County for a by-law amendment (rezoning).

If your application is refused for Building Code non-compliance, you may file an appeal with the Building Code Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Housing.