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Permits & Zoning
Building Permits
In Canada a building permit is a document provided to a home or business owner that provides approval for the construction process. The building permit process was designed to ensure that Canadian building standards are maintained, primarily for safety reasons. Building permits not only include the initial application, but periodic inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and standards.
Across Canada, every city or municipality has a department designed to deal with this process. To find your local building permit office, use your favorite search engine and use your city, town, or municipality, followed by the phrase "building permits". If this doesn't provide the appropriate results, then just search for your city, town or municipality and give the first local Government office you see a call, they'll be able to direct you to the right department.
Determining if you need a Permit
In our context, we're using building permits for sheds, cabins, gazebos, garages, and other secondary structures. Permits are normally only required for structures exceeding 110 sq. feet, but we'd recommend that you check with your local permit office to see if there are any unusual requirements for your area.
Home owners associations often will require their own permits in addition to the standard Government permits - so if you're part of an association, be sure to check with them before starting your project.
The Permit Application Process
The permit process can vary quite a bit, depending on the size and complexity of your building, what you'll be using it for, and how you'll be finishing it, inside and out. For example a basic garden shed may not even require a permit, while a larger home studio, or pool cabana with electrical, will become more involved. The more complicated your structure, the more involved the permit process becomes.
In most cases, you'll need to pay for the permit itself, and again, depending on the structure, you will need to submit permit drawings. These are detailed structural drawings including elevation and floor plans, as well as details on the materials being used. It's important to note that these drawings do not come with your Summerwood structure, whether you're buying a kit, or building plans.
Getting our Help
If you live in Toronto, or anywhere in Ontario, Summerwood can help create the permit drawings that you'll require. Summerwood also is registered for a BCIN. A BCIN, otherwise know as a Building Code Identification Number, is an identifying number assigned to companies, or individuals, who have filed and registered their qualifications through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This BCIN is used on building permit applications and with any correspondence with the Ministry, as well as with other related work requiring a registered firm. Basically it just shows that we have the qualifications to be submitting permit drawings and other documentation on your structure. Contact us for details on pricing and more information.
What if it Doesn't Meet Permit Code
Our products are built like houses and as such it is rare that an inspector will request any changes. Should a building code in your jurisdiction have certain stipulations, we are more than happy to accommodate your requests. In fact, if we are not able to make our structure comply with your local building code, we will happily refund your deposit. This has never happened, but it's still nice to know.