Issued by local authorities, a building permit is a document authorizing construction or demolition. If your building requires a permit, it must be granted before construction can begin and posted in a clearly visible place until the project is complete and passes inspection. Submission of the permit application is the responsibility of the property owner.
The need for a permit hinges on several factors, including your building's overall height from grade, footprint, location, intended use, and more. In some regions, small structures (under 100 to 108 sq. ft.) may not require a building permit (with some exceptions applying). Ontario allows buildings up to 160 sq. ft., whereas most other areas in Canada and the United States allow structures up to 100 or 108 sq. ft.; it is always best to check with your local by-law office to determine the regulations in your area.
First steps are to obtain a permit application from your municipal by-law office or building and planning department. A complete application submission will likely include a fee, a site plan, and construction drawings (such as elevations, a plan view, a wall section, and material details), but requirements will vary by project and region. Rest assured, we design and engineer our buildings to conform to the most rigid of local building codes, so obtaining a permit will likely not be an issue.
If you do need a permit, Summerwood is here to help: our goal is to make the permit process as smooth and simple as possible. If you require permit drawings, our in-house designers will provide custom drawings to your exact specifications. In rare cases where an engineered stamp is required, we can assist you with that as well.
In the early stages? Don't hesitate to contact us for general information and advice on applying for a permit.
Note: Additional fees apply for permit drawings and engineering stamps.
