Approval Process

Approval Process

The City's Application Process requires that you provide information about your construction project such as who, where, when and how the work will be done.
Applications for a simple alteration or accessory structure (e.g. deck) can be processed fairly quickly, while more complex proposals may take longer.

The application process begins with staff reviewing your application for completeness. If there are deficiencies with your application or drawings, staff will contact you by telephone or e-mail, if address provided.

Stages of review
If a complete application is submitted and accepted for processing:
•    Zoning Review
•    Construction and Material Standards (Ontario Building Code Review)
•    Approval granted to issue permit

Conditional Permits

Section 8 (2) of the Ontario Building Code Act S.O. 1992 authorizes the Chief Building Official (CB0) to issue a conditional permit for any stage of construction even though all the requirements to obtain a permit have not been met.

If the CBO determines that such requirements would cause unreasonable construction delays, the applicant would be required to enter into an agreement with the City prior to receiving the conditional permit.

Certain conditions such as a time frame for obtaining the necessary approvals and provisions to apply in the event the approvals are not obtained would form part of the agreement.

Steps to be taken by applicant if conditional permit is required:
•    A formal request to obtain a conditional building permit must be made to the City's Chief Building Official
•    Demonstrate to CBO that unreasonable construction delays would occur if a conditional permit is not granted

For additional information concerning the use of conditional permits to allow for early construction starts, contact the office of the Director of Building Services and the Chief Building Official at (705) 674-4455, ext. 4282.

Other Approvals

Depending on the location and nature of your project, approval from other municipal authorities or external agencies (NDCA, Utilities or Ministry of Transportation) may be required, before your permit is issued. Staff will advise you if additional approvals are required and what you need to do to satisfy these requirements.
 

The applicant is solely responsible for ensuring that all requirements are satisfied and that Building Services receives any required approval notices. A permit cannot be issued until all requirements have been met.