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Bill 124:

Building Permit Documents:

Two Unit House:

A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction or demolition. It means that the City of Pickering has approved plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.

It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you obtain a permit.

Building permits regulate types of construction permitted in the community and ensure that building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection of safe structures.

By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.

In many cases, your designer or contractor will obtain permits on your behalf. But remember, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.

A building permit is required for the following residential projects:

  • building a new home or any addition to a home;
  • sheds or other detached structures greater than 108 ft² in area;
  • raised porches or decks;
  • carports or garages;
  • structural alterations;
  • demolishing, moving or lifting a house;
  • installing a woodstove or fireplace;
  • creating rooms in a basement;
  • adding a basement entrance;
  • altering or adding any plumbing piping;
  • connections to water service or sanitary or storm sewers; and
  • installing a swimming pool fence enclosure.

A building permit is not required for the following:

  • detached sheds and other structures less than 108 ft² in area;
  • decks which are 24" or less above grade;
  • replacing windows, doors, roofing or siding;
  • new interior wall, floor or ceiling finishes;
  • repairs to chimneys, porches, decks;
  • waterproofing repairs to a basement;
  • replacement of plumbing fixtures;
  • replacement of a heating system; and
  • most television antennae or satellite dishes.

Obtaining a Building Permit

  1. Complete a permit application 
    Visit the Planning & Development counter on the ground floor of the Pickering Civic Complex, One The Esplanade.
     
  2. Provide three copies of the proposed construction plans, including a site plan
    We have a wide range of standard technical detail drawings available to assist you in the preparation of your plans.
     
  3. Pay the permit fee
     For most minor residential projects, the fee is $50.00. 
    For additions or new houses, the fee is $9.00 for each square metre of new living space.
    For swimming pool fence enclosures, the fee is $150.00. In addition, a $500.00 refundable damage deposit is required to obtain a temporary access permit to construct the pool. The deposit is refunded upon satisfactory completion of any restoration work following construction of the pool.

Timeframe To Obtain a Building Permit

Permits for most home improvement projects are issued promptly if the proposed construction meets zoning standards, the Ontario Building Code, and the requirements of other agencies such as the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority or the Region of Durham Health Department. You can commence construction any time within six months after obtaining the permit. Inspection requirements will be noted on your permit drawings, and must be arranged by calling 905.420.4631 prior to covering the work.

Required Inspections

Building inspections are required at the following stages of construction and must be arranged prior to covering any work. Please provide 48 hours notice, and quote your permit number. The approved permit drawings must be kept at the construction site and made available to the inspectors. Covering work prior to inspection may result in delays, the removal of finishes and/or prosecution under the Building Code Act.

Building Inspections

  1. Footings
    When ready to pour concrete footings.
     
  2. Foundation
    Upon completion of foundation and subfloor prior to backfilling. An as-built survey must be submitted at this stage.
     
  3. Framing & Heating
    Completion of total framing & heating rough-in prior to installing insulation.
     
  4. Insulation
    Completion of insulation and vapour barriers, prior to installing finishes.
     
  5. Final Interior
    Completion of finishes, railings, smoke detectors, heating, gas proofing, prior to occupancy.
     
  6. Final Exterior
    Completion of all exterior work including site grading.

 

Plumbing Inspections

  1. Outside Services
    Installation of building drains and water supply to building, prior to backfill.
     
  2. Inside Services
    Installation of drains and water supply under basement floor.
     
  3. Rough In
    Completion of drains, vents and water supply piping throughout the building.
     
  4. Final
     Installation of hot water tank, all fixtures and finishing materials.

 

Electrical Inspections

Completed independently by Electrical Safety Authority. Call 1.877.372.7233.

Information and Drawings Required For an Addition / New Dwelling

The attached guide to building permits describes the basic building permit requirements and provides an example of drawings, which are normally required for a typical residential addition (see DWG. NO. A01 to A11).

  • A Guide to Building Permits, A01 Model
  • A Guide to Building Permits
    Drawing Requirements for a Residential Addition, A02 Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Site Plan & Zoning Information, A03a Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Basement Plan, A03b Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Ground Floor Plan, A03c Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Elevation - North, A03d Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Elevation - East, A03e Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Elevation - West, A03f Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Cross Section, A03g Model
  • A Guide to Building Permits
    Sample Drawings: Construction Specifications, A03h Model
  • Sample Drawings for Permit Application
    Schedules, A03i Model

Architect / Professional Engineer

For most residential projects, it is not necessary to retain a licensed architect or professional engineer to prepare your permit drawings. An architect and / or professional engineer is, however, required to prepare drawings for a residential building which is more than three storeys and for any specialized engineering which is not within the scope of Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code.
       
 

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