Permit to Construct or Demolish

The Building Department

The Municipality of Central Huron Building Department is responsible for the administration of the Building Code, the Building Code Act, the Zoning By-law and other applicable laws and standards. The department issues building permits and provides inspections for all new or renovated buildings within the Municipality. The main objective of the Building Department is to ensure that buildings are constructed to meet the health and safety provisions of the Ontario Building Code. Municipal residents are encouraged to contact the Building Department with any questions they may have regarding building permits.

Why are building Permits needed?

Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards are complied with, primarily for safety reasons. It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained unless after consultation with the municipal officials that it is determined that a permit is not required.

What projects require a building permit?

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of any structure over 10 sq. m. (108 sq. ft.) in area.

Note, that any accessory structures (storage shed, etc.) are only permitted once the main use has been established on the property. (ie: residential dwelling must be constructed first than accessory structures are permitted).

The following is a list of typical projects that require a permit:

• new construction (all residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural structures)
• decks
• new fireplaces
• completion of roughed-in fireplaces
• porches
• sunrooms
• solariums
• carports
• attached or detached garages
• dormers
• one or two storey additions
• structural alterations to windows or doors
• adding or removing most walls
• creating a washroom, kitchen or bedroom
• basement or main floor walkouts

If you are wondering if your project requires a permit, please contact our office.

Other Approvals

In addition to a building permit, you may require other approvals (ie-Health Approval for septic systems, plumbing an/or drains, Roads Department approval for Access Permit etc.) Our Planning and Development staff will let you know which approvals are necessary.

Demolition Permit

Demolition Permits are available from the Municipal Office.

Entrance permit

Approval is required from the Public Works Department or the Ministry of Transportation depending on what road your property fronts on, to obtain an access permit confirming the proper entrance location.

Septic System Inspection

If your property is served by private well and/or septic system, you will have to obtain approval from your local Health Unit.

Zoning Requirements

Zoning specifies the uses permitted within particular properties and contains regulations governing such things as building setbacks, height, mass and coverage. You should contact the Building Department to determine the specific requirements for your addition or alteration. We require your street address, lot number, concession number and/or registered plan number, as well as a Site Plan to scale to confirm the zoning compliance.

For information call 519-482-3997, extension 236.

Site Plan

A site plan to scale identifying buildings and other features in relation to property boundaries. The site plan should identify your existing buildings and proposed addition(s).

Most or all of the information required for a site plan can be found on your property survey. You may have received one when you bought your home. If not, you may have to retain the services of a surveyor.

The following information should be shown on a site plan:

• title and scale
• legal description
• property address
• north arrow
• property lines and dimensions
• setbacks to all property lines from existing and proposed structure(s)
• proposed construction (shaded)
• overall building dimensions including height of structure(s)
• rights-of way and easements
• access and parking
• total lot coverage including addition or new structure
• if on private services, the location of well and septic system
• identification of natural features (ie-water courses or ravines)

Notes:

In some cases a complete property survey is not required. Instead, an existing site plan may to scale suffice. Check with the Building Department staff.

All structures, existing and proposed, must be fully dimensioned and identified as to its specific use(s).

Floor Plans

Floor plans provide a "bird's eye view" of the different floors of your house. They show scaled dimensions of the rooms, halls and stairs on each floor, as well as the size, direction and spacing of structural member such as joists, beams and lintels.

The following information should be shown on a floor plan:

• title and scale
• heights and dimensions of existing and new window and door openings
• exterior finishes and materials
• finished floor levels and grade
• extent of proposed addition and existing house
• overall height of building
• slope/pitch of new roofs

Cross Sections

A cross-section presents a view of a house along an imaginary cut, showing the structural elements of the building and exposing what is hidden behind the walls.

Cross-sections through the proposed and existing structure(s) may be required to show building materials and how they relate to one another. The location of a cross-section is shown by the cross-section symbol on the floor plans.

The following information should be shown on a cross-section:

• title and scale
• room names and sizes
• heights and dimensions of doors and windows
• size and type of materials and finishes
• finished floor level and grades
• extent of existing use and proposed addition
• structural details, size, details of building materials

More detailed drawings may be necessary to fully explain a particular aspect of your project which varies from conventional construction practices.

Lot Grading

Some subdivisions require that a Lot Grading Plan or a Lot Development Control Plan be submitted and approved prior to a building permit being issued. A Lot Grading Plan or a lot Development Control Plan must be prepared by a qualified engineer, approved by the Municipal engineer and the Septic System Inspection Agents for the Municipality. Please consult with the Chief Building Official to see if Lot Grading applies to your property.

SUBMITTING YOUR BUILDING PERMITS

Building permit application forms are available at the Municipal office. If you would like a form mailed to you, please call the office. Your application should be accompanied by the following:

• One set of building plans (floor plans, elevations and/or cross-sections)
• One copy of your "approved" property survey or site plan.
• A building permit fee in cash or by cheque, payable to the Municipality of Central Huron.

Note:

Incomplete applications or plans will not be accepted.

The Chief Building Official will review your application to ensure that everything is in order.

When the review of your application is complete you will be notified by telephone. If you need to inquire about the status of your application, call the Municipal office, building department at 519-482-3997, extension 236.

Once you receive your permit, ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site and the reviewed drawings are available on site for the inspector.

Inspections

Several inspections are required during construction to ensure that all work is done according to the reviewed plans. They include the following:

• soil inspection done by the Chief Building Official
• footing form work prior to placing concrete
• foundation damp proofing, waterproofing and installation of drainage tiles prior to back-filling
• roughed-in plumbing and rains prior to covering. This inspection is done the Huron County Health Unit.
• Structural framing prior to insulating
• Insulation and vapour barriers
• Final inspection for building Permission to Occupy

Inspections do not happen automatically. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the Municipality to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work proceeds from one inspection stage to the next. This will ensure that your project proceeds as approved.

For inspections call: Chief Building Official

The Municipality of Central Huron
23 Albert St., Clinton
519-482-3997
email: building@centralhuron.com

Official Plan

A new Official Plan has been created with public participation including direct involvement by the public in articulating and identifying community-wide issues and goals. Members of the community attended four public workshops.

This plan recognizes the importance of residential, commercial and industrial development, as well as tourism and agriculture. There are significant resources including aggregates and the natural environment. The plan has identified appropriate locations for development and resource protection and directs uses to the appropriate land use designations. All development will be in keeping with the overall context of building and promoting a strong and vibrant community while protecting and restoring the community's health.

For more information please contact the Huron County Planning and Development Department.