Building Inspections

FAQs

When do I need a building permit?

Building permits are required for all new construction, temporary buildings and for alterations or additions to existing buildings. Building permits are not required for storage or garden shed structures under 10 m² in area, however such structures are required to comply with the setbacks stipulated in the Zoning and Development By-law.

When do I get a building permit?

The permit is required before you begin work on your project. To apply for a permit, you will be required to provide information about your project in the form of plans and supporting documentation. Periodically during the construction of your project work you will need to call for inspections.

At which stage of the project should I call for a building inspection?

This is best illustrated by example. For a new house, the typical inspections are:

• Tree protection
• Demolition
• Forms
• NEC (non encroachment Certificate)
• Garage forms
• Under floor slab poly and insulation
• Sheathing
• Framing
• Insulation
• Final

Each building project is unique and as such if you are unsure, please consult with your DBI to determine your projects inspection requirements.

How do I contact the Building inspector?

View the map and information which shows each district inspectors’ name, office hours and phone number.

Can I act as my own contractor?

Yes.

How are inspection records kept?

Every Building Permit issued comes with a “job site copy” which is kept on the premises.

If I decide to make changes to the project after the permit is issued, what do I have to do?

Any changes made after issuance must be revised on the permit documents and approved plans. This means you will have to bring the plans and permit to City Hall and arrange and appointment for a revision with the Enquiry Centre Officer or the plan reviewer that originally reviewed your application. There is a fee charged for the revision.

Can I give the building permit plans to my framer to use as working set?

No. The permit and associated approved plans are very important documents as they represent a legal agreement between the permit holder and the City giving permission to build what is reflected on them. Care should be taken to ensure the plans are not lost, altered, laminated, sketched on or left exposed to the elements. Plans, permits and the records of inspections should be kept on site during construction in the "Inspections Records" bag provided.

What type of inspections do I need for a 1 or 2 Family Dwelling?

Type of Inspection	Documents Required
Form/Footing prior to pouring	WCB letter if excavation over 4 ft. deep from a structural/geotechnical engineer, structural engineer letter
House/Garage/Laneway house Forms	Confirmation of form location, i.e., posting plan
NEC inspection, prior to start of framing	Survey showing location of concrete foundation with elevations
Sheathing Window mock-up (1 only) to present rainscreen detail proposed for building, should be done concurrent with sheathing inspection	Sheathing letter of assurance from structural engineer, deck letter for any deck/roof membranes over living space
Poly / insulation under slab	Ensure all in floor heating, insulation (if required) and dampproofing membrane is complete
Framing Inspection	Structural letter of assurance, ventilation certificate from mechanical contractor, Truss spec’s and engineer’s letter provided from the Truss manufacturer Ensure all rough-in work is complete, building paper complete
Insulation
Rainscreen prior to exterior finish
Final	Energuide audit report

Note:
1) The details of sequence and timing should be discussed with the district Inspector.
2) It is the contractor/builder’s responsibility to ensure all work is complete prior to calling for an inspection.

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