What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is a document that grants legal permission to undertake the construction, alteration, repair, change of use or demolition of a building or structure. It is illegal to start work without the benefit of a building permit on property within the City of Elliot Lake.

Why are Building Permits Important?

Building permits ensure that construction meets the standards set out in the Building Code. Obtaining a building permit helps protect your investment and reduce the risk of improper and unsafe construction. 

Projects that Require a Building Permit

According to the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction or installation of a new building or the construction of an addition or alteration of any building, which can include stand-alone plumbing systems, and other structures. The following projects require a building permit though the list is not comprehensive. Building permits are required for many other projects, and the permit process is a way for the owner to engage in the Building Department's quality assurance function. Contact the Building Department to discuss your project before you start.

• New structures (residential, commercial, industrial and institutional)
• Accessory buildings (larger than 10 square meters)
• Installation of a swimming pool
• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• Change of use
• Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
• Make new openings for, or replace doors and windows (except replacing doors and windows of the same size)
• Decks, porches, sunrooms and solariums (attached or detached)
• Garages and carports (attached or detached)
• Excavation of a basement or construction of a foundation
• Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system, such as fire alarms, sprinkler, standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems
• Install or modify heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems
• Install or modify fireplaces, fireplace inserts or woodstoves
• Construct or reconstruct a chimney
• Finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
• Construction of a retaining wall larger than 3 feet and 3 inches of exposed height
• Construction of a fence
• Install soffit and fascia or siding
• Install eavestrough
• Damp-proof basements
• Erect temporary buildings, including tents over 30 square meters
• Signs
• Retaining walls
• Insulation (interior and exterior)

You must comply with Zoning requirements even if you do not need a building permit.

 Healthy Buildings House Healthy Communities

The Building Code works for all building owners to provide a healthy indoor environment. A design completed in accordance with the Building Code means your building provides the proper environment for a safe and healthy community.

Permits

It's time to start thinking about summer projects and whether you require a permit. For many types of construction, a building permit is required by law. However, owners should see the permit process as a way to ensure quality construction in accordance with the Building Code. Work completed without a permit can cause issues with real estate transfers and may impact insurance costs or claims. Please contact the Building, By-Law & Planning Department at 705-848-2287 ext. 2119 or E-mail Us to discuss your building or renovation project and we will be happy to review your project with you.

Basement Renovations and Fire Safety

Finishing your basement is an excellent way to improve your house value. It can provide additional living space and will save energy costs. To maximize your return on your investment and to meet the requirements of the Building Code, homeowners should:

• Apply for and if it is needed, a building permit. A building permit helps you ensure proper construction. Construction completed without a building permit can negatively impact your house's future value in any real estate transaction.
• Proper wall construction includes studs, insulation and vapour barrier.
• Studs can be metal or wood and should be spaced properly to support your drywall. Use of wood studs should consider moisture protection against mold and mildew. Trim drywall short of the floor.
• Insulation is typically batt and fiberglass is usual, though mineral fibre is also used and is good for sound insulation.
• Batt insulation requires a continuous vapour barrier on the warm side, in front of your studs and behind the drywall, and all penetrations including electrical boxes must be fully sealed.
• If you can use polystyrene insulation, a vapour barrier is not required if the joints are fully taped using a rated and compatible tape.
• Polystyrene insulation requires drywall as fire protection as it gives off noxious fumes in a fire. The thickness and type depends on the application. This is the most important for your safety in a fire and of the firefighting teams.

Refer to Part 9 of the Building Code for additional information. Homeowners are best to engage in qualified designers and builders for any project.

Did you know that houses need fresh air? So do you! Tight homes can cause unhealthy indoor air and high humidity, which can lead to condensation and microbial growth or mold. Sweaty windows tells you that your house needs attention. Open a window and run a fan. Run fans when cooking and bathing or showering and for 15 minutes after. Install exhaust fans if you don't have them. A heat recovery ventilator or HRV is an energy efficient way to increase fresh air and reduce pollutants. For more information, please contact the Building, By-Law & Planning Department at 705-848-2287 ext. 2119 or E-mail Us.

Applying for a Building Permit

Complete the Building Permit Application and submit it to City Hall at 45 Hillside Drive North. You can also review Building Permit Fees. If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to submit an Agent Authorization Form along with the building permit application.

When applying for a building permit, you will need to submit your:

• Complete building permit application
• Two sets of building plans suitable to fully describe the work (floor plans, foundation plan, demolition plan, elevations, two cross-sections, and building details as applicable to each project)
• Two copies of the legal survey if available. Note that legal surveys may be required for some new construction
• Payment of applicable fees

Building Permit Issuance Process

Pre-consultation

• Staff are available to meet with your before you submit your application for a building permit. This can assist with providing some of the information required for the application, so that you can proceed with your project without undue delay. It is encouraged to contact the City to discuss your project well in advance of your proposed construction date. Timeframes for permit issuances is prescribed in the Building Code, and are outlined below. Most complete applications are issued without any major delays.

Application

• Once you submit your application for a building permit, the Chief Building Official reviews the application to ensure that the plans and details of construction meet the requirements of the Building Code and other applicable laws, such as the Zoning By-Law. A staff member will contact you if more information is needed before the building permit can be issued.

Receive Result of Review Process

• If no issues are found and the application is within general compliance, then the permit can be issued. 
• If deficiencies are found and the application is not within general compliance, then the applicant will be advised the permit cannot be issued and will be provided with the reasoning. Once all deficiencies are fixed the application will be deemed within compliance, and the permit may be issued.

Permit

• Once all submitted documents have been approved, the Chief Building Official will then issue the building permit. Staff will call or e-mail to let you know when your permit is ready for pick-up. Building permit fees and all fees associated with the project must be paid prior to picking up the permit. 
• You are responsible for posting a copy of the permit on site in a visible location, prior to commencing construction. 
• A set of approved drawings must be kept on site at all times. The Chief Building Official may require you to produce the plans during any stage of the inspection process.
• All changes to the reviewed plans must be approved by the Chief Building Official before the construction, involving the changes, takes place.

Inspections

• According to the Building Code, the Building, By-Law & Planning Department requires notice for all mandatory inspections. It is your responsibility to contact the Building, By-Law & Planning Department to arrange a date to conduct required inspections.
• If the Chief Building Official finds that the construction does not conform with plans submitted, then you will be notified either verbally or in writing.
• No additional fee is added for inspections, as it is included in the building permit fee total.

How to Submit Payment for Your Building Permit

• You may now pay for your building permit Online after the Building, By-Law & Planning Department has contacted you with your building permit application number and the associated fee. You may also pay for your building permit by cash or cheque at City Hall. Cheques should be made payable to the City of Elliot Lake. 
• After you have submitted your payment, please contact the Building, By-Law & Planning Department at 705-848-2287 ext. 2119 or E-mail Us to book an appointment to pick-up your building permit.