BUILDING FAQ - County of Simcoe

FAQ
Building Services Division
Q. 1. What construction projects require a Building Permit?
A. 1. A permit is required for the construction or alteration of any building over 10 m 2
(108 ft 2 ).
The following is a list of projects that require a permit:
• Construction of any new building over 10 m 2 (108 ft 2 ) in area, including a new
home, addition or detached garage.
• Addition of a carport, garage, sunroom, porch or room(s) to an existing home.
• Construction of finished rooms in the basement or attic.
• Any structural work including alterations to interior partitions or the installation
of new skylights and windows or doors requiring enlargement of the existing
opening.
• Decks larger than 10 m 2 (108 ft 2 ) in area and all decks attached to a house or
serving as an exit to the house
• Raising a house to provide a full basement or crawlspace.
• Constructing or installing an accessory building such as a garage, tool shed or
gazebo larger than 10 m 2 (108 ft 2 ).
• Wood stoves, fireplaces and other heating appliances including the
replacement of furnaces and ductwork.
• New or alteration to the plumbing system.
Q. 2. What construction projects do not require a Building Permit?
A. 2. The following is a list of projects that do not require a permit:
• Air conditioning units and heats pumps added to existing systems.
• Painting and decorating
• Asphalt roof shingling.
• Eavestroughs.
• Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing.
SPECIAL NOTE: Although a building permit may not be required, you must still
comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law.

Q. 3. How long will it take to get my Building Permit issued?
A. 3. The length of time it takes to get a permit issued depends on the scope of work
involved and the completeness of the application. Once we receive all information
necessary to complete the application, we try to have new home permits ready in
two weeks, minor projects such as deck and repairs within two to five days.
Q. 4 How do I apply for a Building Permit?
A.4. Step 1 Visit the Building Services Division at the Township of Tay
offices or call 705-534-7248. An application for a Building Permit and other
related documents will be given to you at this time. You may also ask for a
copy of the “Guide to Building”, which may assist you in completing the
application.
Step 2 Submit Application
The Permit Application requires information about the construction project.
You’ll be asked to document “who” will perform the work, “what” work will
be done, "where" the work will be done, “when” the work will be done and
“how” the work will be done. Scaled drawings, plans or other
documentation of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review.
Your application form should be brought to the Building Division Secretary
accompanied by the following:
• Two sets of building plans (floor plans, elevations, crosssections,
roof trusses and heating, as applicable)
• Two copies of your property survey or site plan.
• A building permit fee in cask, Interac Direct Payment, or
cheques payable to the Township of Tay. Please contact the
Township of Tay Building Division at 705-534-7248 for the
updated fee schedule in the Building By-law.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
You may also be required to submit other documents such as septic
system permit, Ministry of Transportation or Simcoe County Entrance
Permit, or other permits in order to determine that your application will
comply with other applicable law.
Step 3 Wait During Review Process
The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. Our
Building Official will determine if your project is in compliance with the
building code, the zoning and other municipal by-laws and provincial
regulations thought the following reviews:

ZONING PLANS EXAMINATION
Drawings are reviewed are reviewed to ensure your project will conform
with the Zoning By-law. Zoning requirements specify the uses permitted
within a particular area and contain regulations governing such things as
building setbacks, height and lot coverage. You should contact the
Planning Technician at 705-534-7248 Ext. 238 to determine specific
zoning requirements.
ARCHITECTURAL/STRUCTURAL PLANS EXAMINATION
Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with health, fire, and
structural sufficiency requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
MECHANICAL PLANS EXAMINATION
Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with heating, ventilation and
air-conditioning (HVAC) , and plumbing requirements of the Ontario
Building Code.
STEP 4 Receive Results of Review Process
If compliance with the code, zoning and other applicable regulations is
determined, the application is approved and a permit is issued. If
compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied.
If you are refused a building permit, you may make the necessary
corrections and re-apply.
STEP 5 Receive Permit
The Building Permit is the document granting permission to start
construction. You must proceed as approved in the Review Process. The
Building Code requires you to post the Building Permit in a window or
other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the approved
Building Plans at the site, and bring any changes to the attention of our
Building Official immediately. Changes may require a review and approval
in the same manner as the original application.
STEP 6 Arrange Inspection Visits
Each major phase of construction must be inspected by our Building
Inspectors to make certain the work conforms to the Building Code, the
Building Permit and the Approved Plans.
Inspections do not happen automatically. It is your responsibility to ensure
that either you or your contractor contacts the Building Secretary to
request an inspection at least two business days in advance, before work
proceeds from one stage to the next. Failure to have inspections may
result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection. To arrange an
inspection, please call the Building Secretary at 705-534-7248 Ext. 232.
If the Building inspector finds that some work does not conform to the
approved plans, he or she will advise (and possibly provide written notice)

that the situation is to be remedied. If the Violation is serious, an Order to
Comply or a Stop Work Order may be issued until the problem is resolved.
Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.
STEP 7 Occupancy and Final Inspections
The Building Code requires that certain items must be completed prior to
allowing occupancy of a building or part of a building. These include all
handrails, guards and other protective devices around stairways and
balconies. All steps, stairs and decks installed at exists. All smoke alarms
in place and functioning. Doors between attached garage and dwelling unit
be equipped with self closing devices, walls separating house and
attached garage must be vapour and fume proof. Sewage disposal system
or sewer connection approved. Water supply, electrical, heat and gas (if
applicable) services installed, approved and in full functioning order.
A final inspection is required when the building is entirely complete
according to the plans submitted. A building permit is not closed until a
final inspection has been passed.