“BUILD SAFE – BUILD SMART”
(Quote from the Ontario Building Officials Association)


Introduction to the Ontario Building Code and Objectives of the Code

Introduction to the Ontario Building Code

The Building code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act, 1992. The Building Code sets out technical requirements for the construction (including renovation) and demolition of buildings and the change of use of existing buildings where the change would result in an increase in hazard.

Objectives of the Building Code

The Building Code is essentially a set of minimum provisions respecting the safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protection, accessibility and structural sufficiency. Its primary purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of appropriate uniform building standards.


What is a Building Permit?

A Building Permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.


What Projects Require a Building Permit?

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install or change the use of a building. The following is a list of typical projects or situations that require the issuance of a building permit for the construction:

Construct a new building greater than 10 m2 (107.64 pi2) in building area
Install new plumbing in a building or part thereof
Change the use of a building
Change the fuel source of a fireplace from gas-fired to solid burning
Construct an addition to an existing building
Construct a deck
Add or remove a structural wall in a dwelling
Complete a roughed-in bathroom or washroom
Alter an existing building or it's plumbing system
Repair a building or it's plumbing system
Install a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
Install a solid fuel burning appliance
Complete a roughed-in fireplace
Detached or attached garages and carports
Solariums
Addition of a dormer
Raising a dwelling to provide a full basement
Sunrooms
Install a sign
Above-ground and in-ground swimming pool
Replace exterior siding

What Projects Don't Require a Building Permit?

It is not necessary to obtain building permits to perform the following work. However, you must still comply with the requirements of the Hawkesbury Zoning By-laws and if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.

Retaining walls less than 1 metre (39.4 inches) in height
Sidewalks
Planters and landscaping
Replacement plumbing fixtures
Replacement hot water heaters (note the requirement to limit hot water to 49oC after September 2004)
Replacement of kitchen or bathroom cupboards (same dimensions)
Painting, decorating and general maintenance
Replacing roof shingles on a residential dwelling
Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing systems
Replacement furnaces provided the new and old furnaces have similar heat output and use the same fuel
Accessory buildings (storage sheds) not greater than 10 m2 (107.64 pi2)

Resources

Homeowner's Guide for Constructing a Residential Accessory Building Homeowner's Guide for Constructing a Residential Addition Homeowner's Guide for Constructing a Residential Sundeck Homeowner's Guide for Constructing a Residential Finished Basement Samples of Site Plan, Proposed New Addition, Foundation Plan, Ground Floor Plan, Rear Elevation, Side Elevation, Cross Section, Notes Application Form for a Building Permit Documents & Drawings Required for Permit Applications Example of Declaration of Applicant for Building Permit Regarding the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.31, as amended. (TARION) Residential Mechanical Ventilation Design Summary Commitment to General Reviews by Architect and Engineers Applicable Law Checklist Town of Hawkesbury's Building By-law no. 18-2008. By-law no 34-2008 - Use of sidewalks for terraces on Main Street By-law no 51-2008 - Fences (including swimming pool fences) Processing of Application for a Building Permit Inspections during Construction Building Code Information Available on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Website
Information on zoning regulations such as setbacks to lot lines, lot coverage, building height can be obtained from the planner at (613) 632-0106, extension 2231.