Obtaining Building Permits in Stouffville: Tips from an Architectural Designer
Building Permits in Stouffville
Dealing with the Building Code and Zoning review team in Stouffville can be a daunting task for any project. Whether it is your first time submitting an application or if you have reservations about getting your project approved, this article aims to give people the best chance to get their projects and permits approved.
Understanding the Process
When a building permit application is submitted it goes through a three stage process: a completeness check, a code review, and a zoning review. The completeness check is done at the counter when you submit a permit. A clerk will briefly go through a checklist to make sure that all the drawings required are present. Once the completeness check is passed, a code reviewer and zoning reviewer are assigned to your permit.
The Code Review checks the drawings against the specifications set out in the 2012 Ontario Building Code. For most projects, this review looks for fire safety, load bearings, and the structural stability of any new structures or additions. The code examiner may ask for revisions to the drawings or provide a provisional stamp on the drawing. After this review is complete, the code examiner will make her comments and pass your file to a zoning examiner.
The Zoning Review checks the proposed work on your drawings against the current provisions set out in the zoning law. This review primarily checks for property setbacks, lot coverage, and green space conservation. If the zoning examiner finds that your proposal violates a provision in The Zoning Act, you must go through a Minor Variance Application and a Committee of Approval.
How soon will you get your permit? If all goes well, then a permit will be issued by the city. Permits are guaranteed by the Ontario Building Code to be issued or refused within a set number of days. (Division C, Article 1.3.1.3., Table 1.3.1.3.) Most residential project permits are issued within 15 business days.
Tips For Submitting Permits to Stouffville
Make sure you plan ahead! A building permit should be submitted very early in your project to avoid delays and unnecessary costs.
It is a common myth that your drawings need to be professionally done. If you are willing to invest the time to find out what information the clerks require on your application, you can submit a sketch of your proposed work. This is a great way to keep your project on the DIY side, but be warned that this process is slow.
Include a site plan with every submission! any alteration will require a site plan. It doesn’t have to be exact. You can grab the satellite imagery off of Google Maps and draw over it. Make sure to add dimensions and, if possible, lot lines.
Include a north arrow on all your plan drawings! This simple thing gets left off of so many plans
Make sure your project is not in the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority Area. A large part of Stouffville is under the Oak Ridges Moraine so sometimes you can find yourself trying to deal with a few different agencies to get your permits approved.
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If you have your own experiences working with Stouffville’s Planning Department, you can share them in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or by emailing us!