After You Apply

Once you submit your permit application, the following process takes place:

1. Review for completeness

Building staff will review your application to ensure that all required information has been included.

2. Zoning Review

The Zoning By-law sets out rules governing land use and the placement of buildings on a lot. It states exactly:

• Land and building uses
• Building size or density
• Location of buildings and other structures on a lot
• Minimum lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements and building height

The Zoning Administrator and/or Building Staff will also confirm that your application complies with Applicable Law. These include:

• Conservation Authorities Act
• Planning Act
• Environmental Protection Act

If you are unable to comply with the provisions of the Zoning By-law, you may submit an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance. If the Committee of Adjustment approves the variance, you may submit a Building Permit application, subject to the terms established by the Committee of Adjustment.

3. Engineering Review

For some permit types (e.g. new construction or additions) a review by the Engineering Department is required. This review includes items such as lot grading, servicing, stormwater management and conformance with other Municipal By-laws administered by the Engineering Department, such as the Private Approach By-law.

4. Building Code Review

Building staff will review your building plans, in order to determine compliance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

The Ontario Building Code is a set of minimum provisions regarding the safety of buildings:

• Health and Safety
• Fire protection
• Structural sufficiency
• Construction materials
• Plumbing and Mechanical system

5. Mechanical Plans Examination

If applicable, your plans and drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, drainage and private sewage system requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

6. Fire Safety Examination

In the case of some multi-family residential, commercial, industrial and institutional applications with fire protection systems, these will be reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code in conjunction with the applicable NFPA Standards.

7. Receive results of the review process

If compliance with the building code, zoning and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit is issued.

If compliance is a problem, building staff will contact you to let you know why your project does not comply.

Timeline

Approximate timeline

Based on the streaming of applications and the building category as set out in the Ontario Building Code:

• Small Homeowner project:  First review 5 business days
• Tenant Fit-up:  First review 10 business days no matter the building category
• House:  First review 10 business days
• Small Building:  First review 15 business days
• Large Building:  First review 20 business days
• Complex Building:  First review 30 business days

Have Questions

For more information, please email  building@northbay.ca or call (705) 474-0400 ext. 2415.