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http://whitewillowdesign.ca White Willow Design

What is a building permit?
A building (or construction) permit is intended to ensure that all construction work, including home and commercial renovations are carried to the requirements of the relevant building code.

What are the stages of gaining a building permit?
It’s easiest to look at the stages as two distinct areas;
• The planning department
• The building department

Firstly, the planning department of the municipality will be required to fully approve the plans. This will include satisfying the following departments and criteria;
• Engineering department – upgrading plans, geotechnical surveys and topographical surveys. This may sometimes also include the need to conduct bore hole drilling to sample ground conditions
• Zoning clearances stamp – meeting the existing zoning restrictions of the property. This will be to ensure that any construction work does not infringe upon areas outside of the permitted property zone. Proximity to things such as roads will also be considered
• Minor variance approval - special permission may be needed if the construction work falls outside of the existing zones
• Site plan approval process – the look of the house must suit its surroundings

The next stage to look at is the building department. This is where other aspects of the design and construction plan will be considered. These will include items such as:
• HVAC systems
• Heat loss calculations
• Septic permits, sewerage considerations water supply considerations
• Structural design
• City services
• Plumbing (more so for commercial properties)

What happens if I live near a body of water or in the Niagara Escarpment area?
If you are lucky enough to fall into this category, then there is no need to be alarmed! There will just be a slightly different route to take. This route will include the involvement of conservation authorities or the Niagara Escarpment commission. The exact conservation authority will depend on which body of water you are located near.

These authorities will have their own design criteria, which will often supersede the municipal authorities own approvals. Sometimes dealing in this way will actually by-pass some of the municipalities processes.

How long until I can start building?
This really depends on how well your plans are put together and which authorities you are dealing with. You would normally expect the process to take anywhere from around 3 weeks or more. In very complex construction projects or in certain conservation areas this time can sometimes stretch to upwards of 18 months; although these instance are rare. The assistance of a design consultancy that offers a permit approval service will greatly increase the chances of this process being completed successfully.

I’ve started the build, what happens next?
Once the building permit is in place and work is underway, you can expect to have visits from building inspectors. This will simply be to ensure that work is actually being carried out in accordance with the submitted plans and is complying with the correct construction codes.

So, you’ve still got your sights set on building that new home or starting some home renovation work? Of course you have, just don’t forget to keep the neighbours happy!

For more information on Residential Construction Designing & Planning Process contact Daniel Ott, President & Lead Designer, White Willow Design.
Visit: http://whitewillowdesign.ca
Direct: 905.220.9419
Facebook:   / danielwhitewillowdesign  
Twitter:   / @whitewillowdes  
LinkedIn:   / danielwhitewillowdesign  

Looking for Buying Or Selling A Home In Mississauga? Contact Joe Terceira
Website: http://www.joeterceira.com
Phone: 647.494.0244
Facebook:   / joesrealestate  
Twitter:   / joeterceira  
LinkedIn:   / joeterceira  
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Joeterceira/

The Construction Permit Process
   • Looking For A Home Building Permit? L...