Building & Development Department
The Township of South Stormont Building, Drainage and Planning Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various Provincial Regulations and Policies such as the Ontario Building Code Act (OBC), Planning Act and Drainage Act as they apply to buildings, structures and their occupancy and in accordance with municipal by-laws such as the Zoning By-law, Property Standards, Nutrient Management and Pool Fence By-laws. This is accomplished through the issuance of building, demolition and other related permits and by conducting inspections.
The Building Department
When Do I Need A Building Permit?
Building Permits are required when you:
• Construct a new home or building. • Add a carport, garage or rooms to an existing home. • Install new rooms in the basement or attic of an existing building. • Plan structural work or interior partitions. • Add dormers. • Enclose a porch or roof over a deck. • Undertake repairs or renovations. • Raise the house to provide a full basement or first storey. • Excavate the basement to provide a full basement. • Add structural features such as decks, balconies canopies, etc. • Construct accessory buildings such as a garage, shed or storage building. • Construct a retaining wall. • Install a pool or hot tub. • Construct a barn or shelter to house animals. • Change the use of a building which results in an increase in Hazard (sec. 10, OBC).
It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain a Building or Septic Permit and to ensure the Permit is posted and the approved plans are kept on the job site.
Why are Building Permits Required?
• Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met, primarily for safety reasons.
• Zoning requirements are contained in the Township of South Stormont Zoning By-law(s).
• The building standards are contained in the Ontario Building Code, which is a provincial regulation administered by the Housing Development and Buildings Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
• Under the Building Code Act, local governments are given authority for the enforcement of the Ontario Building Code within the municipality.
Projects That Do Not Require a Building Permit
The following are sample projects which do not require a permit:, however they may be subject to zoning requirements:
• pool heaters • painting and decorating • landscaping • fences • asphalt roof shingles • eaves troughs • minor repairs to masonry • small sheds under 10 square metres (107 square feet) • kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing • free-standing satellite dishes
Preparing your Application
• If you feel that you have a good working knowledge of the Ontario Building Code and construction technicians you may be able to design your own project.
• It is important to develop your ideas on paper with rough floor plans and specifications and to have a draft person or other knowledgeable person transform your sketches into proper plans.
• If your project is too complicated to handle yourself, we recommend you acquire the services of a qualified person.
• Please note that after December 31st 2005 if someone else designs your building they will have to be a certified designer.
• All work indicated on your drawings must conform to the Ontario Building Code and Township of South Stormont Zoning By-laws. • The applicable zoning by-law relating to your subject property will be reviewed; it is important to relay such information as roll number, street address, lot number, lot and concession number and ownership of the property.
• The zoning by-law specifies the uses permitted and contains regulations governing such items as building setbacks, height, mass and coverage.
• All work indicated on your drawings must conform to standards set out in the Ontario Building Code, and Township of South Stormont Zoning By-laws.
• For certain prefabricated structures or construction components a certification by a Professional Engineer and/or Architect may be required, check with building department staff.
• It is a good idea to contact the Township Building Department early in the planning stages of your project before any drawings have been done. By contacting us you can determine the specific requirements for your project speeding up the approval process and saving you time and money.
• In addition to the building drawings, you may be required to supply related information and approvals.
• If a home is to be built using a private sewage disposal system a Certificate of Approval will be required.
Submitting your Application
Building permit application forms are available at the Township of South Stormont Municipal Office. Your completed application should be submitted to the office along with:
• Copy of Deed.
• Two complete sets of plans.
• Two copies of a site survey/grading plan.
• Any external approvals/information, if applicable (Health Unit, Conservation Authority, HVAC Design etc.) NOTE: Effective January 3, 2012, residents and property owners in the Township of South Stormont will work with South Nation Conservation for all matters related to issuing septic permits for new construction and renovations in addition to legal searches, such as purchase and sale of properties by private septic systems. For more information, visit www.nation.on.ca or call 877-984-2948.
• Incomplete applications or plans may be not be accepted.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the Building Department at 613-534-8889 Ext. 231, and arrange for an appointment to meet with the Building Inspector to review the permit application.
The Approval Process
• The application will be reviewed with regards to the zoning by-law dealing with the proposed use, minimum setback requirements, lot coverage and building height.
• Staff will request confirmation of approval from other departments or agencies, if applicable.
• The plans will be reviewed for the proposed construction to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. • Staff will review the plumbing for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable laws. • Staff will review the project for compliance with heating ventilation and air conditioning requirements outlined in the Ontario Building Code
• When review of the application is complete, you will notified by if there are any outstanding requirements or problems, and at this time you will be able to pick up your building permit at the Municipal Office and pay the applicable fee a receipt will be issued.
• Once you receive your permit, ensure that the permit and approved drawings are available on the construction site
Inspections Required
Each permit application states its required inspections; please see your application for the required inspection. The common inspections are:
1. Footings – prior to pouring concrete; *once excavation is completed and forms are in place and leveled. 2. Foundation – prior to back fill; *once drainage tile, aggregate and foundation coating/cladding are in place and prior to backfill. 3. Framing – this includes rough-in plumbing, heating, and electrical; *once windows, doors, roofing are in place and prior to vapor barrier. 4. Insulation – prior to drywall; *once insulation, vapor barrier and sealant is in place and prior to Gypsum Wall Board is in place. 5. Final – this is for Occupancy; *once all fixtures, heat system, and all safety issues are addressed.
Water and Sewer Connection Fees Connection charges may apply to those developments which connect to the Township's water and sanitary sewer system. For information contact the Building Department at 613-534-8889.
Property Standards The Building Department is also responsible for property standards enforcement. For information on the condition of your dwelling unit or with the appearance of property, please contact the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer at the municipal office.
Building Permit Fees
• The fees for a building permit are set by Council and are enforced after the day of passing of the by-law.
• To view the required fees, please refer to the Fees and Charges By-law under the Documents and Forms page of this website
Entrance Permit
An entrance permit may be required for newly created lots or existing lots on title. Contact the Public Works Department to obtain an Entrance Permit at 613-534-8889 ext 240
Planning Department
The Planning Department is responsible for both long range planning and for the review of development applications for severances, minor variances, rezoning, amendments to the Official Plan, plans of subdivision, condominiums, part lot control and site plan control.
Policy Planning (Long Range Planning)
• An Official Plan establishes the Townships goals, objectives and land use policies for guiding long term physical growth and development of the Township of South Stormont.
• Preparation and maintenance of Secondary Plans for coordinating subdivision designs, the provision of services and community facilities, housing mix and densities and other related planning matters.
• Preparation of Community Improvement Plans for promoting the renewal and revitalization of older areas and the rehabilitation of private properties. • Conducting studies (assembly, analysis, interpretation, projection and illustration of relevant economic, social, environmental and land use planning data) for policy planning and development review purposes. • Advise Council of the initiatives, plans and policies of other levels of government as they may affect the Township of South Stormont.
Development Review (Current Development)
• Guidance of reports, review and assessment of development applications requiring the approvals by the Committee of Adjustment and Council.
• Involve the administration, co-ordination, and processing of land use planning and development proposals pursuant to the Planning Act .
• Servicing the public, the development community and agencies with statistical resource information, maps, advice and comments on planning and development related matters. • Coordinate and provide technical support to the Committee of Adjustment.
In the fall of 2006, the Township of South Stormont adopted new Official Plan. Currently, a comprehensive Zoning By-law for the entire Township is being developed. At present, the Township is operating with two (2) Zoning By-laws.
Zoning By-law and Official Plan Amendments
All land use must comply with the zoning and official plan designation on the property. Property owners wanting to check permitted uses or wishing to discuss development or redevelopment possibilities should visit the Planning Office. Appointments are recommended by calling the Planning Office at 613-534-8889 Ex 230.
Apart from Official Plans and Zoning By-laws, the Township uses site plan control for industrial, commercial and multi-residential development, and decides on minor variances or special permission pursuant to its Zoning By-laws and the Planning Act.
Email: info@southstormont.ca
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