How much do permit requirements and codes vary from place to place?

Q:

 How much do permit requirements and codes vary from place to place?

A:

While all jurisdictions require a building permit for structural work, others require a permit for every job and still others set their requirements somewhere in the middle. All municipalities in Ontario use the same Ontario Building Code which gives the building inspectors the minimum building requirements. Every municipal building department interrupt the building code differently and demand that builders know and follow their guidelines.

The only way to know the local guidelines, rules and regulations is to have experience in that area. This is one of the main reasons why I always recommend hiring someone that is familiar with working in that municipality, a professional that knows what the local requirements are before you start the building process.

Depending on the municipality there are other permits that you could be required to apply for and receive before you can actually start your renovation or building your new home. There are some municipality that require you to have a road occupancy permit to do any heavy construction or demolition.

Your best bet is to hire a professional that has worked in that area before or call the building department yourself and ask the appropriate questions.

Rob Abbott
Operations Manager
Village Builders Inc.