03/26/2024
Spring is coming and that means Project Time!
Next question - do I Need a Building Permit for my project?
A permit is required to construct, modify, or demolish a building. Some modifications don’t need a permit. Replacing windows (so long as the opening in the wall stays the same), kitchen cabinets, a furnace, shingles etc don’t need a permit.
And not everything counts as a building. As examples, the following don’t need a building permit -
• A free-standing structure, at least 3m from any building, that contains no plumbing, and has a maximum area 160sqft if it’s a shed, or 108sqft if it’s not a shed.
• A deck of any size that is not attached to the house and is less than 24” above grade.
(Zoning rules may apply, and for that you need to call the municipality planning department.)
For plumbing work within a building permit, you don’t need a plumbing plan if the work is to be done by a licensed plumber. You do, however, need one if the homeowner is doing the work.
The West Nipissing guide is here: https://www.westnipissing.ca/business/building-and-planning/building-and-renovating/
Electrical Permits are not the same as building permits. For any electrical work you need a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). If a licensed electrical contractor does the work, they will typically get the permit and arrange any inspections. If the homeowner does the work themselves, they need to get the permit and arrange the inspections. Details are found on the ESA website https://esasafe.com/compliance/what-you-need-to-know/
When it’s time to do the drawings, you can do them yourself or you can employ a designer. And we suggest that you get in touch with Ian Watson Design for that.
The Building Services Team helps property owners, builders and contractors obtain appropriate building permits prior to starting projects such as new builds, renovations, or building additions. We performs inspections and issues building, plumbing, demolition, occupancy and other permits governed by...
