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Book an inspection at least 48 hours in advance. All permitted projects require inspections at various stages. You must book an inspection before proceeding to the next phase of construction.
Apply for your building permit. All projects that require a building permit must undergo mandatory inspections to ensure work meets safety standards and building code requirements.
Some examples of projects that do not require a building permit include:
The Ontario Building Code requires that a building permit be obtained for the construction, demolition, or the change of use of buildings. It is illegal to construct or demolish a building without first obtaining a permit.
If you believe that any construction work has begun prior to obtaining a building permit and wish to report it, please submit a service request using our public portal.
Book an inspection at least 48 hours in advance online through the public portal, or by emailing building staff. Failure to book inspections may result in penalties or a Stop Work Order.
The timeframe from which notice is given begins on the following business day that an inspection notice is received and does not include, Saturdays, Sundays or holidays and/or days the Building Division office is closed.
Where an Inspector determines that work for the stage of construction that has been requested to be inspected is not substantially complete, is not ready for an inspection or where previous infractions have not been corrected, a minimum fee of $171.78 shall be payable prior to any further inspections related to that stage of construction being scheduled.
Work sites must follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act to keep your employees and Building Inspectors safe.
Typical inspection stages
Learn more about the types of inspections and what they detail
Prior to pouring concrete. All formwork and re-bar (as applicable) to be in place.
Prior to pouring concrete.
Re-bar placement for ICF
Required reinforcement for foundation walls
Re-bar in suspended "cold room" slabs
Prior to backfilling.
Foundation to be completed
Dampproofing/waterproofing complete;
Drainage layer complete; and
Weeping tile with proper stone coverage complete
Water & Sanitary Sewer Drainage Pipe
Prior to backfilling.
Water service pipes complete and under test at minimum 50 psi
Sanitary sewer pipe complete and under test with five psi air or filled with water
A ball test may be requested by the Building Inspector
On-Site Sewage (Septic System)
Prior to backfilling.
Substantial completion of distribution pipes and septic tank.
A copy of the soil analysis or imported material analysis must be provided to the Building Inspector at this time.
Prior to pouring concrete. Plumbing roughed-in, capped and under test:
Air test at five psi; or
Water test with a minimum 10'-0" of pressure head
Masonry/Factory Built Wood Burning Fireplace
Prior to covering.
Fireplace, fire stops and chimney flue installed.
Manufacturer specifications shall be on site.
NOTE: WETT certification shall be provided for all wood burning appliances.
All drains, wastes and vents complete and under test
Air test at five psi; or
Water test with a minimum 10'-0' of pressure head
Water Distribution System (within Building)
Water pipes complete and under a minimum 102 psi air test.
Framing to be complete.
An approved air barrier system shall be continuous and completely sealed throughout the entire building envelope. Generally completed during the framing and/or insulation inspection.
General overview - following completion of framing.
Prior to installation of finishes and drywall. All framing deficiencies noted must be completed.
All minimum Building Code items for occupancy completed.
No occupancy permitted until Occupancy Permit issued.
All exterior grading completed and certification received; all building code items at time of occupancy completed.
Contact Us
City of Orillia
50 Andrew Street South
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5
Phone: 705-325-1311
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