Contact(s)
| I am buying a house and would like an inspection. Who do I call? |
| Look in the Yellow Pages or consult your real estate agent for a private home inspector. |
| What do I need a building permit for? |
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It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you get a building permit. Anything that involves the construction, installation, repair, alteration, addition, enlargement, location, relocation, reconstruction, demolition, removal, or excavation of a site or building needs a permit. Some examples are:
*Decks in the backyard, not attached to the house and less than 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area, do not require a permit. Decks larger than 10 square metres (108 square feet) and all decks attached to a house require a permit. A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure measuring less than 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area. An accessory structure is any building or structure other than the house. Building permits are not required for the following:
For more information, including what you need to submit with your permit application, view the Homeowner's Guide to Building Permits |
| How much does a building permit cost? |
| There is a minimum permit fee of $102.00. A $102.00 non-refundable application fee will be collected at the time the permit is submitted. Please refer to the following fee schedule for more information on Building Permit Fees.
Note: Where construction has commenced prior to Permit issuance - The cost will be double the required permit fee to a maximum of $572.00. |
| How long does the permit process take? |
| After the Planning Division has signed off on the permit, there is an average wait of 10 to 14 business days for the permit to be issued provided the application is complete at the time of submission. It helps if you have all your documentation and plans in order when you submit your permit application. There is no need to inquire about the status of your application; you will be contacted as soon as your permit is ready. |
| What if I decide to change something after my permit has been issued? |
| You need to contact the building inspector in charge of your project immediately. Most likely, a new set of drawings will be required for review. Do not proceed with work until clearance is given by the Building Division. |
| How much notice do I need to give an inspector when I'm ready for inspection? |
| City of Orillia Building Inspectors try to accommodate inspection requests as quick as possible. To ensure the best service possible, the Building By-law recommends that you request the inspection two business days in advance of requiring it. |
| How big can I build a shop/garage without a foundation? |
| Any accessory building larger than 108 square feet (10 square meters) requires a building permit. The maximum square footage that can be accommodated by a floating slab is 600 square feet (56 square metres). Anything larger than this requires strip footings and a foundation or an engineered slab. |
| Who can do my drawings? |
| Single Family Dwelling and Duplex: The owner of a single family dwelling or duplex may do their own drawings. If you hire someone to do drawings for your home project, they must have a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) for houses.
Multi-Unit Dwellings: Multi-unit dwellings, with three or more units, must have drawings prepared by someone with a BCIN for small buildings or an architect / engineer. Small Commercial: Commercial units located in a building no larger than 600 square metres and maximum three stories must have drawings prepared by someone with a BCIN for small building or and architect or engineer. For more information about BCIN, visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs website. |
| Do I need a permit for a swimming pool? |
| No. However, a permit is required for the fence around the swimming pool. |
| When do I need a permit for a fence? |
| Only fences around swimming pools require a permit. Swimming pool fences must be a minimum of 1.2 metres high and any gate must have a self-closing mechanism with lock. Generally, fences should be built on your own lot unless the neighbour agrees to have it located on the lot line. |
| When is a sign permit required? |
| A permit is needed for all new signs. There are two different application forms, one for temporary/portable signs, and one for permanent fixed signs, which also includes a building permit. |
| I would like to build a secondary structure (such as a deck, shed, garage or gazebo) on my property. What are the zoning requirements I should be aware of? |
| The City of Orillia's Zoning By-Law provides specifics on the maximum size, height, lot coverage and setbacks from property lines for secondary structures. All new construction projects must conform to the provisions of the by-law. To determine the zone you reside in and the corresponding by-law provisions, please view the Zoning By-law. |
| Can I construct an apartment above my detached garage or boathouse? |
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Please review the Zoning By-law and our Guide to Creating a Secondary Unit for our requirements for creating a Secondary Unit in a Accessory Structure. A Secondary Dwelling Unit is not permitted in a Boathouse. |
| I would like to build an apartment in my single family house. What planning considerations should I be aware of? |
The addition of a second dwelling unit is permitted provided the following conditions are satisfied:
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| I purchased a dwelling with an accessory apartment inside. Is this a legal duplex? |
| Submit a written request and fee of $96.00 for a building and zoning compliance review to determine whether or not the City recognizes the second dwelling unit as legal. If the City has no evidence of a legal second dwelling unit, then it is the responsibility of the property owner to have the second unit legalized. Consult with a planner to discuss options for legalizing the second unit. Contact the Planning Department at 705-325-2622. |
| My new project doesn't seem to fit within the zoning requirements. What can I do? |
| If you feel you cannot modify your project to fully comply with the relevant Zoning By-law provisions, and you feel the contravention is minor, causing you "undue hardship," an application can be made to the Committee of Adjustment. This Committee has the power to grant a minor variance (or permission) for your project. For more information on the Committee and applicable fees, please call 705-321-2171. |
| What is the cost, timing, and process for a minor variance, rezoning, or Official Plan amendment? |
| The application form lists the fees for various applications. The timing of the process is directly related to the complexity of the application. Minor variances can be dealt with the quickest - usually within two months. Severances have a similar timeframe. Once a decision is final, the timing for completing any agreements or satisfying any conditions of approval is in the hands of the applicant. |
| Can I operate a business from my home? |
| Home occupations are permitted in several residential zones. A Home Occupation means an occupation, business, trade or craft conducted for gain or profit as an Accessory Use to a Dwelling Unit by one or more Persons residening therein. For specifics about the requirements for a Home Occupation please contact the Zoning By-law or contact the Planning Division at 705-325-2622. |
| What is lot coverage? |
| Lot coverage is the combined area covered by all buildings and structures on the lot and calculated as a percentage of the lot area. Decks are included within lot coverage. Each zone has its own maximum allowable percentage. |
| Does Orillia have a tree cutting by-law? |
| Orillia has a Tree Conservation By-law as part of its Municipal Code. It says that no person shall cut any tree on lands greater than 0.5 hectares without receiving the approval of the Direct of Development Services and Engineering. Approval may be granted upon the preparation of a tree cutting proposal by a certified arborist or forester. This proposal must include a complete inventory of all trees on site, the proposed trees to be removed, and justification for the removal. A proposal is not needed if the land is the subject of a signed development agreement. |
| What is the BIA? What is its purpose? |
| The Business Improvement Area is a designated area of the downtown. Through a special tax levy, the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB), which comprises owners, shopkeepers, and appointed members of City Council, oversees the BIA. The DOMB can be reached at 705-325-3261. |
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