Contact(s)
| I am buying a house and would like an inspection. Who do I call? |
| You will need to look for a third party (private) home inspector. Your real estate agent can help you with this. |
| How much does a building permit cost? |
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Depending on your project, the permit fee will vary. The Building By-Law will have the most up-to-date information. |
| How long does the permit process take? |
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The Ontario Building Code outlines the length of time a permit takes. For most residential projects, expect 10 business days. Commercial, industrial, multi-residential and institutional take 15 business days or longer. Some project require sign-offs from the planning and engineering division as well as building review. If information is missing, the commitment to review a project in 10 business days no longer applies. It will depend on the owner and applicant to submit the information to the appropriate person reviewing the project in a timely manner. If significant time has passed, a permit that has had no updates or communication and has not commenced work without a permit could result in a cancellation. |
| 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? |
| The Building Division requires a minimum of 48 hours notice for an inspection. This does not include weekends, holidays or after work hours. |
| 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. |
| When is a sign permit required? |
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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. |
| I purchased a dwelling with an accessory apartment inside. Is this a legal duplex? |
| Submit a written request 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 residing therein. For specifics about the requirements for a Home Occupation please contact the Planning Division. |
| 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. |
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