Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)
WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit gives you legal authorization to start construction or demolition of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Building permits are issued by each municipality through Sudbury East Building Bylaw Services (SEBBS). Building permits are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, applicable municipal zoning bylaw and other provincial and municipal regulations for the protection of public safety, health and welfare.
WHAT IS A BCIN AND WHEN IS IT REQUIRED?
A BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) is issued to designers by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
In general, designers other than professional engineers and architects that engage in the following "design activities” are required to meet the qualification/registration requirements under the Building Code:
Preparing a design as part of a building permit application;
Giving information or an opinion concerning whether a building or part of a building complies with the Building Code if the information or opinion is to be submitted to a Chief Building Official in connection with a building permit application; and
Preparing a written report for submission to the Chief Building Official based on a general review, where a general review is required by the Building Code.
Homeowner's who do their own design work are not required to obtain a BCIN.
WHEN IS AN APPLICATION CONSIDERED COMPLETE?
At a minimum, an application may be considered to be complete where the Application to Construct or Demolish has been properly completed and signed, and complete plans have been provided along with a site plan.
In some cases, applicants will also need to provide proof of completed submission of application to other agencies, including by not limited to the Sudbury and District Health Unit, the Sudbury East Planning Board, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Engineering Services, Fire Services, the Electrical Safety Authority, or Hydro One.
The Chief Building Official will determine what is necessary based on the Ontario Building Code, Local By-laws and all other applicable law.
Questions about a complete submission can be answered by contacting Sudbury East Building and Bylaw Services Department at 705-507-1177 or click here to submit.
WHERE AND HOW DO I PAY FOR MY BUILDING PERMIT?
All building permit fees shall be paid to your Municipal office.
The Building Department will coordinate payment between the applicant and their Municipality.
Each Municipality has a variety of payment options.
The permit fee must be paid before the permit is issued.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BUILD WITHOUT A PERMIT?
Construction, alteration, conversion and/or demolition cannot start until a building permit is issued. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act. Charges may be laid. At a minimum, you will be subject to an extra administration fee. At worst, you may have to demolish the structure at your own cost or produce engineering reports to confirm that the building is structurally sound and built to Ontario Building Code Standards.
UNSURE WHETHER YOU NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
Please contact the Building Department 705-507-1177 or click here to email.
HOW IS A PERMIT FEE CALCULATED?
Fees for building permits are governed by the Ontario Building Code and are adjusted annually under your local municipalities by-laws. You can contact Building Services for assistance in determining your permit fee. All fees must be paid in full before staff can issue a building permit.
WHERE DO I FIND ZONING INFORMATION?
TBD
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A BUILDING PERMIT?
The Ontario Building Code allows (10) working days to process and issue residential building permits (longer for commercial or industrial applications) , provided your application is compete and complies with the Building Code, the local zoning by-law and all other applicable laws.
If a zoning change or a minor variance is necessary or if building plans must be altered to comply with the Building Code, it will take longer to obtain your permit.
If additional permits are required, or if engineering services are required, it will take longer to obtain your permit.
Assembling and submitting the proper documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and will hasten the application through the approval process.
HOW DO I SEVER OR MERGE A PROPERTY?
TBD
WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT NECESSARY?
In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter or repair a building. The following are examples of projects that require building permits:
- Construction of any new structure, including decks, garages, sheds and playhouses, larger than 108 square feet (10 square meters).
- Addition of carport, garage, attached deck, porch, room(s), dormer, a roof over a deck, a second storey to an existing home or second storey dwelling unit.
- Renovations to the exterior of your home including construction or repair of foundation including weeping tiles, installation of siding or brick and the addition or alteration of windows and doors.
- Interior renovations that change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls and installation of insulation, air/vapour barrier and drywall.
- Installation of fireplace/wood-stove or installation/repair of the chimney.
- Installation of a mobile or modular home on your property.
If you are unsure of whether you need a permit or not, please contact the department at 705-507-1177 or click here to email.
WHAT ARE THINGS I SHOULD KNOW WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY IN SUDBURY EAST (MUNICIPALITIES OF FRENCH RIVER, KILLARNEY, MARKSTAY-WARREN OR ST.-CHARLES).
TBD
HOW DOES THE APPROVAL PROCESS WORK?
Each building permit application undergoes a Zoning review, an Ontario Building Code construction standards review and all other applicable law is taken into consideration. Building Services staff will inform you if additional approvals are required before a building permit can be issued.
Projects that do not comply with the Zoning By-law or the Official Plan as determined by the Chief Building Official will be referred to the Sudbury East Planning Board.
Additional approval agencies may include but are not limited to: Engineering Services, Fire Services, Sudbury & District Health Unit, Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Electrical Safety Authority or Hydro One.
The property owner is responsible for obtaining required approvals from all agencies and authorities. A building permit cannot be issued until all requirements have been met to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official.
WHY ARE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED?
A building permit is the best way to protect a major investment in your home. A building permit ensures compliance with the Ontario Building Code, municipal bylaws and any other applicable laws. It ensures that minimum construction standards are met and appropriate materials are used. It provides access to the professional advice of Building Services staff during the design and construction phases of your project to avoid problems in the future.
Construction, alteration, conversion and/or demolition cannot start until a building permit is issued. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act. Charges may be laid. At a minimum, you will be subject to an extra administration fee. At worst, you may have to demolish the structure at your own cost or produce engineering reports to confirm that the building is structurally sound and built to Ontario Building Code Standards.