Ontario Building Code

2016 Report of the Building Safety Technical Advisory PanelRecommendations to increase the safety of existing buildings following the Elliot Lake Commission of Inquiry. Request a copy of the report.

Ontario Building Code

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Fire safety during construction of 5 and 6 storey wood buildingsThis guideline outlines some of the best practices for fire safety during the construction of five and six storey buildings of predominantly wood (combustible) construction. Request a copy of the report.

As well as local Zoning By-laws, there are other laws that must be satisfied prior to gettinga building permit. The regulations, other than the Ontario Building Code, that may apply to a project or proposed construction are called applicable law.

Your project or proposed construction must always comply with other applicable law in accordance with the Ontario Building Code. In order to determine the applicable law that apply to your project a Zoning Certificate is recommended prior to submitting an application for a building permit. For development applications a Pre-Application Consultation is recommended.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (the Ministry) administers the Building Code Act and the Building Code which governs the construction, renovation, change of use and demolition of buildings in Ontario. The Building and Development Branch of the Ministry leads the delivery of Building Code support services to the building industry and to municipalities across Ontario.

Sections 15.11 and 15.12 of the Building Code Act, 1992 require certain building practitioners to have the qualifications set out in the Building Code. These qualifications are set out in Part 3 of Division C of the Building Code, and apply to:

The Ministry prepares syllabi for all Building Code examinations and makes them available on its website, at -guides-building-code-examinations. The syllabi outline which parts of the Building Code Act, 1992 and the Building Code will be covered in any given examination. Candidates are advised to review them in their preparations for examinations.

Building Services is responsible to ensure that all building construction governed by a building permit meets the minimum acceptable standard as required by statutory authority under the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23. This is accomplished through the processing of all building permits, the review of applications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, and the site inspection of all construction projects.

As the building owner, you are responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain building permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.

The City of Pembroke is pleased to introduce our new e-permitting system, Cloudpermit. The entire building permit process, from submitting, reviewing and issuing permits, to booking inspections and closing permits, is now completed through this single web-based application.

If you are building a new structure or addition, or if you are changing from a residential or a non-residential use or vice versa, development charges may apply. Contact the Chief Building Official to request the Development Charges By-law.

Provided the fence does not enclose a pool, is less than 2.13 m (7 ft) in height in a residential zone and less than 2.44 m (8 ft) in a non-residential zone, and meets all other applicable laws, no building permit is required.

If your project includes a plumbing or drain and water service elements please submit a Plumbing Application with your building permit application. No plans required unless the project includes a reverse sloped driveway. If the project includes a reverse sloped driveway then drawings must be submitted showing details of reverse sloped driveway and drain plan

If your project includes plumbing or drain and water service elements please submit a plumbing permit application with your building permit application. No plans are required unless the project includes a reverse sloped driveway. If the project includes a reverse sloped driveway then drawings must be submitted showing details of reverse sloped driveway and drain plan.

In-ground and above-ground swimming pools must be totally enclosed by a fence with a height not less than 1.52 m (5 ft) above grade. Such fencing shall have a locking gate and may be interrupted by an external wall of a building. This fence may enclose the entire yard in which the pool is located or only the swimming pool, so long as the pool and fence is separated by a minimum distance of 1.22 m (4 ft). All pools and fencing shall have a final inspection prior to filling the pool with water.

A permit is not required for building a fence unless there is a swimming pool involved. Although you must ensure your fences meets all provisions in the City of Pembroke Zoning By-law regarding fences.

Obtaining a Building Permit ensures that your home and other buildings meet these standards in the Ontario Building Code. The Building Code sets out technical requirements for the construction (including renovations) and demolition of buildings, the change of use of existing buildings. The Code is essentially a set of minimum provisions respecting the safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protections, accessibility and structural sufficiency. Its primary purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of appropriate uniform building standards.

A building permit must be refused by the City if an owner's construction will not meet Ontario's Building Code. The Ontario Building Code sets out mandatory minimum standards for structural, health, fire safety and accessibility, and there is no appeal or variance permitted.

The Building Code also requires that permit plans be prepared by a provincially qualified designer, or by an architect or professional engineer. Your designer is responsible to ensure the design meets the building code.

A building permit is required before starting a construction, demolition or renovation project, other than the exceptions listed below. This is provided for general guidance and is not an all-encompassing listing. For advice on whether your project requires a permit, contact our Permit Technician at 613-930-2787 ext 2355.

It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer (for example) to apply for the permit, but as the owner you must ensure that you have the permit prior to starting work.

Visit Building & By-law Division at the Cornwall Civic Complex (Second Floor) at 100 Water Street East or give us a call at (613) 930-2787 ext. 2355 to obtain a building permit application. Applications and additional information can also be obtained in the Department Forms box on this page (above).

A building permit cannot be issued if an owner's site plan and building proposal does not meet City zoning standards, including land use, setbacks from property lines and maximum lot coverage. If you cannot meet all zoning requirements because of site restrictions, you may apply for exemption through the Committee of Adjustment or a zoning by-law amendment. These processes must be completed before a building permit can be considered.

In certain cases other laws will apply to a project and must be completed before a building permit can be issued. The laws include site plan approval under the Planning Act, heritage approvals, conservation authority permits and others.

Use our online property information tool (click here to access the tool)and our applicable law checklist [PDF] to determine the other applicable laws that apply to your property. If they do, it is recommended that you complete these approvals before applying for your building permit.

LIST OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT1.All new construction.2.To remove any partitions.3.To move or relocate any plumbing fixtures.4.To construct or replace any roof structure.5.To construct any addition to existing dwelling.6.To install any door or window where none exists.7.To install any door or window which is larger than the existing one.8.To construct any footings.9.To construct any basement under an existing structure.10.To construct any deck.11.To construct any addition to an existing storage shed so that total area exceeds 10 square metres.12.To construct any boat port or boat house or dock.13.To construct any concrete floor which covers or encases plumbing.14.To install any wood burning, solid fuel burning appliance, chimney.15.To add a porch (screened or glass) to any dwelling.16.To add roof to any existing deck.17.To install insulation and vapour barrier.18.To construct a carport.19.To change use of a building.20.To demolish a building, or any part of a building.21.To replace a shingle roof with steel.22.To install, repair, replace septic system or part thereof.

Permit not required:1.To replace roof finish with same material.2.To replace siding.3.To replace doors or windows of the same size.4.To install or repair soffit or fascia.5.To construct any storage building less than 10 sq. m. (Note:must meet set back requirements of Zoning By-law).

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO SUPPLY IN ORDER TO GET A PERMIT?1. A fully completed Municipality APPLICATION form.2. Two (2) sets of PLANS for the proposed construction, renovation etc.3. A copy of the roof truss drawings (stamped by a P.Eng. (when applicable)).4. A copy of the heat loss calculations (when applicable).5. A site plan showing the location of the building on the lot i.e. distances from side, rear and front yards.6. Proof of Ownership of Property i.e. copy of registered deed (when Municipal Office has not yet received official notice of change in ownership).7. A fully completed septic application (when applicable).8. A copy of an "Entrance Permit" signed by the Road Superintendent and the Property owner when applicable.9. Completion of a Ministry of Agriculture "Minimum Distance Separation" Form when applicable.10. You may need to contact Quinte Conservation or the Ministry of Transportation for additional approvals in order to obtain a building permit. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A PERMIT? 2ff7e9595c