Building Division . .

ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

WHAT IS AN ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE? 

Detached garages, garden sheds, gazebos, greenhouses, etc. are considered accessory buildings.  These structures are accessory to the main residential use on the lot.  The type, size and location of these structures is governed by the Zoning By-law.

Building Permits are required for all buildings in excess of 10 square metres (108 square feet), however all buildings must comply with the Zoning By-law provisions regardless of size.

WHERE CAN ACCESSORY BUILDINGS BE LOCATED ON A PROPERTY?

Generally these buildings can be located in a rear yard.  They must be setback a minimum of 1.2m (4.0 ft) from the property line to the eaves of the building.  Buildings located on the front yard or exterior side yard (for corner lots) must meet the minimum setback for the zone.  The maximum building height is 5m (16 ft 5 in).  Consult the Planning Department for further details.

HOW LARGE CAN I BUILD AN ACCESSORY BUILDING?

The maximum area of an accessory building is based on the area of the house. Generally the total area permitted for accessory buildings is 40% of the total habitable area of the house.

The maximum lot coverage permitted in each zone is regulated by the Zoning Bylaw.  Consult the Planning Department for further details.

WHAT DRAWINGS ARE REQUIRED?

Drawings prepared by the Homeowner are acceptable for submission as long as they are drawn to scale and accurately describe the construction.  Standard garage drawings are available from the Building Division at no additional charge. You may use these drawings to submit with your permit application or use the information contained to prepare your drawings.

Typically the following drawings are required:

SITE PLAN:  A site plan or survey of your lot showing all lot lines and dimensions, size and location of all existing buildings, the size and location of the proposed building and location of any septic system.  Indicate all setbacks from the proposed building to the property lines.

FLOOR PLAN:  A floor plan of the proposed structure complete with window/door locations, all dimensions and identification of construction materials being used, including foundation.  Specify the wall height. 

CROSS SECTION:  A cross section showing the proposed construction is required. 

HOW & WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT?

When you are ready to apply, bring two copies of your plans to our office located in the MAC Building, 3rd Floor, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville.

You will be required to fill out the Building Permit application and pay the required fee.  Your submission will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the Ontario Building Code Act, the Zoning By-law and all applicable laws.  Your Building Permit will be issued promptly if the proposed construction meets all the requirements and all of the required information, (ie) trusses shop drawings and permits from other agencies, have been received by the Building Division.

 Designers other than the Homeowner of accessory structures that exceed 50 square metres (538 square feet) in building area are required to be qualified.  For information click the “Qualification and Registration” link on the following website: www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca. 

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The cost of the Building Permit is $3.03 per square metre of floor area, with a minimum $70.00 charge.

WHAT INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED?

BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Footing:  Readiness to construct footings with formwork and reinforcing in place prior to placing concrete.
Backfill:  Substantial completion of footings and foundation including drainage and damproofing prior to commencement of backfilling.
Framing:  Substantial completion of structural framing after heating and ventilation, mechanical and plumbing rough-in with windows and roofing in place.
Final:  Completion of the construction and installation of components required to permit occupancy, as required by the Ontario Building Code.  In most cases this inspection is not required, as a final inspection may be carried out at the same time as the framing inspection.  Your Building Inspector will determine if a final inspection is necessary.

Plumbing Inspections (If Required)

Outside Services:  Installation of building storm sewer and sanitary sewer and water service pipe.
Inside Services:  Installation of underground building storm drain, sanitary drain
and water supply.
Rough-In:  Installation of drainage system, venting system and the water distribution system throughout the building.
Final:  Installation of required plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances as
required to permit occupancy by the Ontario Building Code.

HEATING Inspections (If Required)

Heating Rough-In:  Substantial completion of ductwork and piping for heating and air-conditioning.
Heating Occupancy:  Completion of the construction and installation of components required to permit occupancy.

To arrange for an inspection please call (905) 623-7876.  Call before 3.00 pm for next day inspection.

ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS (If Required)

Completed independently by Ontario Hydro.  Call 1-800-305-7383