Frequently Asked Questions
Buildings & Permits
Do I need a permit to
build a shed?
A building permit is not required for the construction of a
shed, provided it is less than 10 m² (108 sq. ft.). However, it must still be
located in accordance with all the applicable zoning setbacks as regulated in
the Town’s Zoning
By-Law.
When do I need a permit
to build a deck?
A building permit is required for any deck which is more
than 60 cm (24 inches) above grade, and is directly attached to a house.
Do I need a permit for
putting in a well or extending my existing well?
No, the installation or extension/alteration of private
wells is regulated by the Ministry of Environment. In particular, they regulate
both the well contractors/installers along with having regulations that specify
how dug and drilled wells are to be constructed. For more information on this
matter, please visit the section
about wells at the Ministry of Environment website.
Do I need a permit for
decommissioning an existing septic system?
While a permit is not required for the decommissioning of a
septic system, you will most likely be either installing a new septic system or
connecting your house to municipal sewers. In these instances, you do require a
permit for the new system or if you are connecting to the municipal sewers.
Why do I need a permit
to install a swimming pool?
The
Town’s Pool
Enclosure By-Law requires the installation of fences around a
swimming pool. (There are some instances when this requirement is exempted -
please contact the By-law Section for more details.) It is the installation of
this fencing for which the permit is for, not the actual installation of the
swimming pool. The reason for a fence is to help prevent any accidental
drownings in above or in-ground swimming pools (including hot tubs and spas).
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
A permit is not required for the installation of interior
wall finishes or the construction/alteration of non-load bearing
walls/elements. However, if there is new plumbing for a basement washroom then
a plumbing permit is required.
Why did the builder not install the basement insulation all the way down to
the floor?
The Ontario Building Code only requires basement insulation
to be installed from the underside of the subfloor to not less than 60 cm (24
inches) below the adjacent exterior ground level.
Do I need a permit to install a bathroom in my basement?
Yes, a permit is required to install any new plumbing for a bathroom
in the basement.
Why are my water pipes always wet in the basement?
Water forming on the pipes in your basement is a result of
condensation. This happens when there is a difference between the temperature
of the air surrounding the pipes and the surface of the pipe. This situation
usually occurs during the hot and humid summer months when there is a lot of
moisture in the air. The best solution for this problem is to insulate the
water pipes.
What causes the water pipes in my house to make a noise? Will the pipes
explode?
If a rattling or banging noise is heard from water pipes, it
may be a ‘water hammer’ or ‘hammer’. This is caused when you suddenly turn off
a water flow (i.e. a dishwasher, a clothes washer, a toilet, or a hand faucet).
This sudden shutting off of the flow sends a pressure or shock wave down the
water line causing the pipes to rattle or bang. Over time this repeated shock
wave can damage pipes and weaken pipe joints. If you hear this noise often, you
should consider installing a ‘water hammer arrester’. Please consult with
either a professional plumber or your nearest home improvement store for more
information on this device.
Why is there water inside the plastic covering on my basement insulation?
Is this a result of a leak in my foundation wall?
If the water is on the inside of the ‘vapour barrier’
throughout the basement, it is a result of condensation. This is most common on
poured concrete basement walls that are one to two years old, and generally
occurs during the hot, humid summer months. The condensation is formed due to
the temperature difference between the warmer air encountering the cooler
basement wall. This problem is further magnified in newer homes, because the
concrete walls are still curing and are ‘bleeding’ off moisture (from the water
used in the mixing of the concrete). While this may be inconvenient, it will
not harm the insulation – provided you let the foundation wall dry out before
finishing your basement. You can help accelerate the process by putting a
dehumidifier in the basement, as well as cutting slits along the bottom of the
vapour barrier to let the water run out. However,
if the water is located in only one area, then you may have a leak, and need to
look further for signs of cracking.
Why do I have a sump pump in my basement? How does it work, and is it safe?
Some houses have sump pumps installed in the basement for
one of two reasons. First of all, in some areas the storm sewers (which carry
rainwater) are at a higher elevation than the weeping tiles which are installed
around the bottom of the house foundation wall. In order to get the ground
water from the ‘weeping tile’ out to the storm sewer, the pipe is discharged
into the sump pit and then pumped by the sump pump out to the storm sewer. A
second common reason for a sump pit in the countryside is because some areas
have high water tables or even underground streams. In these instances it is
necessary to have a sump pump installed so the basement stays dry. It is very
important to make sure your pump is maintained in a good state of repair – you
may even consider an emergency generator to keep it running during prolonged
power failures. Otherwise, you may end up with a wet basement if the pump cannot
operate for a significant period of time.
The builder says I
cannot have a door from my house into the garage because the Town won’t allow
it – why not?
The Town’s Zoning
By-Law has minimum dimensions for parking spaces, and in some
instances a door from a house to the garage would require the installation of
stairs and/or landings. In some cases the installation of these stairs and/or
landings would reduce the parking space size such that they no longer comply
with the minimum Zoning By-Law requirements. Under these circumstances, therefore,
the installation of a door is not permitted.
Do I need a permit for
the installation of an air conditioner?
No, a permit is not required for the installation of an air
conditioner.
Can I replace my furnace
without a permit?
No, a mechanical permit is required for the installation
and/or replacement of a furnace. This is important to ensure that any new
furnace being installed is sized appropriately to provide adequate heat for the
size of the house it is serving.
I just upgraded my attic
insulation – do I need to have it inspected?
While the Ontario Building Code does prescribe minimum
insulation values, upgrading or exceeding these minimum values does not require
inspections by the municipality.
