Building
Building Permits
A Building Permit is the written authorization which grants legal permission to begin construction of any new structure, addition or renovation. It is issued only when the plans for construction comply with the Ontario Building Code, the Township of Zorra Zoning By-law and other applicable laws and regulations.
The use of Building Permits allows municipalities to regulate the types of construction in the community and ensure that proper building standards are met. The enforcement of building codes serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
Building Permit Application | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To obtain a building permit, an application must be completed. The form is available online (Building Permit Application) or at the Municipal Office from the Chief Building Official. This application must be completed for the issuance of the building permit. In addition to the completed application form, applicants must also submit building drawings, plans and other documents to the Township of Zorra for processing. For small projects like a backyard shed or pool installation, a simple site plan is requested. A sample site plan is available here. A detailed description of the planned work and intended occupancy, identification of the building lot or site, a valuation of the proposed work including materials and labour costs are required. For exterior work, a floor plan, a cross section, a site plan and elevations will be required. For interior work, a floor plan and a cross section drawing will be required. Buildings that are over 3 stories or greater than 600 square metres will require an architect or an engineer to design and prepare plans for the building. Each application shall be accompanied by 2 complete sets of building plans and specifications unless otherwise specified. The Building Permit fees are determined by the cost per square foot, dollar value, and flat rate for some buildings. The permit fee is payable at the time the Building Permit is issued. A building permit is NOT required for a fence. Additional fees for services such as water, parkland dedication, development charges, and deposits for protection to public property may also be required. For any inquires about building permits, please contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official at 519-485-2490 ext 7224 or send Mike Hughes an email. Failure to obtain a Building Permit will result in a penalty of double the permit fee, as per the Township of Zorra’s Building By-law. Permit fees are listed below, as of August 2, 2023. |
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Residential Construction Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Agricultural Building Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Commercial / Industrial / Institutional Building Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Miscellaneous Building Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sewage Systems | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sewage System Permit fee payable upon receipt of application.
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Residential Deck Design Guide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This deck design guide is intended to streamline the design and approval process for the installation of a new residential deck. The information and details within the guide have been vetted by Building Officials and Tacoma Engineers Inc. to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. Click here to view the deck design guide. |
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Site Plan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For small projects like a backyard shed or pool installation, a simple site plan is requested. A sample site plan is available here. |
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Additional Residential Units (ARUs) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What are ARUs?ARUs are smaller, self-contained dwelling units (i.e., with their own kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas) that are inside, attached to, or in detached accessory building on same property as a single detached house, semi-detached house or street fronting townhouse. ARUs can take many forms, such as basement apartments, attached suites, tiny homes and coach houses, but they must be smaller than the primary residential unit, within a permanent building (i.e., not a mobile home or recreational vehicle), and connected to municipal water and sewage services, where available. For more information on ARU’s please visit the County of Oxford’s website. Before you Apply for a Building Permit through the TownshipPlease Note: Early consultation with the Building Department is recommended. Is your property zoned for an ARU? PROVISIONS FOR ALL ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS
Check to see if you will require a permit or written permission from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. You can use the Online Interactive Mapping System to identify regulated areas. Fees
For more information about ARUs, contact: Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official at 519-485-2490 Ext. 7224 |