Building

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 17, 2022.

Sewage System Permit fee payable upon receipt of application.

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.

For small projects like a backyard shed or pool installation, a simple site plan is requested. A sample site plan is available here.

What is a second unit?

A second unit is a self-contained dwelling unit with a private kitchen, bathroom facilities and sleeping areas. It can be located in your house or on your property, above a laneway garage or in a coach house. This document generally applies to Building Code requirements for second units in houses, and not for second units in garages or coach houses, though some of the same rules apply.

Adding a second unit is a great way to provide independent living for a family member or make a little extra money to help pay off the mortgage. But there are things you need to consider as you decide whether to build a second unit.

Before deciding to add a second unit, it is important that you first speak with your local municipal planning and building departments. They can tell you whether you are allowed add a second unit on your property and answer any questions that you have related to local zoning, the Building Code and other by-laws.

There are several important factors you need to consider before adding a second unit, including:

• applicable municipal zoning requirements
• necessary building permits
• designing your unit to comply with the Building Code
• required building inspections during construction

It is important to meet planning and Building Code requirements. Doing so will help ensure that your house and second unit are legal, safe and healthy places to live.

The Province of Ontario website is a good resource for more information about adding a second unit.

For more information, contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official at 519-485-2490 Ext.7224.