As Canada’s most prominent and well-known metropolis, Toronto (and the Greater Toronto Area) has long been a top choice for anyone looking for a diversified, culturally rich, and opportunity-rich place to live or work in.
Learning about city of Toronto building permit zones is the easiest way to get a head start on a restoration or rework job in the Greater Toronto Area. With the proper building permit in place, it’s simple – and legal – to transform your newly purchased home into exactly what you want it to be.
When do you need a building permit, and what does it entail?
A building permit ensures that provincial and local zoning legislation does home construction, demolition, and restorations. A permit is a legal document that allows homeowners permission to make changes to their property. The permit must be finalised (or “closed”) once that alteration is complete. The renovation was legal and above board if the permit was closed.
Of course, the city does not need you to seek a permit for each home improvement you make when selling your house.
If you’re replacing floor tiles or installing a new toilet in a bathroom, you don’t need permission. However, you’ll be required to apply for one if you need to relocate a prominent fixture and wish to change your layout. The structural requirement is essential for walls (an architect or contractor can make this determination). If you’re unsure, consult an expert.
One final point to consider. If you begin a remodelling that requires permission without first obtaining one, the city may halt your work until you get one.
How long does it take to receive a building permit in Toronto?
You can appeal for a city of Toronto building permit online. Simple renovations are suitable for a residential fast track application. In this case, the process should take around a month (but it can take up to two months in some cases). Expect a two- to the three-month timeline for more sophisticated renovations.
Inspectors may come in at various phases of your renovation, depending on the type of work you’re doing, ensuring that everything is up to code. Most of the time, the project’s contractor is in charge of providing this step is accomplished, but it’s always a good idea for homeowners to double-check that their permit has been closed.
How can purchasers safeguard themselves?
It’s a good idea to check with the municipality before buying a house to ensure no open permits. If you need to close an existing permit, request that the city send an inspector to review previous work—this is an important stage in the process.
Are you concerned about unlicensed work? The good news is that a comprehensive house inspection can often reveal work that isn’t code-compliant. That’s why, when buying a house, it’s a good idea to ask for a home inspection as part of the sale.
Conclusion:
A municipal inspector will evaluate any project that requires an Oakville building permit. Depending on the scope of the project, an inspector may need to return several times. The City of Toronto has defined numerous stages for an inspector to examine before building on a renovation can commence.
Also the process of getting building permits in Toronto, has become super easier today. Everything can be availed through online means.
