Chief Building Official (CBO)
The Chief Building Official administers the statutory duties prescribed in the Building Code Act. This is accomplished by working with both home owners and builders to ensure the responsibilities of the Ontario Building Code are being met.
Building Permits:
A Building Permit Application can be acquired at the following location:
Municipal Office, 45 Beatty Street, Nipissing
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Permit Applications can be downloaded from the website under the heading Forms (skip to forms).
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Building in Nipissing Township?
Building Permit Application Requirements:
A complete building permit application will include:
- A Completed Application Form
- Owner’s Authorization, if required
- Schedule 1
- Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineer, if required
- Site Plan
- Foundation Plan
- Floor Plan(s)
- All Elevations
- Cross section(s)
- Roof Plan (for complex roof designs)
- Truss Engineered Specifications (floor or roof), if applicable.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning information package and layout.
- Lot grading plan, if required.
- Approval from other Departments and Jurisdictions may be required.
- Any other applicable information that is unique to the project.
Drawing Requirements:
- If you are unable to draw the plans yourself, you may require the services of a qualified person.
- Single line drawings will not be accepted.
- 2 copies of all drawings and specifications are required upon application submission. PDF Copies to be provided.
Permit Issuance:
Once the Building Permit Application has been deemed complete, and the proposed construction meets all the legal requirements, the building permit will be issued within the prescribed time period outlined in the Ontario Building Code.
If during plans review any additional information is required to be submitted, you will be contacted via phone or email.
Inspections:
Inspections are required at various stages in the construction process and are indicated on the Building Permit.
Stage 1 – Readiness to construct footings
Stage 2 – Foundation/prior to backfill
Stage 3 – Below grade plumbing rough in (Interior Drains)
Stage 4 – Structural Framing (includes all rough-ins for HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
Stage 5 – HVAC rough in
Stage 6 – Plumbing rough in
Stage 7 – Insulation/vapour barrier
Stage 8 – Occupancy inspection prior to completion
Stage 9 – Final (construction is complete, interior and exterior including site grading)
Failure to request the mandatory inspections will result in a deficiency recorded against the project and create unnecessary delays in the construction process.
Approved (stamped) permit drawings/specifications MUST be on the project site for the purpose of inspections. Approved drawings/specifications NOT on site at time of inspection will deem the inspection incomplete and may result in a re-inspection fee being administered upon rebooking the inspection.
Booking your Inspection:
- Please book inspections at least 48 Hours in advance, same day inspections are NOT guaranteed
- Inspections can take place between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursday’s
Information required to book an Inspection:
- Permit Number
- Project location (municipal address)
- Preferred Date and Timeframe (AM or PM)
- Type of inspection being requested
- Contact name, phone number and email address
Finalizing and Closing your Permit
Every building permit issued MUST also be closed. The responsibility of closing a building permit is that of the property owner. Permits may only be closed when all inspections are complete (passed) and any necessary reports have been submitted.
Possible impacts that may result from NOT closing a permit:
- May hold up the sale of your home
- May affect the ability to receive home insurance
- May affect the ability to remortgage or refinance your home
- May affect the ability to apply for a future building permit
Building Fees
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Construction (new, additions, renovations, plumbing, etc.) | $8.60/$1,000 of construction *Minimum Permit Fee $130.00 |
| Demolition | $100.00 |
| Conditional | $130.00 plus $8.60/$1,000 of construction value |
| Change of Use | $130.00 plus $8.60/$1,000 of construction value |
| Searching of Records (Building Department Only) | $110.00 |
| Special Inspection | $160.00 |
| Reinspection | $120.00 |
| Commencing of Work Prior to Permit Issuance | $175.00 |
| Application for Transfer of Permit | $25.00 |
*Fees as per Building By-Law 2017-04, Schedule “A”
Forms
Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
Energy Efficiency Design Summary Sheet
Owners Authorization
Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineers
Entrance Permit Application
Building Permit FAQS
What is a Building Permit?
- A building permit is a licence
- It grants legal permission to start construction of a building project
- It gives Building Officials the means to enforce the requirements of various standards
Why is a Building Permit Required?
- To ensure that construction within our municipality meets the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code.
- To ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards, and other building standards are met.
Who Should Apply?
- A homeowner
- You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit
- The owner should ensure that they have a permit prior to any work starting
When is a Building Permit Required?
- For new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, and repairs.
- For the rehabilitation of a building or structure
- Plumbing/Septic systems
- Is not required for some minor repairs
What projects require a Building Permit?
Generally, a building permit is required for the construction/alteration of a building or structure, for additions, a fireplace or wood stove and the installation of plumbing systems.
A building permit is NOT required for:
- Landscaping (sidewalks, driveways)
- Painting and Decorating
- New flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.)
- Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
- Replacing windows and doors in existing openings
- Electrical projects
- Replacing plumbing fixtures
- Replacing roofing or shingles (non-structural)
- Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
- Decks less than 600mm (24 inches) from existing grade that do not require guards and that are not attached to structures.
- Accessory structures less than 10m2(108 ft2)
** Not all projects or scenarios can be listed.
If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, contact the building department to discuss the details of the project and what steps may be necessary to move forward.
** Although a building permit may not be required, the project may be subject to zoning requirements.
What drawings are required to be submitted for a Building Permit?
For most projects 2 sets of plans drawn to scale which include the following: (PDF Copies of all Plans to be provided)
- Site Plan
- Foundation Plan
- Floor Plan(s)
- All Elevations
- Cross section(s)
- Roof Plan (for complex roof designs)
- Truss Engineered Specifications (floor or roof), if required
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning information package and layout
- Lot grading plan, if required
- Any other applicable information that is unique to the project
What other departments and jurisdictions may I require approvals and permits from?
Township of Nipissing
Planning department and Municipal By-laws, Site Plan Control Agreements, Land Severances, and Committee of Adjustment
Operations Department (Entrance Permit)
Ministry of Transportation
- Entrance Permit from highways
- Building and land use Permits
North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority
- Septic Systems
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- Working within the water
Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry
- Working within the water and crown land.
Electrical Safety Authority
- Electrical Permits
Hydro One
- Disconnects
Ontario One Call
What is the length of time to obtain a Permit?
The Ontario Building Code allows a time period of 10 to 30 days depending on class of building. Most residential projects can be issued within 7 business days, provided the Permit Application is complete and the necessary documents (drawings/specifications) have been provided.
Extended timelines may result from:
- Incomplete Application
- Incomplete Drawings
- Delays in permits/approvals from other departments and jurisdictions
How long is the Permit Valid?
- Construction or Demolition must start within 6 months of issuance of the permit. Failure to do so may result in the permit being revoked.
- Construction or Demolition must not be substantially suspended or discontinued for more than one year. Suspension or discontinuation could result in the permit being revoked
What are the mandatory inspections for new home construction?
Stage 1 – Readiness to construct footings
Stage 2 – Foundation/prior to backfill
Stage 3 – Below grade plumbing rough in (Interior Drains)
Stage 4 – Structural Framing (includes all rough-ins for HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
Stage 5 – HVAC rough in
Stage 6 – Plumbing rough in
Stage 7 – Insulation/vapour barrier
Stage 8 – Occupancy inspection prior to completion
Stage 9 – Final (construction is complete, interior and exterior including site grading)
*** Additional Inspection May Be Required Depending on Occupancy/Scope of Work ***