Are you a Dufferin County resident with plans to build on your property or renovate your home? Or maybe you’re considering purchasing a home in the community that has had construction completed on it? It’s important to ensure plans are submitted and a building permit has been obtained for most construction and renovation projects in Dufferin.

Building permits are required to ensure construction projects meet minimum safety standards and comply with building codes and zoning regulations. They provide a framework for safe and sound construction practices and protect the homeowner and our community.

“Dufferin County’s Building Services Division is dedicated to providing good customer service and helping contractors and residents every step of the way during the permit application process,” says Becky MacNaughtan, Chief Building Official, Dufferin County. “We want to keep our community safe and ensure construction follows all building codes and zoning requirements. That’s where building permits come in. Together, we can ensure local construction is legal and that all building is completed in a safe manner.”

The Building Code Act requires that a Building Permit be obtained for the construction of:

• Any structure occupying an area greater than 10 meters squared consisting of a wall, roof and floor or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures, and service systems
• A structure occupying an area of 10 meters squared or less that contains plumbing.
• Plumbing not located in a structure
• A sewage disposal system
• Structures designated in the building code

Some examples of projects that would require a permit include:

• Any addition to an existing building
• Any structural alterations like a new window or door
• Finishing a basement or adding a basement entrance
• Adding a new deck or porch

This list is by no means exhaustive. A full list of projects that require building permits can be found here.

If you are considering buying a new home or have recently purchased a home with renovations or building completed on it, it is still your responsibility to ensure a permit will be or was obtained.

So, you’ve found your home. Here are a few things to consider before signing the sales agreement:

• To legalize any unpermitted work, you will need to obtain a building permit through the County. This can be done by visiting our website and creating an account on the Building Portal. You can find two video tutorials on the County’s website on how to create an account and apply for a building permit. There are also guides and checklists. If you still need support, you can reach out to the County’s Building team at building@dufferincounty.ca or 519 941-2816 ext. 2700.
• Ask your realtor for a list of renovations completed on the house.
• Request drawings and permit records for the property through an FOI request through the County.
• Submit a compliance letter request for permit records and work orders.
• Complete a title search on the property.
• Hire a home inspector to investigate work completed outside of approved permit work.
• Examine internet street view imaging to compare if there were any external changes.
• Reach out to the municipality for zoning compliance.

If you have already purchased a home and need to legalize unpermitted work, you will need to obtain a building permit through the County. This can be done by visiting the County’s website and creating an account on the Building Portal.

Know the risks. If you build without a permit, you are in violation of the Building Code Act. Construction without a permit breaches provincial law and can result in enforcement actions.

Orders may be issued until compliance is achieved. Non-compliance may lead to court proceedings. Individuals can face fines ranging from $500 to $50,000 and corporations may be fined even more. If compliance is not achieved, you could possibly have to undo any work that has been done.

Help keep our community safe. Get a permit for all renovations and building and check the history of a property you might purchase or have already purchased. The County’s Building Services Division is here to assist you, every step of the way.

For more information on the permit application and approval process, how to get in touch with the County’s Building team and more, visit www.dufferincounty.ca.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca