Do you need a fence permit for your Toronto home?
There are standards for fence height and structure in Toronto. If you have a swimming pool, you need to have a particular type of fence. If you need your fence to be taller for a specific reason, you have to apply for a fence exemption permit. Home fences cannot be made of:
What is the line fence law in Ontario?
The Line Fences Act provides a dispute resolution procedure between the owners of adjoining properties in most of Ontario. Line fences are fences that mark the boundary between properties and are often referred to as boundary or division fences. The Act does not deal with disputes about fences that are not on a boundary line.
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
Fences can serve a number of functions, both practical and decorative. Where you live, where on your land you will be erecting the fence, and how tall you want your fence to be are three factors that go a long way in determining how likely or unlikely you are to be required to obtain a permit for fence installation:
What are the fence bylaw standards in Toronto?
The Fence Bylaw sets standards for fences in Toronto and includes rules for fence height, material, and structure. These rules vary depending on whether the fence is on residential or non-residential property, where the fence is located on the property and whether the fence encloses a pool.
Do I need a permit to put a fence around my yard?
Even where you will be installing the fence within your own property makes a difference. A privacy fence in your backyard will often not require a permit unless it is to be over 6 feet tall, depending on where you live, while the cut-off for the same type of fence in your front yard may be just 3.5 feet.
What happens if you build without a permit in Ontario?
Consequences for violating the Building Code Act, 1992 An individual who is charged and found guilty of an offence under the Building Code Act, 1992 , such as building without a permit, can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for subsequent offences.
How tall can a fence be Ontario?
Section 6. Subject to Section 5, on residential property no person shall erect a fence or cause a fence to be erected that is higher than; one metre (1 m) in height in a yard, front; two hundred and thirteen centimetres (213 cm) in height in any yard other than a yard, front.
Do you need a permit to pour concrete in your backyard Ontario?
Regardless of whether you're pouring a concrete driveway or patio, indoor concrete floor, or simply making concrete planter borders, municipal building regulations might require you to have a permit. Starting your project without the proper permits can result in hefty fines.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Ontario?
Do I need a permit to construct a deck or porch? Generally, a Building Permit is required for a deck or porch that is attached to the principal dwelling or used in conjunction with an on-ground or above-ground swimming pool.
How much do building permits cost in Ontario?
For a residential property, a permit will cost a minimum of $174. Permits for non-residential properties will cost a minimum of $292. You will need to pay a $20 administrative fee when you submit your request online.
How close to property line can I build a fence in Ontario?
There are rules on where a fence can be placed. A property owner can build a fence anywhere on their side of the dividing line between two properties (also called the property line). If a property owner wants to put a fence right along the property line, they can do so only if the owner of the adjacent property agrees.
Can my Neighbour attach things to my fence Ontario?
The short answer to this question is, of course, “no”. If you own the fence and you have not granted your neighbour permission to do so, they are not allowed to attach or nail things to your fence.
How close to the property line can a fence be?
Check Rules and Regulations Typically, fences are installed anywhere from 2 to 8 inches from a property line in most areas. Some areas might allow to go right up to a property line, especially if you live in an urban row house where every inch makes a difference!
How big can I build a shed without a permit in Ontario?
160 square feetIs a building permit required? The Ontario Building Code was recently changed to allow for sheds up to 160 square feet to be built WITHOUT a building permit. Any structure larger than 160 square feet requires a building permit.
What happens if I finish my basement without a permit in Ontario?
There are consequences for not getting a permit. You could face a fine, or the municipality may force you to remove walls, ceilings, cabinets and other finishes so that an inspector can determine if the work complies with the building requirements. In the worst case, they'll have the renovation removed entirely.
Do you need a permit for a gazebo Ontario?
Projects not requiring Building Permits A detached accessory structure (e.g., detached garage, gazebo, pool house/change room) that measures less than 10 square metres (approx. 108 square feet) does not require a building permit.
Who is responsible for building permits in Ontario?
Both the owner and the builder/contractor are responsible for the process and are equally liable under the Ontario Building Code Act. Building Permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met. I want to upgrade my electrical service.
When is a final occupancy permit issued?
A Final Occupancy Permit is issued when construction is complete , all outstanding Code deficiencies noted in Inspection Reports have been addressed, the minimum occupancy requirements have been met and there are no outstanding Building Code Orders.
What is a partial occupancy permit?
A Partial Occupancy Permit is issued where the permit holder wishes to allow occupancy to occur in an unfinished building or part thereof. In order to be eligible for a Partial Occupancy Permit, Occupancy Permit, there must be no outstanding Building Code Orders and certain building components and systems must be completed and inspected under Division C, Part 1, Articles 1.3.3.1. or 1.3.3.2. of the 2006 Ontario Building Code.
How long does it take for a building permit to be revoked?
Construction can commence once the Building Permit has been issued. The construction must seriously commence within six months of the Building Permit being issued, or the Permit can be revoked.
Can I get a building permit before I take possession of my house?
Yes, you may apply for a Building Permit before you take possession of the house; however, you must provide proof of ownership before the permit can be issued, i.e. copy of deed.
Height Regulations of Residential Fences
On the sides of your property and in the backyard, your fence can be up to 7 feet high. This provides all the privacy a person needs to feel comfortable. However, go beyond that, and you’ll have the by-law police at your door. When it comes to your front yard, you’re more limited. Fences erected in your front yard can be, at maximum, 3 feet tall.
Materials You Can and Cannot Use
Even though it may add an extra layer of security, there are certain materials that you can’t use when building your fence. This includes anything that could be potentially dangerous to another person or an animal. Your fence can’t have barbed wire, chicken wire, or an electric current running through it, for instance.
Local Service Cables in Your Neighborhood
Wires and service cables run underground. Before you dig, make sure you know where they are to avoid hitting one. You are liable for any damage you do to these cables. To get a map of the local service cables, you’ll have to call Hydro One at least five days in advance.
How to get a pool fence permit in Toronto?
For further information please call Toronto Building Customer Service at 416-397-5330. Step 2: If your Zoning Certificate is approved , you need to submit the following to apply for a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit:
What is the fence bylaw in Toronto?
The Fence Bylaw sets standards for fences in Toronto and includes rules for fence height, material, and structure. These rules vary depending on whether the fence is on residential or non-residential property, where the fence is located on the property and whether the fence encloses a pool.
What type of fence is allowed in a pool?
Permitted fence types are chain-link fencing (small gauge), wood fencing (either vertical or horizontal boards), a metal picket fence, a glass panel fence, and a masonry wall.
How far from the lot line is an open fence?
For safety reasons, all fences within 2.4 metres of a driveway must be of open-fence construction (for example, open mesh chain-link) for at least 2.4 metres from the lot line where the driveway begins. This applies to the fence or hedge, as well as vegetation growing on the fence and any objects placed on the fence.
Can you use chicken wire on a fence?
Fence Restrictions. Material: fences generally cannot contain barbed wire, chicken wire, or any other barbed or sharp material. Metal: sheet metal and corrugated metal panels are not allowed. Electric fences: most fences cannot be used to conduct electricity, unless the fence is on agricultural land used for raising livestock.
Do you have to comply with the property standards for a fence?
If a fence is used as a guard, it must comply with the Property Standards Bylaw . If the guard forms part of a swimming pool enclosure, it must also comply with the Fence Bylaw . In circumstances where more than one applies, the more restrictive rule applies.
What forms do I need to file a fence viewer complaint?
Depending on the circumstances, you may need to complete: Form 1: Request for Fence-Viewers. Form 2: Clerk’s Notice to Parties (Dispute) Form 3: Clerk’s Notice to Fence-Viewers (Dispute) Form 4: Award. Form 5: Owner’s Notice of Appeal from Fence-Viewers’ Award. Form 6: Affidavit of Service of Notice of Appeal.
What is a line fence?
Line fences are fences that mark the boundary between properties and are often referred to as boundary or division fences. The Act does not deal with disputes about fences that are not on a boundary line. The arbitration of fencing disputes is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Ontario’s unorganized ...
What is a fence viewer?
A fence-viewer is: Three fence-viewers are required to be present at a viewing, and they are only authorized to address one or both of the following issues:
How long does it take to appeal a fence?
Appeals. An owner who is dissatisfied with an award has 15 days from the date of receiving a certified copy of the award to initiate an appeal. An award is deemed to have been received seven days after being sent by registered mail. Only the original award of the fence-viewers can be appealed.
Who has the authority to pass a by-law to exempt all or part of a municipality from the Act
A municipal council has the authority to pass a by-law to exempt all or part of a municipality from the Act and, instead, pass a by-law assigning the costs of line-fences between owners. Contact your local municipality to find out if such a by-law exists.
Do municipalities have jurisdiction over fences?
Municipalities and their fence-viewers have no jurisdiction to deal with boundary issues. As many municipal staff members and fence-viewers are aware, property owners involved in a boundary dispute often approach the municipality in the hope that the matter can be resolved without the need for them to obtain legal advice and a survey. ...
How tall is a privacy fence?
A privacy fence in your backyard will often not require a permit unless it is to be over 6 feet tall, while the cut-off for the same type of fence in your front yard is just 3.5 feet.
Can you be out of the woods if your application is accepted?
Even if your application is accepted, you are not out of the woods. Some municipalities will give you a list of inspections that must take place during installation. Successfully passing these inspections sets you up for one, last inspection that puts the government's seal of approval on your structure.
How to get a permit for a new building?
You need a building permit to: 1 construct a new building or accessory structure greater than 10 square metres in area 2 renovate, repair or add to a building 3 make any structural alterations to a building 4 demolish or remove all or a portion of a building 5 change the use of a building or part of a building 6 install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls 7 make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows 8 build a garage, porch or balcony 9 build a heated or unheated sunroom 10 build a deck more than 10 metres square in area or more than 2 feet (0.61 metres) above adjacent grade 11 excavate a basement to increase headroom 12 construct a foundation 13 underpin an existing foundation 14 install a basement walkout entrance 15 construct a chimney serving a solid fuel fired appliance 16 install or create a Second Suite 17 install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces 18 install or reconstruct a chimney, wood burning stove or fireplace 19 do structural or mechanical fire-damage repair 20 install, replace or repair a private sewage system
How to build a deck in a basement?
build a garage, porch or balcony. build a heated or unheated sunroom. build a deck more than 10 metres square in area or more than 2 feet (0.61 metres) above adjacent grade. excavate a basement to increase headroom. construct a foundation. underpin an existing foundation. install a basement walkout entrance.
Do you need a permit to build a shed in Ontario?
So, according to the Ontario Building Code, a utility shed, without plumbing, occupying an area of 10 square metres or less, would not require a building permit. This doesn’t mean one should advise anyone to go ahead and build it however they like!
What is the Ontario Building Code?
The Ontario Building Code sets out mandatory minimum standards for structural, health, fire safety and accessibility, and there is no appeal or variance permitted. The Building Code also requires that permit plans be prepared by a provincially qualified designer, or by an architect or professional engineer.
Why is a building permit important?
Why building permits are important. Obtaining a Building Permit ensures that your home and other buildings meet these standards in the Ontario Building Code. The Building Code sets out technical requirements for the construction (including renovations) and demolition of buildings, the change of use of existing buildings.
What is a building official?
Building Officials adhere to a Code of Conduct and are responsible for overseeing and inspecting that the Building Code is followed and implemented. Compliance with the Building Code is achieved through mandatory inspections for building permits, demolitions, investigations of work performed without permits. A building permit must be refused by the ...
Can you use PlansDrop to get a building permit in Cornwall?
City of Cornwall builders and residents can now submit their building permit applications using PlansDrop. The service is free to use and offers an alternative to emailing files or arranging for a drop-off at the Civic Complex.
Who has responsibility to obtain a building permit?
It is the property owner' s responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer (for example) to apply for the permit, but as the owner you must ensure that you have the permit prior to starting work. New Construction projects that require a permit:
Can a building permit be issued if the owner does not meet the City zoning requirements?
A building permit cannot be issued if an owner's site plan and building proposal does not meet City zoning standards, including land use, setbacks from property lines and maximum lot coverage. If you cannot meet all zoning requirements because of site restrictions, you may apply for exemption through the Committee of Adjustment or a zoning by-law amendment. These processes must be completed before a building permit can be considered.
