The Building and Drainage Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various Provincial legislation and policies including the Ontario Building Code Act, Drainage Act and Planning Act as they apply to buildings, structures and their occupancy and drainage issues as well as numerous municipal by-laws such as the Building Control By-law, Zoning By-law, Nutrient Management By-law and fencing by-laws.

The main role of the Building and Drainage Department is to ensure that the building environment in which we live and work is safe and healthy. This is accomplished through the issuance of building and demolition permits, approval of nutrient management plans and by conducting inspections.

For any inquiries or comments about any services provided by the Building & Drainage department, please contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent at 519-485-2490 ext 224.

TOWNSHIP OF ZORRA DRAINAGE INFORMATION

The following are not legal outlets:
Roadside ditches: You can only use roadside ditches as on outlet if permission is granted by the road authority.  If permission is granted, we recommend that you get it in writing.
Private ditches: Private ditches are private infrastructure and unless permission is given, another property owner has no right to connect a newly installed tile drainage system to a private ditch that flows across a neighbouring property.  Similar to using a roadside ditch as an outlet, if permission is given, make sure it is in writing.  If work needs to be done on the neighbouring property, make sure all parties are clear on cost-charing and also that all parties are clear on the extent of work and the potential disruption of land.
Municipal drains where any part of the land being tiled is not assessed into the drain.  Only the portion of the property that is assessed nto the municipal drain can be connected to the drain.  If you're not sure, check with the Township drainage superintendent before undertaking the work.
Wetland or low area:  Sometimes it's tempting to outlet a tile drainage system into a wetland area, particularly if the wetland is located on your client's property.  However, before doing so, you should examine the area to determine if the outletting of the tile drainage system could be any impact on other property owners.  If there could be, don't do it without first acquiring permission.

If you are unable to get permission, the owner of the land has the right to petition their municipality under the Drainage Act for an outlet.  ALthough it takes longer to get the outlet using the Drainage Act, when it is done, you can have confidence that the tile drainage work you perform will not result in legal action.  If you still decide to take shortcuts on legal outlets, remember that the courts consider the tile drainage contractor to be an expert.  You may want to check out the liability risk of you and your business.

 

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A Building Permit is the written authorization which grants legal permission to begin construction of any new structure, addition or renovation.  It is issued only when the plans for construction comply with the Ontario Building Code, the Township of Zorra Zoning By-law and other applicable laws and regulations.

The use of Building Permits allows municipalities to regulate the types of construction in the community and ensure that proper building standards are met.  The enforcement of building codes serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.  

A Building Permit Application can be obtained here 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 municipality for processing.  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. 

As of May 3, 2011, the Building Permit fee rates are:

Residential Construction (including new homes, additions, renovations, decks) - $100.00 + 0.40/sq. ft.
Agricultural Construction (including coveralls, barns, storage sheds, workshops) - $100.00 + 0.20/sq. ft.
Silos - Vertical or Horizontal - $200.00 flat rate
Manure Storage - $500.00 flat rate
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional Buildings - $100.00 + $8.00 per thousand 
Plumbing - $50.00 + $10.00 per fixture.
Sheds - $50.00 flat rate 
Swimming Pools - $100.00
Woodstove, Fireplace - $100.00
Partial Occupancy - $50.00
Signs - $100.00
Change of Use - $50.00
Solar Panels - $150.00
Conditional Permits - $50.00
Lot Grading Deposit - $1, 000.00
Refund Damage to Street - $500
Final Inspection Deposit - $500
Demolitions - $50.00 flat rate
Additional Inspections - $50.00 flat rate
Enforcement Call-Backs - $50.00 per occurrence

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 224 or send Mike Hughes an email.