Last Updated on September 11, 2021 by Showrooms Online
An Understanding of Building Codes and Permits
An understanding of building codes and permits begins at the national level and ends up in the requirements, regulations, and bylaws the homeowner must comply with to get a building permit from the local municipality.
Jurisdictions do not write their own building codes from scratch. Instead, they adopt model codes developed by national code writing teams. National code writing teams modify model codes every few years, and jurisdictions independently adopt a model code, in whole or with modifications.
What are National Codes?
The National Model Codes are administered by the National Research Council.
The National Building Code and the National Codes for Energy, Fire and Plumbing are model codes that are used by the Provinces to apply in their jurisdiction.
The National Model Codes are available free in electronic format and at a discounted price for print formats. To order the free electronic documents or the printed format, visit the National Research Council of Canada’s Virtual Store.
Provincial Codes adopt the National Codes
Each Province in Canada adopts the National codes and makes them a legal requirement in the Province in which the construction is done.
Under Canada’s constitution, provinces and territories regulate the design and construction of new houses and buildings, and the maintenance and operation of fire safety systems in existing buildings.
Local municipalities administer and enforce the codes
Municipalities administer the codes and assure compliance through the use of a permitting process.
Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained, when required, and that the required inspections are called for and any deficiencies are corrected.
Starting construction without a permit is illegal and is a Provincial Offence under the Ontario Building Code Act.
Zoning regulations are required to be complied with even if a building permit is not required.
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An Understanding of Building Codes and Permits
Building codes are prescribed correct methods and materials to be used in the construction of a residential or commercial building. Applicable codes are approved by Provincial governments and carry the force of law. The main purpose of a code is to protect the public.
Energy codes establish efficiency standards that make good use of resources and protect the environment.
Each single home makes a small impact on the local surroundings but collectively the millions of homes across the world make a big impact on our global environment. Codes document the building science that makes efficient use of resources. Permits and inspections are the mechanisms that make sure this happens in the actual construction of buildings.
Building Permit Regulations in Toronto are an example.
The uniform minimum standards for the safety of buildings include
- Health and Safety
- Fire protection
- Structural sufficiency
- Construction materials
- Plumbing and Mechanical systems
Why you need to obtain a building permit
“Building permits allow your municipality to protect the interests of both individuals and the community as a whole. By reviewing and approving building permit applications before any work is done, the municipality can ensure that buildings comply with:
- the Building Code, which sets standards for the design and construction of buildings to meet objectives such as health, safety, fire protection, accessibility and resource conservation
- the local zoning bylaw and other planning controls on buildings
- other applicable legislation, including conservation authority approvals and certain requirements under the Environmental Protection Act”
Permits Also Measure Economic Activity
2020 US Home Building Permits Hit 13-Year High
A new report from NeighbourWho shows housing demand increased by 14% in 2020, prompting the largest number of building permits issued since 2007 before the housing market collapse in the Great Recession.
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