Integrated Services - Building Division
Additions
A Homeowners Guide For The Construction Of Additions Including Attached Garages And Carports
This brochure is intended as a guide only to assist the public with understanding the processes in place.
We have attempted to be as accurate as possible in providing the information, however we do not guarantee or assume liability for its correctness.
The complete current By-laws of the City of Welland will take precedent over the general information provided in this brochure.
January 2012
When planning to construct an addition such as a sunroom or added living space this guide will assist you the Homeowner, when a Permit is required and what is required for the Building Permit Application and any Zoning Regulations governing the construction of these structures.
Common Questions and Information:
- When and Why a Permit is Required
- It Is The Responsibility Of The Homeowner To Ensure A Permit Is Obtained Prior To Any Construction Of A Building
- City Of Welland Zoning By-Law 2667 And 1538 (Crowland) Review
- Definitions as per City of Welland Zoning By-law 2667 and 1538 (Crowland)
- Building By-law 2005-91, as amended
- Applying for a Permit
- Required Drawings
- Sample Drawings
- Standard Drawings
- What to do when waiting for the Permit to be Issued
- What to do when the Permit has been Issued
For more information contact:
The City of Welland
Integrated Services
Building Division
60 East Main Street
Welland, Ontario
L3B 3X4 Telephone: (905) 735-1700
Fax: (905) 735-8772
When And Why A Permit Is Required
In general a Building Permit is required for all additions regardless of size. Building Permits are necessary to ensure Zoning requirements, compliance with the Ontario Building Code for structural and safety standards and to comply with any other applicable Provincial and Municipal regulations.
It Is The Responsibility Of The Homeowner To Ensure A Permit Is Obtained Prior To Any Construction Of A Building.
Constructing or altering a building/structure without a Permit can result in numerous problems including:
- complaints from neighbors
- not conforming with the Building Code
- difficulty selling the property
- putting yourself at liability should a injury occur to someone (visiting your property) as a result of a structure not conforming to the Building Code
- extra cost in having to reconstruct the structure according to Zoning By-law and Building Code
- insurance protection nullification
- increased permit fees (minimum $133.00 extra charge)
- possible demolition of structure.
- possible ticket fine - $400.00
- possible Court fine - maximum $50,000.00 first offence if convicted.
City Of Welland Zoning By-Law 2667 And 1538 Review
The City of Welland Zoning By-law contains regulations governing the size, height, location and use of the building. Based on the zoning of the property, the proposed addition must not exceed the requirements as far as lot coverage and yard requirements (minimum building setbacks from property lines) are concerned.
Definitions As Per City Of Welland Zoning By-Law 2667 And 1538 (Crowland)
Lot Area: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
Lot Coverage: The percentage of the lot area covered by all buildings and roofed structures measured at grade, but does not include any open air swimming pool or deck.
Applying For A Permit
Applications for a Building Permit are available at the City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division or downloaded at the City of Welland web site.
With the submission of an Application you will be required to submit two (2) copies of detailed construction drawings and the required Building Permit fees and deposit. If you require assistance to develop these drawings, sample and standard drawings are available for your use along with the current fee schedules at the City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division.
Building Permits may be applied for by a property Owner, or by an Agent on behalf of the Owner, such as the Contractor or Designer.
Required Drawings
As mentioned above, two (2) complete copies of detailed drawings are required with the submission of an Application.
A complete detailed site plan showing the following:
- north arrow
- scale
- legal description - lot and plan numbers
- easements
- street names
- lot dimensions
- setbacks to all property lines for the existing dwelling and the proposed addition
- information for all existing buildings and structure such as size and location
- size and height dimensions
- location and size of all door and window openings
- material used along with size and spacing
- beams and posts size and spacing
- roof framing - trusses or rafter/joists size and spacing
- floor framing
- plumbing and heating location and details
- insulation, vapour and air barrier details
- anchoring and fastening details
- footing and foundation details -size, thickness and reinforcement
- normally construction drawings for additions will include as a minimum, a foundation/basement plan, a floor plan, three building elevations, at least one cross section, plumbing and heating locations and details.
Sample Drawings
Toronto Area Sample Drawings A03a to A03i are available at the Integrated Services - Building Division or downloaded at the City of Welland web site. These drawings are not intended to be submitted for Permit and are only intended as a guide to describe the type of information and the level of detail that may be necessary. Please contact Staff.
|
NO. |
|
|
| A03a | Site Plan | always |
| A03b | Basement Plan | if basement |
| A03c | Floor Plan | for each storey |
| A03d | Elevation | for each direction |
| A03e | Elevation | for each direction |
| A03f | Elevation | for each direction |
| A03g | Cross Section | always |
| A03h | Construction Specifications | for additional information |
| A03i | Schedules | for additional information |
Pre-Engineered truss drawings must be provided with Application for Permit or prior to framing inspections if being used.
No glazed openings such windows or doors are permitted in any exterior wall less than 1.2m (3’-11”) from any property line.
New Materials/Systems: Additional information such as manufacturers specifications or engineering details may be required for materials/systems which are not specifically described in the Ontario Building Code for normal review.
The original drawings must be submitted to scale and fully dimensioned in either metric or imperial units with the appropriate information shown as noted above.
Standard Drawings
City of Welland Standard Drawing entitled “Site Plan” (X01) is available at the Integrated Services - Building Division or downloaded at the City of Welland web site. You may mark up the drawing prior to submission. Other Standard Drawings are available at the Integrated Services - Building Division upon request and after discussion with Staff concerning the scope of your proposed addition.
What To Do When Waiting For The Permit To Be Issued
Once you have submitted your Application you must wait for the Permit to be issued. You do not have a Permit at this point. We will review all Applications in order of submission as quickly as we can. We are aware of the importance to you in obtaining the Permit quickly. Please make yourself available at the telephone number listed during the review process to ensure we can contact you should we require clarification of something.
What To Do When The Permit Has Been Issued
Once you receive your Permit, please read the approved Permit documents thoroughly before commencing construction. The construction must be in accordance with the approved plans and documents issued with your Permit. Any changes during or before construction must be noted to the Building Division and a Change Requisition form must be filled out and approved accordingly.
Several inspections are also required during construction to ensure that all work is done in accordance with the approved plans :
- prior to pouring any concrete for piers or footings
- backfill inspection
- framing inspection
- plumbing inspection
- insulation inspection
- final inspection
Failure to schedule, will result in not being permitted to occupy or use the addition and may also result in uncovering the work.
For inspection call 905-735-1700, Extension 2257 or 2251 City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division.
Please have your Permit Number ready when scheduling an inspection.
If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the City of Welland Integrated Services - Building Division between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 905- 735-1700 and someone would be happy to answer any question.
© 2012 The Corporation of The City of Welland
60 East Main Street, Welland, Ontario L3B 3X4 (905) 735-1700
Business Hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm