building-permit-readiness-checklist

name	Building Permit Readiness Checklist
description	A comprehensive checklist of everything required to obtain a building permit after planning approvals are in place.

22. Building Permit Readiness Checklist

What It Is

A comprehensive checklist of everything required to obtain a building permit after planning approvals are in place.

Why It Matters

• Planning approval ≠ building permit — many users think they can start building after Committee approval
• Building permit has its own set of requirements under the Ontario Building Code
• Delays at the permit stage frustrate users who thought they were "approved"

Governing Law

• Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23
• Ontario Building Code, O. Reg. 332/12
• Municipal building permit by-laws

How to Build It

BUILDING PERMIT READINESS CHECKLIST

Property: [Address]
Proposal: [Description]
Planning Approval: [Type — MV, ZBA, as-of-right] 
                   [File number and date]

PRE-REQUISITES:
□ Planning approval in effect (appeal period expired,
  no appeals filed)
□ All conditions of planning approval satisfied
□ Site plan agreement registered on title (if applicable)
□ Development charges paid or arrangement made
□ Parkland cash-in-lieu paid (if applicable)

REQUIRED DRAWINGS (prepared by licensed professionals):
□ Architectural drawings (by OAA licensed architect 
  or BCIN qualified designer)
  □ Site plan (showing building location, setbacks, grading)
  □ Floor plans (all levels including basement)
  □ Building elevations (all four sides)
  □ Building sections (longitudinal and cross)
  □ Construction details
  □ Door and window schedules
  □ Room finish schedule

□ Structural drawings (by P.Eng.)
  □ Foundation plan
  □ Framing plans (all levels)
  □ Structural details
  □ Structural engineering calculations (sealed)

□ Mechanical drawings (for larger buildings)
  □ HVAC layout
  □ Plumbing layout
  □ Fire protection (sprinkler) layout

□ Electrical drawings (for larger buildings)
  □ Electrical panel schedule
  □ Lighting layout
  □ Power layout

□ Civil / Site drawings
  □ Grading and drainage plan (by P.Eng. or OLS)
  □ Servicing plan (water, sanitary, storm connections)
  □ Erosion and sediment control plan

REQUIRED REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS:
□ Commitment to General Review (by architect and engineers)
  — Form required under OBC s. 2.17
□ Geotechnical report (foundation design recommendations)
□ Energy efficiency compliance
  □ SB-12 compliance (Part 12 — housing and small buildings)
    OR
  □ SB-10 compliance (Part 10 — larger buildings)
  □ Toronto Green Standard checklist (if in Toronto)
□ Truss drawings (if applicable — sealed by P.Eng.)
□ Sprinkler design (if applicable — by P.Eng.)
□ Arborist report and tree protection plan 
  (if trees being preserved)
□ Demolition permit (if demolishing existing structure)
  □ Separate application
  □ Utility disconnections confirmed
  □ Asbestos/designated substances survey 
    (for buildings constructed before 1985)

ONTARIO BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE:
□ Part 3 (Fire Protection, Occupant Safety, Accessibility)
  — for larger/complex buildings
  OR
□ Part 9 (Housing and Small Buildings)
  — for buildings ≤600 sq m, ≤3 storeys, ≤2 units
  (Note: Part 9 applies to most houses, duplexes, 
  triplexes, and small apartments)

KEY OBC REQUIREMENTS TO VERIFY:
□ Spatial separation and fire resistance ratings
  (OBC 3.2 / 9.10)
□ Means of egress (OBC 3.4 / 9.9)
□ Barrier-free accessibility (OBC 3.8)
□ Minimum room sizes and ceiling heights (OBC 9.5)
□ Plumbing fixtures count (OBC 7.2 / 9.31)
□ Heating system design (OBC 9.33)
□ Insulation and vapour barrier (OBC 9.25)
□ Smoke alarms and CO alarms (OBC 9.10.18-19)
□ Carbon monoxide alarms (required in all dwelling units
  with fuel-burning appliances or attached garage)
□ Guards and handrails (OBC 9.8)
□ Stair dimensions (OBC 9.8)

FEES:
| Fee Type | Basis | Estimate |
|----------|-------|----------|
| Building permit | Per sq m of GFA | $X |
| Plumbing permit | Per fixture | $X |
| Mechanical permit (HVAC) | Flat fee or per unit | $X |
| Development charges | Per unit (if not already paid) | $X |
| Damage deposit | Flat fee | $X |

PROCESSING TIME:
| Building Type | Typical Review Time |
|--------------|-------------------|
| Residential (Part 9) | 10-20 business days |
| Residential (Part 3) | 20-30 business days |
| Complex / multi-res | 30-40 business days |
| Revision resubmission | 10-15 business days |

POST-PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
□ Post building permit sign on property (visible from street)
□ Call for inspections at each stage:
  □ Footing / foundation
  □ Pre-backfill (foundation walls)
  □ Framing (rough-in)
  □ Plumbing rough-in
  □ HVAC rough-in
  □ Insulation/vapour barrier
  □ Pre-drywall
  □ Occupancy inspection (final)
□ Obtain Occupancy Permit before occupying