Building Requirements and Permits In Ajax, Durham

Looking for a convenient solution to handle your building requirements and permits in Ajax? We've gathered all the essential information you need in one place for city building permit, ensuring you get the most out of it with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to the hassle of navigating through multiple pages—we've compiled the right information for you in this blog.

City Building Permits

Building Services ensures that all development that needs a city building permit for construction complies with the requirements outlined in the Ontario Building Code (OBC) to provide services to the needs of the community. From the time the permission is submitted until the construction is finished, we examine and evaluate the construction endeavour.

The email address for submitting all inquiries for city building permits, sign permits, demolition permits, plumbing permits, and other possible solutions is buildingpermits@ajax.ca.

Paper submissions for small construction projects shall be processed by consultation only, while online submissions are preferred. However, the approved permit drawings and the building permission card will be delivered electronically.

Please refer to our City Building Permit manuals available on the internet. It displays all the forms, sketches, and other paperwork required for certain kinds of permission applications. The page dedicated to property and home modifications contains requirements for newly constructed homes.

Submission of the Application

Application forms are to be completed by the applicant.
Submissions are completed: the forms, sketches, and the required documentation. All of the Ajax building permits can be done via buildingpermits@ajax.ca.
A pre-screen review is conducted by staff to affirm the project equates to the standards of the submission.
The moment the submission gets passed through the pre-screening review, it is transformed into the required city building permit.
Staff conducts a pre-screen review to confirm the project complies with our submission standards.
Once the submission passes the pre-screen review, it becomes a city building permit application. The applicant will receive an email indicating the applicable permit fee and payment instructions. The date of application is the day following the date that the pre-screen review is approved.

Application Review

Every plan review process is completed digitally, as are any necessary resubmissions.
The person applying will receive email feedback on the plan review.
The applicant sends back updated plans and paperwork for additional examination (until it is approved).

Approval

In case of any outstanding fees, the applicant will receive a notification through email. The permit will only be issued once all fees have been settled.
The applicant will receive an email with the approved blueprints, papers, and building permit card.
To enable the construction inspector to utilise approved documents and plans on-site, individuals must produce a single set of scale, colour drawings, and documents.

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

Having a building permit is not the same as filing an electrical notification with the Electrical Safety Authority. You may need both. You can find more information on the Ajax Building Permits in the rest of the blogs.

Requirements for Ajax Building Permit

The requirements for city building permits differ based on the type of construction and proposed work. The following documents outline the requirements when applying for a building permit.

Minor Construction:

Carports, garages & sheds
Decks and porches
Demolitions
Plumbing
Signs
Sunrooms and additions

Accessory apartments:

Accessory apartments – 9.8 Ontario Fire Code
Below grade entrances
New residential housing (subdivision)
New residential housing (Pickering Beach)
New residential housing
Renovations and additions to existing buildings
Tents and/or air-supported structures
Install school portables

New industrial, commercial, institutional and high-density residential buildings and additions Interior alterations for industrial, commercial, institutional and high-density residential.

Fees of Building Permits

Here is the whole list of fees for building and demolition permits.

The Building By-law specifies all of the fees associated with the city building permit. The HST does not apply to fees. Fees must be paid at the moment of application.

Section A: Construction of new buildings, additions to buildings, including mezzanines:

Item	Occupancy Classification	Work Description	Multiplier
1	Group A – Assembly	Shell Only(1)	$8.22
2		Complete Building (partitioned, finished, mezzanine)	$16.47
3	Group B – Institutional	All Types	$14.95
4	Group C – Residential	Detached, Semi-Detached, Duplex, Triplex, Townhouse	$12.96
		Multiple Unit Buildings (<5 storeys)	$10.38
5		Multiple Unit Buildings (≥5 storeys)	$7.80
6		Motel, Hotel	$12.96
7	Group D – Business and Personal Services	Shell Only(1)	$8.22
8		Complete Building (partitioned, finished, mezzanine)	$14.00
9	Group E – Mercantile	Shell Only(1)	$8.22
10		Complete Building (partitioned, finished, mezzanine)	$13.00
11	Group F – Industrial	Shell Only(1)	$5.66
12		Complete Building (partitioned, finished, mezzanine)	$7.52
13		Unserviced Storage Building	$4.40
14		Parking Garage	$3.50
15		Farm Building	$3.00
16	All Occupancies	Service Floors	$4.00

Section B: Alteration, Repair and Other Structures:

Item	Occupancy Classification	Work Description	Multiplier	Flat Fee
17	Group A – Assembly		$8.00
18	Group B – Institutional		$6.30
19	Group C – Residential	Accessory Apartment	$8.81
20		Retrofit Accessory Apartment		$134
21		All other Residential Occupancies	$6.52
22	Group D – Business and Personal Services		$7.10
23	Group E – Mercantile		$5.14
24	Group F – Industrial		$4.16
25	Other Structures	Accessory Utility Building (garden shed, gazebo)		$134
26		Below Grade Entrance		$300
27		Detached or Semi-detached Carport/Garage(2)		$200
		Deck/Platform/Porch (unenclosed)		$134
		Foundation/Unfinished Basement	$4.00
28		Permanent Tent/Air Supported Structure	$4.00
29		Retaining Wall (per metre of length or part thereof)	$11.00 $800 min.
30		Single, Detached Portable Classroom		$500
31		Temporary Building or Tent(3)		$500
32		Temporary Sales Structure		$500

Section C: Miscellaneous

Item	Occupancy Classification	Work Description	Multiplier	Flat Fee
33	Residential Service Connections	Service Connection (per lot)		$134
34	Solar Panels	Serving Individual Dwellings		$134
35		Serving all other Buildings		$434
36		Balcony Guard Replacement/Repair (per metre of length)	$1.50
37		Electromagnetic Locking Device (each)		$200/ea. $800 max.
38		Fireplace/Woodstove		$134
39		Parking Structure Repair	$1.00

Classes of Permits and Permit Fees:

Item	Class of Permit	By-law Reference	Fee Payable
1	Building Permit	5.2 Schedule A - Part 2	See Schedule ‘B' - Table 2 Minimum fee payable: Minor Permits - $134 Moderate Permits - $300 Major Permits - $500
2	Demolition Permit	5.3	$0.23 per square metre of floor area
3	Permit for a Stage of Construction (Partial Building Permit)	5.4	An amount equal to 10% of the building permit fee for each phase of construction. Minimum fee under Item 1 of this table The maximum fee is $500 Partial permit fees are non-refundable.
4	Conditional Building Permit	5.5	An amount equal to 10% of the building permit fee. Minimum fee under Item 1 of this table The maximum fee is $1000 Conditional permit fees are non-refundable.
5	Change of Use Permit (No construction proposed)	5.6	$300 flat fee
6	Site Servicing Permit	5.7	An amount equal to 1.6% of the estimated construction value of the servicing
7	Signs Permit (regulated by the Building Code)	5.8	$250 per sign
8	Occupancy Permit for an Unfinished Building	8.4	$500 flat fee

Other Fees:

Item	Fee Type	By-law Reference	Fee Payable
9	Resubmission of an application previously found to be incomplete.	5.1	25% of the permit fee
10	Revision to application or permit	8.2	$150 per hour The minimum fee for the review shall be the minimum fee under Item 1 of this table
11	Alternative Solution Examination Fee	8.2	$150 per hour (minimum 1 hour for houses, and 4 hours for other buildings). Alternative Solution fees are non-refundable.
12	Inspection Fee - Additional	8.3	$150 per inspection
13	Permit Surcharge	8.5	The greater of: A surcharge of 25% of the permit fee when construction has begun and a permit application has been received; A surcharge of 50% of the permit fee when construction has begun and no permit application has been received, or Minimum fee following Item 1 of this table
14	Registration and/or Discharge of an Order on/from Title	8.6	$300 flat fee (each)
15	Transfer of Permit	10	$134 flat fee
16	Spatial Separation Agreement	14	$300 flat fee

Building Permits for the Non-Residentials

According to the project specification and the extent of the work, all building drawings for the permit application must be created by a competent designer, architect, professional engineer, or an amalgamation of these.

The OBC mandates that on any document presented to the Chief Building Official, authorized and certified designers who oversee and oversee design activities provide the following pieces of information:

The registered firm's name and building code identification number (BCIN).
A declaration confirming that the appropriate individual has examined and assumed accountability for the design activity.
The name and BCIN of the qualified person.
The signature of the qualified person.
Designer Information form

When a project must be planned and approved by an architect, an engineer with expertise, or both, it is specified by the OBC. Whenever a professional engineer or architect is needed for a building, the person hired is in charge of the following:

Architect or Professional Engineer's Commitment to General Review form
Ensuring that the building design and construction meet the standards outlined by the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario or the Ontario Association of Architects.
Assess whether the building's construction generally complies with the requirements, other papers, revisions, plans, drawings, and visual representations.
Give the Chief Building Official copies of all written reports resulting from the general evaluation.

Conclusion

Finding your way through the complex world of building standards might feel like cracking a hidden code when the last bricks are put and permits are submitted. Amid the blueprints and guidelines, keep in mind that you have set out to create a place that meets your requirements and reflects your aspirations. Every license acquired and rule followed adds a brushstroke to the picture of your dream. Trust the process, seek advice when necessary, and watch as the criteria come together to create a place you can be proud to call home—one that isn't just made of steel and mortar but is painstakingly constructed with consideration for quality, safety, and your special tale. Therefore, proceed through the prerequisites patiently and persistently, understanding that every obstacle you overcome will bring you one step closer to realising what your actual architectural dream is.

You May Also Read:

Building Permit Regulations - Building Code	Building Permit Code
Apply For a Building Permit in Toronto	Apply For a Building Permit
How to Apply for a Building Permit?	How to Apply for a Building Permit?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Ajax?

Yes, you will need a permit to build a deck in Ajax. For that, you might have to go through the permit process and abide by the terms and conditions for the same.

What happens if you build a deck without a permit?

Without a permit, you will not be able to build a deck in any region of Ajax, and if you do, the construction will be regarded as illegal.

What requires a building permit in Ajax?

City building permits have varying conditions depending on the kind of construction and the work you’re planning to do.

What size building does not require a permit in Ontario?

If your backyard, garden or storage shed is less than 160 square feet (or 15 square metres) you can construct it without a building permit. A building permit is required for any shed over 160 square feet.

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