Building Permit Holder Responsibilities

Permit Posting

Keeping Documents on Site

Section 1.3.2.2 (1) of the Building Code states that the person in charge of the construction of the building needs to keep and maintain the following documents on site:

• At least one copy of the drawings and specifications authorized/certified by the chief building official or a person designated by the chief building official together with any changes that have been authorized/certified by the chief building official or a person designated by the chief building official;
• Copies of authorizations of the Building Materials Evaluation Commission on the basis of which the permit was issued, and;
• Copies of rulings of the Minister, made under clause 29 (1) (a) or (c) of the Act, on the basis of which the permit was issued.

Occupancy

It is a violation of the Ontario Building Code and Building Code Act to occupy or use a building prior to an occupancy permit being issued by the Chief Building Official or person designated by the Chief Building Official.

Section 11 of the Ontario Building Code Act states that:

1. Except as authorized by the building code, a person shall not occupy or use a building or part of a building that is newly erected or installed or permit it to be occupied or used until the requirements set out in this section are met.
2. Notice of the date of completion of the building or part must be given to the chief building official or registered code agency, if any.

Section 1.3.3.1 of the Ontario Building Code states that:

• Except as permitted in Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1), a person may occupy or permit to be occupied any building or part of it that has not been fully completed at the date of occupation where the chief building official or a person designated by the chief building official has issued a permit authorizing occupation of the building or part of it prior to its completion in accordance with sentence (2).

Section 1.3.3.3 of the Ontario Building Code states that:

• Where a person has occupied or permitted the occupancy of a building under this Subsection, such person shall notify the chief building official forthwith upon completion of the building.

Footings

Footing areas are to be inspected before the placement of concrete. It is recommended that delivery of concrete not be scheduled until appropriate inspections have been passed.

• Formwork in place as per approved drawings
• Size and depth of footings as per approved drawings
• Bearing areas level and firm
• Footing areas free from water and protected from freezing
• OLS report submitted to Building Department prior to inspection where footings are within 3 feet of required setback to property line or where survey markers are not visible
• All required reinforcement in place
• Sleeves for services are in place and allow for full depth concrete
• Step footings are in place and cut back as required by soil type

Foundation

Foundations are to be inspected before backfilling.

• Walls and piers centrally located on footings
• Parging installed and coved at base where the block foundations are used
• Damp proofing and drainage layer or waterproofing in place
• Weeper with sock and required stone cover in place
• Walls braced prior to backfilling
• Maximum backfill heights are not exceeded
• Sump pit in place and connected to weeper
• Basement rough-in may be inspected if installed

Framing

Framing needs to be inspected before walls, ceilings, and floors are insulated.

• All framing in place as per approved drawings
• Sealed and signed truss drawings to be submitted to Building Department prior to booking inspection
• All engineered elements installed as per design
• Windows and doors installed protecting all areas to be insulated
• Roof finish and ventilation complete
• Drilling and notching: All electrical, HVAC and plumbing rough-ins are installed
• All point loads and bearings taken to foundation

Insulation

Insulation inspection needs to be completed before covering walls, ceilings and floors.

• Insulation is installed in all conditioned areas as per approved drawings
• Insulation trimmed to fit – avoid overfilling wall cavities
• Openings/spaces around window and door frames to be insulated and sealed
• Polyethylene vapour barrier (6mil) over all insulation and sealed where joined between framing members
• CCMC, BMEC and CUFCA certificate affixed to panel for spray foam applications
• If ceiling to be blown-in, vapour barrier will be installed prior to inspection, however the blown-in insulation may be installed after the ceiling board has been installed, in which case you will need to provide a blow-in certificate

Plumbing Rough-In

Plumbing rough-in inspection needs to be completed before covering walls, ceilings and floors.

• All DWV lines and supply lines are in place
• Plumbing to be under test – water or air

HVAC Rough-In

HVAC rough-in needs to be inspected before walls, ceilings and floors are covered.

• All ductwork installed as per approved drawings
• Unused floor joist and stud wall cavities to be blocked/sealed

Occupancy

An occupancy inspection needs to be completed before you can use or occupy the building.

• Guards, stairs and handrails in place – ensure uniform rise and run to finished surfaces on stairs
• Building envelope sealed and all unfinished walls have sheathing membrane installed
• All doors leading from the dwelling have deadbolts installed
• Kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms and similar rooms shall have water resistant flooring installed
• Heating system, where required, installed as per heating/cooling/ventilation summary
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed, hardwired and interconnected
• Doors leading to the exterior to have landings, stairs, guards, etc., where applicable or the door to be secured to prevent opening more than 4”

Final

The final inspection is to be conducted after the completion of all construction.

• All work is complete.

Excavations (Footing Inspections)

• Suitable access to the bottom of the excavation needs to be provided with a walkable grade/bank and/or construction stairs.
• Ladders are not acceptable under any circumstances.
• Steel footing dowels must have impalement protection installed, as a minimum, at all points of access to the footing area and where there is risk of falling onto dowels.
• The banks of all excavations must be in compliance with OHSA Part III regulations and shall present no risk of cave-in or falling material.

Foundations (ICF Pre-pour Inspections)

• Proper scaffolding shall be provided that is secure and stable.
• Guards must be in place on all scaffolding.
• Stairs or a properly installed and secured ladder in good condition shall be provided at all points of access to scaffolding.
• Step ladders are not acceptable unless it can be placed on a level, stable surface, is secured in place, and is tall enough that the inspector does not need to be higher than her/his waist above the top of the ladder to gain access to the scaffold.

Framing

• Proper construction stairs or a ramp needs to be provided for access to the building and to all levels of that building.
• All floor openings shall have properly installed guards, or be covered with a walkable covering that is structurally capable of supporting any person. Where covered, any opening shall be identified as a floor opening.
• All floor edges that require access must have properly installed guards.
• Where stairs are not practical (like for attic access) a properly installed and secured ladder in good condition is to be provided. If a step ladder is to be used, it must be secure and tall enough so that the inspector does not need to stand higher than her/his waist above the top of the ladder.