Building Departments

Typically, the office is referred to as the Building Department.
Development and Building Approvals, Planning and Community Services, Building Inspectors Office, and Town Office are a few examples of other titles for this division in different districts.

The responsibility of the building division is to ensure that all construction work complies with the building codes and local by-laws within their jurisdiction. This applies to all commercial and residential projects that require a permit before proceeding with work.

Each office has official planners and inspectors. In some small towns or municipalities the building inspector performs both duties. A city office tends to have many planners and building inspectors, as development typical occurs at a higher rate in these areas.

Primarily, anyone planning construction work that requires a permit must apply for one at the building department. Specifically at the office in the district where the work is to take place. Whether the work is new construction, renovation, electrical, plumbing, signage, etc., if a permit is required, it must be obtained before proceeding with any work.

To obtain a permit, plans or drawings outlining the proposed work are necessary. These are submitted with an application form also outlining the work, the owner, the contractor, etc. and the application fee. The planning officials at the building division review these documents to ensure all applicable codes are followed. Once they are approved, the permit is issued. Once the permit is picked up it must be displayed in a prominent location on the job site during construction.

Secondly, many construction projects that require a permit also require job site inspections.

The building inspector visits the site to ensure all work taking place is according to the approved drawings as well as all applicable codes. On large projects several appointments with the building inspector are scheduled throughout the various stages of the construction.

The building inspector has the authority to stop work on any job. This happens when a job site is determined to be unsafe or, where a permit is not visible or issued. He/she has the authority to have a portion or all completed work removed. This occurs when the construction does not comply with code regulations or it not visible for inspection. For example, electrical or plumbing work must be inspected before it is enclosed

Building inspectors will also stop by areas where construction is taking place and a permit is not visible. This is to determine if a permit has been obtained before the work has started or if a permit has even been applied for on this project.

Planners and inspectors in the building departments can answer construction questions based on building codes and their local by-laws. They can also provide information as to whether any other authorities having jurisdiction in the area are required to inspect the job site, such as the local fire marshal.

To contact the building department for a city or town in a province in Canada, please click on the heading below.

Building Departments - By Province