"Why bother with a building permit? It's an extra expense and hassle. I can do the job fine myself - or - my contractor knows what he's doing. My neighbour got away without a permit..."
Think again ... The building permit, the inspection process, the final inspection "pass" and the occupancy certificate are all part of Ontario's Building Code, developed by our democratic system to protect the safety of citizens both individually and generally:
- Safety - Inspections are checkpoints to ensure that the project meets health, safety and other criteria from the Ontario Building Code. Municipalities are charged with enforcing the building regulations for the province, and building permits are legally required under the Building Code Act.
- Consumer Protection - The building permit, plans review, inspections and occupancy approval all work together to provide consumer protection for the homeowner, ensuring that the project is completed to Code and as per the contractor's obligations.
- Future Sale - Prospective buyers and their lawyers ask to review municipal records at the time of purchase to check that permits were issued and completed.
- Insurance Claim - You might want to check with your insurance company to see if they would cover you... if your no-permit woodstove caused a fire... or your illegal greywater system contaminated a neighbour's well...
- Public Health - All of Tay Valley's water and sewage disposal is privately owned. But if your system is undersized or overworked, it is a hazard to you and your neighbours - to the water we drink and the lakes and rivers we use for recreation.
- Land Use Zoning - The municipal planner checks the zoning requirements for your property - to prevent over-building and make sure your project is set back enough from property lines - for example, an illegal garage that's too close to the cottage road could block access for emergency vehicles.
- Local Business - Builders and subcontractors who do not obtain building permits undercut legitimate builders who are part of the local construction industry, a significant employer.
