Plans and Drawings

Where do I begin?

Before hiring a design consultant (engineer, designer or builder), please confirm their qualifications by contacting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) by accessing their on-line Public Registry (QuARTS).  The designer must provide you with a valid Building Code Identification Number (BCIN).

The Ontario Building Code requires that people who prepare drawings for the purpose of acquiring a building permit must be qualified and registered with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Quarts system, except when the project is residential AND the designer is the owner.

It is important to note that drawings for some prefabricated (engineered) structures require certification by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in Ontario.  Examples include prefabricated greenhouses and sheds.  Whenever buying a prefabricated structure, ensure that you are provided with a copy of the professional design drawings stamped by a professional, registered engineer.

How Detailed Should Your Plans Be?

Content Requirement for Plans, Drawings and Specifications

Plans, drawings and specifications need to provide enough information to enable Town staff to verify that the proposed construction, once completed, will comply with the requirements of the Building Code and any applicable laws.

The Building By-law sets out the specifications and documents required to submit along with the application form.  If you have any questions please contact the Building Department and they will be pleased to assist you.

Generally,

• All drawings must be on durable material, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned (rough sketches are not acceptable).

• We cannot accept drawings in pencil, but photocopies of penciled drawings are acceptable.
  
  Note: Your application form must be accompanied by the following:

• Two sets of building plans (floor plans, elevations and cross-sections and details)

• Two copies of your property survey or site plan that shows the proposed new construction to scale with dimensioned setbacks indicated.

Your Plans May Require...

• Site plan

• Drainage and grading plan

• Foundation plan

• Floor plans

• Roof plan

• Elevation views

• Cross section(s)

• Structural framing details

What is a Site Plan?

A site plan identifies buildings and other features in relation to property boundaries.  The site plan must identify your existing house, other existing structures and features (i.e. garages, sheds, decks, pools, septic beds, septic tanks, wells) and proposed additions or new structures.

Most or all of the information required for a site plan can be found on your property survey.  You may have received a survey when you purchased your home.  Plans of property can be obtained from the Ontario Land Registry Office.  The Town does not keep copies of surveys.

The following information should be shown on a site plan:

• Title and scale

• Legal description

• Street name(s)

• Driveway location

• North arrow

• Property lines with dimensions

• Setbacks (distance) to all property lines from all existing and proposed structures

• Proposed construction (shaded or graphically distinguished from existing construction)

• Overall building dimensions, lot coverage, new and existing building areas of all buildings

• Right-of-way and easements

• Location of well and septic system (if applicable)

For interior renovations, an interior plan (key plan) may be required showing the location of both existing and proposed construction.

What should be illustrated on a Floor Plan?

Floor plans are required for each floor level to be constructed or that is affected by your project.  For additions to existing buildings, floor plans of all or part of the existing building may be required.

The following information must be shown on a floor plan:

• Title and scale

• All room names or uses (e.g., kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc.)

• Location of plumbing fixtures

• Size, direction and spacing of structural members (joists, columns, beams and lintels)

• Interior and exterior dimensions, including door and window sizes

• Materials to be used

• The extent and size of both the new and existing structures

What is an Elevation View?

An Elevation View is an illustration of a finished exterior of each side of the building.  Elevation drawings are required for any project that may alter the exterior of your building.

The following information must be shown on an elevation:

• Title and scale

• Locations and dimensions of existing and new window and door openings

• Exterior finishes and materials

• Finished floor levels and grade

• Extent of new work and extent of existing work

• Overall height of building

• Slope/pitch of new roofs

What should a Cross-Section detail show?

A cross-section presents a view of a house along an imaginary cut, showing the structural elements of the building and exposing what is hidden within the walls and floor cavities.  Cross-sections through the proposed and existing structure(s) may be required to show building materials and how they relate to one another.  The location of the cross-section is shown by the cross-section symbol on the floor plans.

The following information must be shown on a cross-section:

• Title and scale

• Room names

• Heights and dimensions of doors and windows

• Size and types of materials and finishes

• Finished floor level and grades

• Extent of existing house and proposed additions