Page ContentBuilding Division Impacts of COVID-19 on programs and services:Town Administrative Offices are open for in-person services. Appointments are strongly recommended. Services will also continue to be available online or by phone – learn about our virtual services. See the Town's COVID-19 page for more information. Modified Services During Coronavirus Pandemic How have COVID-19 precautions affected the Building Division?Our offices are open starting February 22; however, we encourage appointments for face-to-face consultations, and contactless permit application and payment are available. We continue to require screening and other precautions during inspections. See the sections below for more detail.Can I apply for a Building Permit? Our office will continue to accept and review all new permit applications. The inspection protocols outlined in the section below must be followed. Building permit applications may be submitted by email to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com. Please note that email attachments cannot be larger than 10MB; any larger files will require submission by a file-sharing program such as Dropbox. Please see information below on payment methods.Can I request a Building Inspection? You may request an inspection, and an inspection will be conducted provided that all requirements are met. All persons requesting a building inspection must complete a COVID-19 Screening Checklist on the morning of the inspection request and we must receive it prior to the actual inspection. To request an inspection, please email buildinginspections@townofbwg.com Please make note of the following: Agricultural, Multi-Residential, Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI), and Residential Builders: Inspectors will conduct on-site inspections and may only be accompanied by 1 individual who has completed the COVID-19 Screening Checklist, in addition to maintaining the recommended social distance (minimum 2 metres distance). No other individuals may be in the vicinity or in the structure of the requested inspection and no other individuals may approach the Inspector.If these protocols are not followed, the Inspector has the right to refuse any further on-site inspections. Homeowners: Virtual inspections will be an acceptable form of inspection, available until further notice. For simple construction, photos MAY be accepted at the discretion of the Inspector and may be sent to buildinginspections@townofbwg.comInspectors will conduct on-site inspections at the inspector’s discretion and may only be accompanied by 1 individual who has completed the COVID-19 Screening Checklist, in addition to maintaining the recommended social distance (minimum 2 metres distance). No other individuals may be in the vicinity or in the structure of the requested inspection and no other individuals may approach the Inspector.If these protocols are not followed, the Inspector has the right to refuse any further on-site inspections. Should completion of construction occur without the benefit of a required inspection, the Chief Building Official may require the construction to be uncovered in accordance with the Building Code Act. Payment Methods Amounts over $5,000 Method of Payment InstructionsResidential Builders and ICI ProjectsWire TransferPlease contact us at buildinginspections@townofbwg.com or 905-778-2055 ext. 1500 to advise us that you wish to make a wire transfer and we will provide you with detailed instructions. A copy of the wire transfer report shall then be sent to payments@townofbwg.com with a copy to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com with the following information: Amount of wire transferReason for transfer (Building Permit Fees or Development Charges)Municipal address or associated plan number and lot numbers. (e.g. 123 Bradford St., or Plan 51M-1133 Lots 1-20)Once confirmation of payment is received from our finance department, your application will be processed and a copy of the receipt will be sent by email.Homeowners and Other ProjectsPre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Click here for the pre-authorized debit form, which will allow a withdrawal directly from your bank account. Complete the form and send it with a copy of a void cheque to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com with the following information: Amount to be withdrawnMunicipal address of property where work is to take placeOnce confirmation of payment is received from our finance department, your application will be processed. Payments of $5,000 or less Method of Payment InstructionsAny projectCredit CardA Town of BWG staff member will call the phone number you have provided to take payment by VISA or MasterCard. A receipt will be emailed to you directly.Any projectPre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Click here for the pre-authorized debit form, which will allow a withdrawal directly from your bank account. Complete the form and send it with a copy of a void cheque to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com with the following information: Amount to be withdrawnMunicipal address of property where work is to take placeOnce confirmation of payment is received from our finance department, your application will be processed.This option is ideal if you are providing a security deposit at the same time. Security Deposits Method of Payment InstructionsAny project(for details, see section 4.3 of Building By-law 2019-107)Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD)Click here for the pre-authorized debit form, which will allow a withdrawal directly from your bank account. Complete the form and send it with a copy of a void cheque to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com with the following information: Amount to be withdrawnMunicipal address of property where work is to take placeOnce confirmation of payment is received from our finance department, the permit card and drawings will be sent to you.The same banking information will be used for the release of the security deposit once the project is deemed complete.Any project(for details, see section 4.3 of Building By-law 2019-107)Wire TransferPlease contact us at buildinginspections@townofbwg.com or 905-778-2055 ext. 1500 to advise us that you wish to make a wire transfer and we will provide you with detailed instructions. A copy of the wire transfer report shall then be sent to payments@townofbwg.com with a copy to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com with the following information: Amount of wire transferReason for transfer (Building Permit Fees or Development Charges)Municipal address or associated plan number and lot numbers. (e.g. 123 Bradford St., or Plan 51M-1133 Lots 1-20)Once confirmation of payment is received from our finance department, your application will be processed and a copy of the receipt will be sent by email. The Building Division is responsible for the enforcement of the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code. This includes issuing building permits and inspecting all newly constructed buildings. A building permit must be obtained from the Town of BWG before you begin most construction projects within the municipality, as per the Building By-law. Home Owners How do I get information about my property?If you are the current property owner on title and would like to request the following information for your property: SurveyHistory of Permit Applications Drawings (Architectural, Mechanical, Structural, Septic, etc.) Please download and complete the Request for Information form, and submit your application to buildinginspections@townofbwg.com. All applicable fees are outlined on the form. If you have any further questions, please call 905-778-2055 ext. 1500. When is a building permit required?You must obtain a building permit before you: Construct any new building over ten square metres in area or place another structure, such as a mobile home, on your propertyChange the use of a buildingExcavate or construct a foundationConstruct a seasonal buildingUndertake work regarding the installation, alteration, extension or repair of an on-site sewage system If you are unsure whether a building permit is required, please consult with the Town’s Building Division at 905-775-5366 ext. 1500.How do I apply for a building permit?Visit the Building Projects page for details on the process required for specific projects.My permit is issued, now what?The Building Code sets out the stages of construction when different types of buildings must undergo a mandatory inspection. A Prescribed Notices for Inspections form will be provided to the Applicant upon permit pick-up which outlines what inspections are required and at what stage. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact the Building Division to request an inspection. During the inspection, an inspector will inspect the work to determine if it is carried out in accordance with the Building Code, your permit and the approved plans. To request an inspection, simply contact the Building Division 48 hours in advance at 905-775-5366 ext. 1500 or buildinginspections@townofbwg.com. Residential Builders We're ready to work with you!The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Building Division staff issue permits and inspect properties. Our permit administrators will provide general information or direct you to a building inspector for technical information. We will assign building inspectors to your file before you have to register your plan. To allow this process to move as quickly as possible, please provide complete and accurate information, and carefully review all of the information we provide you. Read below for information on how to take advantage of our Certified Model Program. See the page of common Building Projects for information and forms for: building an individual residenceconstructing an additionconducting a renovationinterior finishing of a residential or commercial/industrial/institutional buildingchanging the use of a building Certified Model ProgramThe Certified Model Program is an application process prescribed by the Chief Building Official and must be completed for each model. The town of Bradford West Gwillimbury By-law defines a certified model as a unique building design for a detached dwelling, semi-detached unit or townhouse unit that has been reviewed by the Chief Building Official for compliance with the Building Code and is intended for construction pursuant to a permit issued under the Act. A certified model is not itself a building permit. Download the Certified Model Application. For further information on the Certified Model Program, please contact the Building Division.Site servicingThe Fill and Site Alteration By-law requires that a permit be obtained for site servicing, as described therein.Applicable lawResulting from recent changes to the Ontario Building Code, the definition of applicable law has been replaced with a list of statutes and regulations. Building permit applicants must establish compliance with applicable law at the time of permit application submission. Confirm required approvals by using the Applicable Law Checklist. Agriculture & Food Nutrient Management Act 2002 s. 11: Farm buildings housing animals or animal manure Milk Act s.14: Buildings used as milk processing plant. Charitable Institutions Charitable Institutions Act s. 5: Where building is used for charitable institution. Child Care Centres Day Nurseries Act s.5: Where a building is used for a daycare. Environment Environmental Assessment Act s.5: major I/ C/ I projects. MOE Certificate of Approval Environmental Protection Act s.9: where building may discharge contaminants. Brownfield Redevelopment Environmental Protection Act s. 168: where industrial or commercial property changed to residential or parkland use. Former Landfills, Environmental Protection Act s.46: where building on former waste disposal site. Funeral Homes Funeral Directors and Establishments Act s.9: where building houses a funeral establishment. Highways Public Transportation & Highway Improvement Act s. 34/38: permit form Minister for construction projects located within 45 meters of King's highway. Hospitals Public Hospitals Act s.4: New hospitals and facilities or additions to existing hospitals. Private Hospitals Act s. 22: where house is used as a private hospital. Public Lands Development Work Permit, Public Lands Act s. Ont. Reg. 453/96: Construction of a building on Public Lands. Senior Citizens Nursing Home Licensing, Nursing Homes Act s. 4 & 5: construction, alteration or conversion of building to a nursing home. Retirement Homes, Homes for the Aged & Rest Homes Act s.14 & Elderly Persons Centres Act s.6: Where building used as a home for the aged.Ontario Building Code requirements for new constructionOntario Building Code changes came into effect for all permits applied for after December 31, 2011. They are related to: Energy efficiency for housesImproved air barrier requirementsOccupancy permits for certain buildings of residential occupancy Review a presentation on these requirements. Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) How do I apply for a building permit?Visit the Building Projects page for details on the process required for specific projects.
