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How long does the planning process take?
The length of time it takes to proceed through the planning process depends on a number of factors;
- Type of Planning Application (ie. some applications have mandatory public meetings etc.)
- Approval Process ( ie. is it an application that can be approved by staff or is a Council report required?)
- Quality of submissions/drawings (ie. more complete applications and better quality submissions result in less revisions and over-all circulations)
These varying factors make it difficult for staff to predict how long it will take to gain final approval, however during the pre-consultation process staff will attempt to give an idea of how long your specific application will take.
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What is a Site Plan?
A site plan package includes architectural plans, and detailed engineering drawings of proposed layout and improvements on a property. A site plan shows a building footprint, building elevations, access routes, parking, grading drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines, water lines, trails, lighting, landscaping and other such features.
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What is Site Plan Approval?
Site Plan Approval is the statutory process for reviewing the building size, location, design, access, services, parking, loading, and landscaping of proposed developments. The Site Plan Control By-law outlines when site plan approval is required.
- Where can I find general information regarding Builder and Developer responsibilities in a newly built subdivision?
You can find information at: New Subdivision Information page.
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Where can I apply for a Building Permit?
You can apply for a permit through Building Services at 111 Sandiford Drive.
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How much does a Building Permit cost?
You can find information about costs associated with Building Permits here: Building Fee Info.
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How long does it take for a permit to be issued?
Every attempt is made to have first response within 10-30 business days, depending on the type of building. Based on review, you may need to revise your drawings and make additional submissions.
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Once the Building Permit is issued, how long do I have to wait before I can start to build?
Once your permit is issued, you can start right away.
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How can I find out the status of my permit?
You will be contacted by the Building Department when either the permit is ready or there are revisions required.
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What is my zoning and what can I build under my zoning?
Contact Development Services for more information. A zoning map is coming soon.
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How can I change my zoning?
Contact Development Services for more information on zoning. There are complex regulations and submission requirements, so we strongly advise that you pre-consult with us before making any applications.
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How can I divide my property up to create new lot(s)?
Dividing a property requires approval from the Town of a Plan of Subdivision or granting consent to sever lands. Any land division needs to comply with the Town, Regional and Provincial policies and rules. Contact Development Services for more information.
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Do I need a permit in order to build a deck?
If your deck is more than 24" or 2 ft (0.6m) off the ground, at any point, you require a Building Permit. Decks where the entirety of the floor is less than 2" off the ground do not need a permit.
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Do I need a Building permit to widen my driveway?
No, but you need to check with a Zoning Official to ensure your zone allows this. The Zoning By-Law sets a maximum width for driveways on many residential lots. Additionally, the boulevard and curb along the edge of the streets is owned by the Town and you cannot pave this area without an Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department. Please contact Public Works.
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Do I need a permit to install a hot tub?
No, but your hot tub must have a lockable lid when not in use.
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How far from the fence can my pool be?
Your pool needs to be at least 1.2m (4") from your property line/fence but the distance from your property lines side depend on the specific zone set-back.
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How high can my fence be?
Fences in Residential Areas:
- No higher than 1 m (3.28ft) above the ground within the front yard.
- No higher than 2.2m (7.22ft) above the ground within any interior side yard, exterior yard or rear yard.
Fences in Non-Residential Areas:
- No higher than 3 m (9.84ft) above the ground within the rear yard or interior side yard.
- No higher than 1 m (3.28ft) above the ground within the front yard, except where accessory outdoor storage is lawfully maintained within the front yard, in which case the provisions of this By-law relating to accessory outdoor storage shall apply.
Fences on top of decks are considered privacy screens and have a maximum height of 1.8m (6 ft) on top of the deck.
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Do I need a permit to build a fence?
No, but you do need to follow the Fence By-Law.
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What can I do with a heritage site property?
See Heritage Site for more information.
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What can I do with a property on the Oak Ridges Moraine?
See Oak Ridges Moraine for more information.
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How do I get my floor plans?
Contact builder for floor plans, as the Town does not have this information.
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What does the size of my drawings have to be? What type of paper can I use?
As long as your drawings are legible, it does not matter what size or the type of paper that is needed.
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How do I get a survey?
The Town does not have surveys. Please contact Land Registry at 905-713-7798. Your builder may also still have a survey on file, and certain Land Ontario Surveyors make older surveys available online for purchase.
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I own an industrial and/or commercial unit within a larger building. If I want to alter or retrofit my unit, what do I need to supply the Town as part of my permit application?
Please contact Building Services about new uses being proposed because it may or may not be permitted in the Zoning By-law.
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Where can I farm in Whitchurch-Stouffville?
You can farm anywhere in Whitchurch-Stouffville, but with more than 0.8 hectares of land.