Additions

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Where do I start?

Before applying for any building permits you must first know whether your proposed deck or addition meets with the legal zoning and property uses. An example of zoning requirement could be the minimum distance needed between your addition and your property line.

What else must I know?

In addition to zoning requirements, you should confirm compliance with other Applicable Laws, see our Applicable Law Declaration for contact information to many of the approval authorities commonly involed in building proposals (our forms can be accessed by following 'Building Permit Forms Quick Links' at the bottom of the page). Although this is not a comprehensive list, an Applicable Law Declaration will be required to be submitted with your Application.

Pay special attention if you are in an area regulated by either conservation authorities, Toronto Region or Lake Simcoe Region. This process takes additional time and money.
If you are located in the older area of urban Stouffville and your proposal is for an addition other than a deck, check to see if you are within the Heritage Site Plan Control Area. If you are located in the rural area, check to see if you need to provide an environmental study. These processes also take additional time and money. Please contact the Development Planning Division to discuss your site plan control questions.
If you are located outside of urban Stouffville you must find out exactly where your septic system is placed relative to your proposed pool. Pools must be at least 5 metres away from the septic bed and 1.5 metres away from the septic tank.
You must also ensure that any regrading work does not negatively effect your neighbour's drainage.
If you are within a newer subdivision that has not been fully assumed by the Town, you will need approval from your builder/developer in the form of a letter or e-mail.
If you are instead within a condo development, you will need approval from your condo board by way of a letter or e-mail.

Can I do my own design and plans?

The Town does not recommend you do your own building designs unless you are very knowledgeable in the Ontario Building Code.

As a homeowner you are allowed to submit your own building designs instead of hiring a Qualified Designer, an Architect or an Engineer. Do-it-yourself homeowner designs often result in delays and added costs for multiple plan reviews. For a detailed list of plans and information needed to obtain a Building Permit, please refer to our Building By-law. For liability reasons, you should be aware that Town Staff will not provide design advice to anyone.

How much will it cost?

We charge per square foot measured from the outer limits of the structure plus, if applicable, plumbing and septic charges. We only accept cheque, debit and cash.

Building Permit costs are found in our Town Fees Bylaw, see Schedule 'G'. The current by-law can be found on our Fee Info page.

How do I apply?

Please review and complete the related Building Permit forms and bring them along with your design drawings and the appropriate building fees to our Town Offices.

Please note that the Town does not approve or inspect electrical or gas services which are under the jurisdiction of the Electrical Safety Authority and your authorized Enbridge Gas contractor, respectively. Other fuel services such as oil and propane are approved and inspected by the Technical Standards Safety Authority.

How long will it take?

The permit review takes roughly 10 business days following the day after you submit your complete application.

If your complete application is approved, you will get a phone call from Town staff advising that your Building Permit can be issued. If your application cannot be approved you will be advised by either e-mail or letter what further information/correction is still needed.

How many inspections do I need?

The amount of inspections depends on the complexity of the work and will normally be assigned with the Building Permit.