Village of Debden

Building Permits:

Building and Development Permits - Do I need one?

DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING PERMITS

A Development Permit acknowledges the use of land and buildings and its compliance with the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. An approved Development Permit is required in almost all instances in order to construct, renovate or reconstruct a building/structure on your property. A Development permit is also required to change or alter the use of a building. Some examples of this may be adding a residential basement suite or changing a building use from residential to commercial or mixed-use or changing the use of a commercial building from being a store to a restaurant or maintenance shop. If you begin development without the required approvals, the Village has the ability under the Zoning Bylaw to issue a Order of Compliance, and other means of enforcement.

A Building Permit is separate from a Development Permit. A Building Permit refers to building construction and compliance with the National Building Code of Canada and Uniform Building & Accessibility Standards. Most applications for a Development Permit also requires the submission of a Building Permit. Please contact the Village of Debden to determine whether or not your proposed project needs a Development Permit, a Building Permit, or both.

WHY DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?

The Permit process ensures that minimum safety standards are met to protect you, your family, your neighbor's and anyone visiting your property. It also ensures that construction complies with local building bylaws and zoning regulations. In addition, insurance companies may require proof of the inspection process before insuring any additions or upgrades to your property.

WHEN DO I NEED A PERMIT?

A building permit is required when any structural change or alteration is made to an existing building, or when any new construction is undertaken. Normal building maintenance, such as painting or flooring, does not typically require a building permit; however, separate permits for plumbing, mechanical or electrical work may be required. These are not obtained through the Village.

If you are planning a residential project that involves structural changes to your home, such as additions or renovations, you will need a building permit. New commercial projects, alterations to an existing building, additions, interior demolition, demolition of a building, or a change of use of a building also require a building permit.

Make sure you understand the building codes and local ordinances before proceeding with any improvement project.

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE PERMIT?

The property owner, or their representative, is responsible for obtaining the building permit.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE?

The specific requirements depend upon the type of work you are planning. For simple interior projects, a scale floor plan will often be adequate. For larger projects involving additions, decks, or major structural renovations, a full set of working drawings and a site survey may be required.

Before a permit is issued, your plans and drawings are reviewed by the Municipality. In general, Municipalities try to approve simple projects quickly while larger projects may require several weeks. Please plan accordingly.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T APPLY FOR A PERMIT?

If you begin a new construction, addition, or renovation project that requires a building permit without having one, your Municipality can issue a "stop work" order. If the work completed-to-date does not meet the requirements of the building code, you may be forced to "undo" all or part of the project and/or pay a hefty penalty far greater than the initial permit fee!

Building without a permit may also affect an insurance claim. Before any work begins on your home, check with your insurance agent to learn exactly what is needed to ensure continuous and adequate coverage, both during and after the building project.