Building Inspections

Building site inspections are a mandatory requirement of the building permit process. As the permit holder, you are responsible for contacting the City to schedule inspections at each stage of construction. 

Before you start construction:

Once your building permit is issued, there are a few important steps to complete before any work begins.

These steps will help you understand what to expect during the construction process and what requirements must be met to successfully complete your project.

If you applied for your permit online, you will be able to download your issued permit package from the Online Application System.

Otherwise, you will be contacted by a Plans Examiner who will ensure you receive your issued permit package. 

Your issued permit package will include a building permit with pertinent information such as who to call for inspections and what inspections are required.

Once you have received your issued permit package please take the time to review your building permit document and permit plans.

Be aware of your obligation to provide notice, by booking inspections, at various stages of construction and aware of all professional review reports that may be required to be submitted during the project (Architect, Engineer, Surveyors, etc.)

Additionally, you will need to review all notations, noted code requirements and changes that have been made to the drawings during the review process. If you have any questions you should review these with the inspector prior to starting construction.

Posting the permit on site is a requirement of the Building Code and provides proof that construction can occur. Having the issued plans available on site allows the contractor to build in accordance with the reviewed design and must be accessible to the site inspector to view. 

If the permit and issued drawings are not available on site the inspection will not be completed and you will have to reschedule for a later date.

The notice of commencement of construction meeting is required so that you can meet the inspector(s) assigned to your project, review any questions or concerns you may have about the project or inspection process, allow the inspector to review your construction plans and schedule, and help you understand the inspection process and stages.

It can be very helpful to discuss potential issues or concerns ahead of time instead of having to correct deficiencies after construction has started. 

The inspectors name and phone number for your project are listed under the Conditions section of the Building Permit.

Constructing in accordance with the issued drawings can prevent any unnecessary delays in the construction project and help ensure you construct in compliance to the building code regulations.

Any proposed changes to the project must be reviewed with the inspector, prior to constructing the changes, to allow the inspector to determine if a revision to the permit is required.

The inspections and reports required for your project are listed on your building permit. These requirements are specific to your project.

Calling to book inspections is required under the Ontario Building Code. Inspections allow a building official to check that your construction meets Building Code standards.

At each inspection stage, a building official must visit the site and give approval before you continue to the next phase of work. If work continues without the required inspections, you may be ordered to stop work or open up completed areas so an inspection can be done.

In addition to site inspections, the building official must receive and review all reports listed on your permit. These reports confirm that any professionals involves (e.g. engineers or designers), have reviewed the work and met their legal responsibilities under the Building Code and other applicable laws.

To book an inspection, contact the building inspector listed in the Conditions section of your building permit.
Please provide your building permit number and the project address when booking. Allow at least 24 hours’ notice.

If your construction plans change, require revisions, or if the inspector identifies deficiencies that need correction, you must rebook the inspection. Work can only continue to the next stage once approval is granted.