When planning to construct a new single-unit dwelling in the City of Kenora, you must follow a system of approvals, permits, and inspections to ensure the successful completion of your project.
The system of approvals, permits, and inspections for new single unit dwellings can be complex.
- It is important to make sure the property is zoned for the intended use before starting the design and planning stage.
- The City of Kenora requires the construction documents follow the rules set by the Ontario Building Code, the Zoning By-law, the Building By-law, and any other authority with jurisdiction.
It is important to follow the approved plans during construction and schedule inspections as needed to avoid delays due to deficiencies.
Single unit dwelling permit process
View the three stage process for new single unit dwelling projects.
Pre-construction stage |
| The pre-construction stage, or plans and permits stage, includes:
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Construction stage |
| The construction stage, or inspection stage, flows through the following steps:
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Post-construction stage |
| The post-construction stage, or occupancy stage, includes:
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Single unit dwelling permits
View the guidelines for your new single unit dwelling project to help you understand what is needed for the building permit application and the zoning rules you must follow.
City of Kenora Zoning and Building By-laws |
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| The City of Kenora Zoning By-law 101-2015 has provisions about the size, height, location, and use of buildings.
The Building By-law 42-2024 includes rules for construction, demolition, change of use, and inspections. The Building By-law includes the permit fee schedule. |
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How to apply for a building permit |
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| You can apply online using Cloudpermit.
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How to prepare residential permit drawings |
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| Review the Required Drawing Chart which outlines the drawings needed for permit applications. If your project is not listed, contact the Building Department to determine what drawings are needed.
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What information is required on each drawing |
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| Review the standard sample drawings for requirements. Please note you must prepare your own drawings. The sample drawings are for reference purposes only. Additional drawings and details may be required. Site planThe site plan is a drawing based on the property survey. The site plan must show the location of the proposed structure and all existing buildings in relation to the property lines and each other. The following information should be shown on the site plan:
Foundation planThe foundation plan is a drawing that illustrates the structural components that will support the building, control ground water around the building and forms part of the soil-gas control system. The following information should be shown on the foundation plan:
If you are proposing to use a concrete floating slab foundation for any structure greater than 55 m² (592 ft²) the slab must be designed and sealed by a Structural Engineer. Floor plans and framing plansA floor plan is a view, from above, of the building layout cut approximately 4’ above the walking surface. The Building Department requires framing plans when engineering is required. The following information should be shown on all floor plans:
Pre-Engineered floor framing or truss drawings must be provided with an application for permit, or prior to the framing inspection. Cross sectionA cross section is a cut away view of the building from the foundation to the roof. The cross section is required to show the building materials and how they relate to each other. The following information should be shown on the cross section: • Title and scale • Room names • All height dimensions (including floor to ceiling, doors, windows, etc.) • Size and type of materials • Grade and finish floor elevations • Larger detailed drawings may be required to fully show the proposed construction. ElevationsElevations show all the outside views of the building. The following information should be shown on the elevations:
HVAC designA Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) design is required for all new mechanical systems serving each dwelling unit. Some additions may also need a completed HVAC design. The following information should be submitted as part of the HVAC design:
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What to do when the building permit has been issued |
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| Once you receive the building permit, please read the approved plans and documents carefully before starting work on the project. Pay special attention to any revisions (red marks) included on the approved documents.
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Required inspections |
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| Inspections are required during construction to make sure all work is in line with the approved plans. It is the responsibility of the property owner or authorized agent to request inspections. Inspections are requested through Cloudpermit.
Failure to schedule inspections will result in not being allowed to occupy the building and may also result in uncovering the work. |
Additional resources
Check out these important resources:
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