All right. Yeah. All right. It's still simply by the Yeah. Wow. Interesting. Yeah, Yes. Thank you. You don't have any I don't know about Thank you. All right, guys. Good afternoon everyone. Nope. >> Congratulations. >> I didn't Oh, >> thank you. I'm just >> okay. And then will you tell me when I'm actually >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Test. Test. Good afternoon everyone. >> No. >> Yep. >> Do you want me to speak with my voice? No, please make a seat. >> And I'll then I'll walk you. >> Good afternoon, everyone. Can I ask you to please make your way to a seat? We're going to begin our presentation. Thank you. You got your supposed Have a seat. >> Right. Good afternoon everyone. Welcome. I'm Suzanne Holder, manager of training and development in the building department and your MC for today. I'll open our gathering by honoring the land and territory. Oakville as we know it today is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations. From the lands of the Anesnab to the Adawa Daron and Hodeni, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in First Nations history. As we gather today on the sacred lands of treaties 14 and 22, we are in solidarity with indigenous brothers and sisters to honor and respect mother earth, the original nations of the trees and plants, the four-legged, the flyers, the fin and the crawlers as the original stewards of mother earth. We acknowledge and give gratitude to the waters as being life and being sacred and to the carriers of those water teachings, the females. We acknowledge and give gratitude for the wisdom of the grandfathers and the four winds that carry the spirits of our ancestors that walked this land before us. The town of Oakville is located on the treaty lands and territory of the Missagas of the Credit. We acknowledge and thank the Missagas of the Credit First Nation, the treaty holders for being stewards of this traditional territory. Welcome to the building permit information session. Uh welcome councelor Hlett Theel. We're very pleased to have you join us and welcome to our inerson guests and to our guests joining us online. We're delighted to have you here and to learning more about building permits and what to expect when you work with us. Please um for our guests here uh you have you've had a bit of time to interact with our interact with stations and meet our staff. Um, and we'll make sure that there's more time at the end of this session for you to engage and learn more and have um, all of your questions answered about any projects that you're wondering about or more information that you'd like. Um, and for those of you online joining us, um, please contact us. We'll have our information up on the slide that you can contact our team at any time if you have any questions about any projects or um, you need any assistance with building permits. So, I'd like to introduce our building department leadership team. Um, Ralph Kaminsky is our chief building official and director. Uh, Yanni Panagakis is deputy chief building official. Um, Tim Lee is our manager of zoning and committee of adjustment and Philip Smansky is our manager of development construction. Um, we just wanted to make sure that you could put a face to a name if you've had to um any the opportunity of having interactions with us. Um, it's always nice to know um that there is someone behind the emails, behind the phone calls, um, behind all the the hard work that happens um, you know, to get your permits and make things possible for you. So, um, please never hesitate to reach out to our leadership team if you need any support. Um, and as well I just want to say thank you so much to our great staff uh for creating these um exciting interactive exhibits for you and being present to answer all of your questions. They have wonderful knowledge and I encourage you to reach out to them today with your questions but also in future. Don't hesitate. So over the next hour or so we'll be um covering a a pretty full agenda. Um we're going to talk about when you need a permit and um some of the rules around that and when you don't need a permit. Um, we'll look at the building code and the zoning bylaw, how to apply step by step to get a permit, um, what happens, what to expect during inspections, um, some tips and tricks around mistakes or, um, what happens. And, uh, finally, we've got some resources, and there'll be time at the end for some Q&A as well. So, I'd like to welcome Ralph Kaminsky to the stage to uh, to just introduce us and uh, why building permits matter. Thanks, Ralph. Thanks, Suzanne. And again, thanks everyone for showing up here and participating in our first information session for building department. We're trying to keep this light and informal. In fact, I don't even like being behind a podium here. But because of our online guests, we need this format so that the voice can carry. We're trying to create a casual format to let you the residents and the building applicants know that that we're here to help. We do have a very uh rigid process. We do have forms that need to be filled out. We have a process that needs to be followed. We need to adhere to the Ontario building code very closely. Our staff are obligated to comply with or seek for compliance with the building code and only the building code. So, we walk a fine line between what we can require people to do and what we can encourage people to do. We have a lot of knowledge in this department. We have a lot of knowledge across the province and other building departments. We are designers. We are builders. We are former contractors. We are homeowners. We're do-it-yourselfers, so we know what it's like. Whatever application you're going through, you'll find someone on our team that's been there and understands the pain or the nervousness that you're going through to get a building permit. Excuse me. Building permits are important because they ensure that the construction has been vetted to be in compliance with the building code and other applicable regulations. Now, this is important because it protects each of us from any responsibilities that that may be thrust upon us where we need something to rely on. The building code protects us, protects our investment, and protects our decisions. Compliance with the zoning bylaw protects us from ensuring that what we've built isn't compliance. Sometimes what we do annoys our neighbor. Sometimes we say, "Why are they allowed to do that?" Well, the public process that creates the zoning bylaw sets the standards and the guidelines for which construction can take place. We just make sure that they're complying with those regulations. Right? So, there's a there's a relationship that we have with the with the designers, with the applicants, with the homeowner that tries to tries to bridge all these uh conflicts when they exist and we can all live and work in harmony. What we're talking about is basically safety. safety of the building, safety of the occupants, safety of the equipment within that. That's from the drinking water to the structural integrity of the building. What Suzanne pointed out is the various displays we have here. And you'll have time to meet with the staff after our formal presentation, if you will, and ask any questions and learn a little bit more about that. Before you get to them, we will hear from this fine group here, which will provide you a little bit more detail. Again, the important takeaway here is that this is an an informal relationship that we're trying to establish here. Let you know that we're here to help. We have a very serious responsibility. We have tools that allow us to enforce our our position, but we prefer to create a very collaborative, interactive, helpful environment. So, as I said, this is our first uh relationship with the public in this format. I'm pleased with the turnout. I know it's a small group, but this is the first time we're we're we're doing this. We're hoping that word will get out that this is a beneficial exercise and encourage more people to participate. We're planning in the spring to have a more structured uh event for designers and builders and contractors where it'll get more technical. This is a very high level, we'll call it an introductory course, if you will, to the building department and the building permit process. I have on the slide here legal and compliant. It's important for you when you when you purchase a property or when you sell a property that people understand that the work that has happened on that property has been vetted and is protected by the issuance of a building permit. It's the next point. So again that the resale of your property when you have any concerns with your property you should feel comfortable and be assured that if a building permit was issued for the property the building is is properly constructed. I should put a caveat on there. What the building department is not responsible for is workmanship. So in new construction, there is another program that the Ontario government has, the Terrion program. They're responsible for workmanship. They also have a program that's responsible for the quality of the contractors. The building department has no authority over that workmanship and quality of the contractor. That's up to the homeowner to establish and build a relationship with a trustworthy contractor and a trustworthy designer. But full circle to the building department, we're here to help. If you have any questions or concerns with the drawings that are being prepared or with the construction that's taking place, please don't be afraid to reach out to the building department. If you have any questions wondering if what you're doing or contemplating requires a building permit, don't be afraid to reach out to the building department. We're not keeping notes. We're not saying, "Hey, this person asked you a question. We need to make sure that they're not building without a permit." We're here to help. We want to be part of your process. So, I'm going to turn it over to Yachti, who's going to go into a little bit more detail and walk you through what we need for the building permit. Thank you, Yachti. So, every project must satisfy two rule books. One is the Ontario building code and the other one is the zoning bylaw which uh Tim will will come up and speak a little bit more to that effect. Certainly. How's that? Okay. Uh so two project uh two every project must satisfy two rule books. So the the Ontario building code and the zoning bylaw. So the Ontario building code is basically the guidelines on how to construct. uh really comes down to it's a it's a provincewide technical manual that uh speaks to the standards for safe safe construction. So it covers structural integrity of buildings. It covers the fire safety, plumbing, HVAC and energy efficiency. Sets the minima minimum standards for things like stairs, guard heights, um railing heights, etc. Um and it's really ultimately um enforced by the building department. >> Thanks Arie. Um so what is zoning? Zoning helps shapes our communities um how properties can be used and developed in our community. Um, it's a municipal bylaw that sets out the rules for what you can build, where you can build it, and how properties can be used. These rules addresses such things as building height and size, uh, setbacks from property lines, uh, parking and driveways, um, and other development standards. It's it's important to note that zoning requirements still apply even if your project does not require a building permit. So here in Oakville, we have two zoning bylaws. Bylaw 2014-14 generally applies south of Dundas and north of the 407. And bylaw 200989 generally applies between Dundas Street and Highway 407. So, make sure when you're looking at the zoning bylaw, um, you look at the appropriate zoning bylaw to your property. This will help ensure that you're looking at the right rules and standards to apply to your project. Kind of broke. and when in doubt when trying to maneuver through the zoning bylaw, Tim's team is available to answer any of your questions. All right, so this comes up a lot. When do you need a building permit? Um, so most renovation, construction, and demolition projects require a building permit. Um, you know, the best thing is when you're in doubt, reach out. One of our staff members are happy to go through it. check our website and we'll identify which which renovation projects may or may not require uh building permits. So things that generally do require building permits are things like changes to the structure. So if you're taking out a loadbearing wall and replacing with a beam, you want to get that open concept in your house. Absolutely need a building permit. Uh things that people don't consider are things along the lines of when you're taking out a load bearing wall. that load bearing wall isn't just structurally holding up the second floor or the roof. Uh it also houses mechanical systems uh plumbing systems which have to get rerouted. So if you eliminate um important returners are going up to your second floor by taking out that load bearing well you've diminished the quality of your your your heating system. Uh other things are um additions or or changing floor area if you're if you're adding it in addition. I think that that one's a little more straightforward. Things that are modifying your your mechanical plumbing system. So, sometimes even a bathroom renovation where if you're just looking at expanding it, taking up a closet space, you're moving around plumbing fixtures, it requires a building permit. Uh and finally, um you're using a space differently. So, unfinished basement, if you're looking to introduce a a finished basement, you want to expand your recck room, you want to put a theater room down there, it does require a building permit. And of course, if you're looking to add a secondary dwelling unit into your your home as well. So again, common projects that require building permits, additions, new porches, um covered porches, you know, do need to comply with the zoning regulations. So there's always a percentage that applies and and it's always best to to reach out to us if you having um you need to assistance in in trying to decipher some of those um those bylaw or zoning bylaw requirements. Uh finished basement, a deck, even though a deck has some nuances, and I'll I'll touch on that later on, would require a building permit. Structural changes, again, if you're moving those loadbearing walls, it's um it it it does impact the the system as a whole. plumbing and drainage, HVAC, fireplaces, changing out your furnace doesn't require a building permit. However, if you are modifying your duct work to serve um to serve the home differently, that's something that uh would require a building permit. Detached structures, uh few years ago, the building code changed slightly in terms of what size of shed requires a building permit. It's uh we've adopted a 15 square meter. So about 160 square f foot shed does not require a building permit or garden structure provided there are no uh uh it's it's a singlestory and there are no plumbing fixtures as well. And again, if you're adding a residential unit to your home, whether it's in the basement and or an addition over a garage to add that or or a coach house, again, something that would require a building permit. This one we get asked a lot, what things don't need a building permit? Um, so we always kind of chuckle and say things like, well, do I need a permit to paint my walls? No, you don't need a permit to paint the walls. But if you're putting up the new walls, you need a building permit for that part. So, if you're just looking to give your house a facelift, adding wallpaper, painting, things like that, does not require a building permit. Updating flooring, taking out carpeting to put in some laminate or or hardwood flooring, again, no permit required. um kitchen renovations. If you're just, you know, like for like changing out kitchen cabinetry, provided you're not doing any major plumbing um plumbing changes and and rerouting where where your your existing kitchen sink is. Again, no permit required. If you're reshingling your house, again, if you're using similar material, a building permit wouldn't be required. Swapping out windows, provided that the windows are the same size, you're not expanding the width of the windows. Uh that's generally when you would require a permit and again small sheds it's under 15 square meters and there's no plumbing and singlestory a building permit would not be required. Now the caveat to all this is even though you don't require a building permit you still need to build it in accordance to the Ontario building code and you still need to comply with other regulations such as a zoning bylaw, conservation, etc. So, uh, again, if you're not sure about what, uh, your property requires, reach out to us and we can help guide you, even though a building permit may not be, uh, required to carry out the work. All right, here we go. Decks. What about a deck? When do you need a deck permit? Well, decks are one of those things that always trip people up, and I think it even trips up the building department as well when we're looking at it, cuz we're kind of always debating this this one. So decks larger than 10 square meters and higher than 2 feet61 mters requires a building permit. The other caveat is if you are attaching a deck to your house, doesn't matter the size of it. Soon as you're connecting it to your house, that requires a building permit. You're modifying the system. And you'll you wouldn't believe how many people try to attach their deck to the brick facade. And that's a big no no. Um, so rule of thumb, um, low freestanding deck may be exempt, but, uh, it's always best to check your your zoning because in in some cases it would also count as, um, as some coverage. Okay. the focus of the Ontario building code. Um, your drawings are are accepted and reviewed against a series of of parts and and sections within those parts of the building code. So, the some of the main main things that uh we're looking for throughout the review process is uh the structural integrity, the the footings, the framing, the the spans of beams, the loading on on on elements within the structure. We're looking at fire safety, so fire separations, adequate alarms in place. The code's always updating and always introducing some new new standards and regulations. So, even in the in the past past year or so, and I might date myself, my team will correct me later. Um there there were additional um requirements with respect to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms added. So, um, another key point is sometimes a contractor might tell you, I don't need to do this and I don't need to do this. Well, they may not always be up to date and that's why we're going to be doing our spring workshop to help everybody else stay up to up to pace with the uh, ever evolving building code. Uh, things we're also looking at exits and regressing. We would just want to make sure res residents are safe when it when they are looking to modify p portions of their home. Adding a a bedroom in your basement requires a larger window just to have a second means of egress. And then soon as you start introducing a a a secondary dwelling unit within within your your basement, it also changes the exiting requirements. um plumbing, HVAC, energy efficiency, um and things like guards, stairs. We're reviewing the height of guards, stair tread, risers. Um ultimately, it's it's to ensure your safety within within the building. So, the safety of your yourselves and and the occupants of of every building. applying for a permit. There's is a highlevel step-by-step guide because I know there's some back and forth within this, but uh before you want to start uh a project, just do a pre-check. Find out what your zoning is. Find out if your property has uh designation like heritage or if it falls within conservation um boundary because at those points you may require additional approvals and you'll hear us talking about applicable law and these are the items that do form applicable law. It's these other other regulations that are tied closely with the building permit issuance to ensure that uh you're not only complying with the Ontario building code, the zoning by, but any other flags that may be on your property. And we we commonly refer to these as flags. Um but it's it's just to help ensure that these are all um verified. At that point, once you kind of know what you can build, um hire a qualified BCN designer, architect, engineer. They know the way to navigate through the building code. They know the way to navigate through the zoning bylaws and and know where to go to get all those other additional approvals. At that point, prepare, assemble your drawings, get the forms together, pay the applicable fees, and submit to the online portal. Um, at that point once we've kind of assessed your application and and deemed it acceptable to review, we'll we'll put it into the plan we've review process where a series of individuals will we'll review it based on the the discipline of review. Um, that point if we have comments, it's an opportunity for you to revise those comments, send it back to us into uh with the corrections. At that point, everything's good and we've met all the other applicable laws. will issue your building permit and you're ready to start construction. That's when the fun starts and that's when the dust starts kicking up within the within the uh renovation and whatnot. Um, and as you go through the construction, there are a series of of inspections that are required under the building code that uh are are done in a in a subsequent manner and we can assist you with navigating through that as well. So typical documents that you need to apply for a building permit. I know this is very high level and then but these form the basis of what most projects would need. So you need a site plan. Show us show us the property. Show us the limitations of the property structures you're putting on there. How far those structures are from the property line etc. Need floor plans. just to mention drawings showing um not only structural elements but things like carbon and smoke alarms um heat registers etc. Um required to provide us elevations kind of helps determine size of windows windows in conjunction with with um property line show heights of stairs etc. Um provide a cross-section. And the cross-sections are usually what tell us a little bit more about and that's where you start getting into the structural uh requirements and and how things are being held up. Uh, and then we get to the forms. Schedule one, if you're using a BCIN designer or if you're designing it yourself, you'd want to complete uh you'd have to complete a schedule one form. And then again, it's those applicable law approvals I was speaking of earlier, which are outside of the building department, but are are elements that we'd be looking for at time of issuance. So caveat out of all this depending on the scope of the project it's always best to to engage a qualified practitioner be it a BCI qualified designer architect or engineer they best to navigate you through through the uh design process typical typical fees and timelines um around smaller residential projects a complete application is under the the under the building code is is is falls under a 10-day permit. Um, we do our best to follow the 10-day permit uh turnaround review time. Um, some residential projects do fall into a 15-day, but you're generally looking at this timeline for uh if not an issued building permit, at least a series of comments of what needs to be corrected uh prior to the permit being issued. Typical permit fees range uh again depending on scope anywhere from $250 all the way up to $2,000. And this again changes with the scope, number of inspections that would be part of it and uh the se the number of reviews that um that need to be brought in for uh the type of project that you're doing. Quality is a is a big piece. If um if it's not a quality application, it it it does cause delays. It causes delays in the number of reviews that are taking place, the number of times the file goes back to you. And subsequently, if we're looking at a series of projects that are all going through multiple reviews, it just increases the timeline for everybody. So, um, when in doubt, it's something you're not comfortable in designing yourselves, I, uh, encourage you to use use designers that, um, know the code and, um, and the zoning by law. So, once the building permit's issued, um, again, it's a series of inspections do get generated for for most projects. You're going to follow the, um, as it's being constructed. So footings, foundations, below grade plumbing happens. Um then you start getting into framing inspections, plumbing roughens and HVAC roughens. After that you start getting into installation, sealing things off, final interior uh and um final interior, final mechanicals, plumbing and that ultimately leads to occupancy. Um, again, sometimes these these inspections stagger and can work in conjunction. Again, if you're not sure what inspection to call next, always speak to your inspector. Um, they're also there to to help guide you and ensure that you're you're you're following the inspections. It's never a good idea to cover anything up before um before it's been inspected. It could cause delays. We may need we may ask you to open things up so we can have a closer look at uh work that was covered up and we did not have the benefit of of reviewing. So some common mistakes that homeowners do make uh starting before a building permit is issued. I know a lot of the times contractors in place, designers, um you know, we have if I get my contractor in, they can start in this this window. A lot of times those permits come in days before the per before the construction is scheduled. It's never a good idea to start before a building permit. It could lead to some some ugly things, and I'll get to those later on. um assuming that your neighbor's advice is current. Uh again, it's kind of going back to the code changes. Things are always modifying. The zoning bylaw was change was recently updated, made some modifications. So, uh if you're not sure, reach out to us and uh we'll we'll guide you along that path. Submitting incomplete drawings. Um quality is is a is a big thing. So, it's if we're not getting substantial information for us to be able to make an informed decision to issue a building permit, we're not it's going to take us longer to issue that building permit. So, the better the quality, the the the more uh the more success you're you're bound to have in in obtaining that building permit. Um, don't rule out zoning. Don't rule out all other applicable law. Um, you know, there's the the do-it-yourselfer like that that go beyond what they should be doing. Um, you know, don't engage into plumbing activities or electrical work should be left to licensed contractors to carry that piece out. And don't skip those in in skipping those required inspections. It's it leads to uh delays in in getting your project finalized. These are kind of, you know, building building permits are are are required by law. This is something that chief building officials we we don't like doing. We don't want to go out heavy-handed, but you know, there are because if you are not if you're not following the rules and you are breaking the rules, there are there are potential risks that you're taking. So, we could issue an order could to comply. We could issue that all works on the property stop. We may ask you to remove a structure that was built without a building permit. Could lead to prosecutions and fines. Um, and ultimately it could also impact the resale uh value of of your property. Um, so good news is if you're coming in early, getting your permits in place, you shouldn't have to get yourself into this situation. And I think I've exhausted my speaking right now and know we might all need a little break for me and I'm going to call up uh Phil to uh speak a little bit about some other um requirements. >> Good afternoon everybody. So, in addition to the town's well, the Ontario building code's requirement for a building permit, the town of Oakville has a site alteration bylaw. So, this bylaw kicks in really when there's a large movement of earth or or fill. So, when you're doing a large renovation project or let's let's say you're rebuilding a house or you're doing a large renovation and you're adding to your home's footprint, uh the site alteration bylaw would kick in. And when that happens, that means you typically need a permit and that goes through development engineering and that's reviewed and it's there's a bunch of considerations that are uh looked at including sediment erosion controls, surrounding trees, the degrading and drainage of the land. So under this um permit if it's required some considerations. So, new and old properties, you're going to have an existing drainage pattern. So, new subdivisions have a more advanced, old areas have more complicated drainage patterns. Typically, you your work doesn't want to affect those. You want to protect your neighbors and make sure everything is as existing or doesn't increase any impacts to to neighboring properties. Um, some other considerations. So, if you're installing an addition and it requires a sump sump pump, that sump pump should be discharging to the front of the property. We don't want it discharging to the back or the sideyard impacting neighbors. Um, even something as simple as downspout placement for an addition. We don't want it aiming at your neighbor's property. You want it kind of directed into a swale discharging to grade. Uh for larger projects that increase the hard surfacing of a property, development engineering typically requires some sort of storm water management. So that could be like an infiltration pit, some kind of um soak away feature that takes the rain water, puts it into the ground and disperses it. Additionally, all pools will need a sight alteration permit. If you have any questions on the second booth on the on the left hand side um yeah that's it for me. Thanks Phillip. So, I know that uh Ralph would like to say some closing words in terms of the presentation and then so I'll invite Ralph to come on up and say a few words and then we'd like to um open the floor up to any questions that you have. Um sort of a broad um kind of questions in in terms of building permits or anything that we've talked about tonight in terms of zoning and um uh development construction as well, pools, those kind of things. Um, but if you do have individual project questions, those are probably best handled uh one-to-one with our staff, which we will be um back at our our stations and um able to answer those questions and have a more fruitful discussion with you. I'm going to turn things over to Ralph now. >> [clears throat] >> So again, I just want to thank everyone for for participating here tonight, but I just want to add a thing or two to what what what Yanni had mentioned when he talked about the the building code, the zoning by line, and when we need a building permit, and when we need inspections. It's not random. It's not we decided at this not at this area or this location we need a building permit. Behind every ask that staff have of an applicant, there's a reason for it. You may not know it as a do-it-yourselfer. As a homeowner, you may not know it. Right? When you move a plumbing fixture, and we say if you exchange it, that's okay. If you move it too far, it creates a problem with venting. How your plumbing system is vented, which can be a problem because it relates to an improperly protected ventilation. By ventilation, I mean of your your drainage system. So, sewer gas can actually enter in your home. Really? I didn't think that was hazardous by me moving my kitchen sink, but that's a possibility. When Yanni mentioned windows, we we control the the number of windows that are permitted in the sideyard for fire protection. When your pro when your building is too close to a property line, we increase the fire protection of that wall and we limit the number of windows on that wall. So, in the event of a fire, that fire doesn't spread to the joining property. So sometimes an applicant doesn't understand why the building department is asking for something and sometimes we don't do a good job explaining why we're asking for something. We we kind of assume that there's an understanding, but we realize that doesn't always exist. So we're going to do our part to communicate better with you what it is that we're asking for and why we're asking for it. So, when you're going through our process, if you have any questions, if you don't understand why someone is asking something of you, we're happy to answer that question. I was once told that the building code is a book of answers. It's a response to something that went wrong, right? So, when something goes wrong, we think this can't happen again. We have to write a regulation to prevent this from happening. So, we create a standard and we say if we enforce this, hopefully this won't happen again. We've asked the province to tell us what was the issue that prompted this. What are the the what are we looking for here? The functions and objectives of each of the codes statements, right? They did that for us but very vague. If we better understood why the code exists, why that provision of the code exists rather, we would be more equipped to better answer that question. A simple example I can provide for you is a 4-in gap that we require between guardrails and a 4-in gap on stairs. It was determined that children like to stick their head through guardrails and like to climb over things. So 4 in was the size of a child's head that would not fit through. Right? If it's bigger than that, the child is is smart enough. So they they they determine this dimension based on an accident of children sticking their head through through pickets and getting stuck there. So there is some logic to everything that exists in the code. Sometimes we don't understand it. Sometimes the code writers don't even remember it. That's why they do code overhaul. And when they make changes to the code, they invite the public to participate in this process and see if they can't remember why this regulation exists. So the code does change. It changes significantly every five years or thereabouts and they have interimm amendments every two and a half years or somewhere in the middle. Right? So I just want you to understand there is a there is a reason for everything we ask for and if you don't understand why something is asked of you by all means ask. All right? And we will do our best to answer those questions. With that said, the the the staff are still here to answer any questions at the tables, but if anyone has any general question right now that they would like to ask, I'll do my best to answer, but in all likelihood, turn it over to one of my my fine co-workers to answer the question. So, I'll open up to the floor before I I close it and let you wander around and and meet us. Oh, we have a question, counselor. All right, resident first. Yes. >> Eventually it gets to us but it starts in planning. So So those are planning uh conversations. So when we create well there's a whole different meeting on that I shouldn't speak to it but high level we have an official plan which addresses things at the very high level from the official plan we create the zoning bylaw once the zoning bylaw is created Tim and his team interpret that to uh to meet those Yeah, that's a whole different conversation. It's a that's a whole different process. We'll be happy to answer all those questions for you, but I can't do that justice right now. But but I understand I understand your point there. Yeah, counselor. Yes. >> I think we do that. Yes, we encourage it. So there there has been some some changes in in the way we process applications. Uh engineering approval was separate from building. I think it was two years now that we we made a change. So, we brought Phil and his team over to building to try to consolidate those approvals. There are still some separations like you might say, uh, that doesn't apply to pools. That's correct. So, that the the pool permit and the pool process is a little bit different primarily because pools aren't governed. Residential pools are not governed by the building code. There's a bylaw that that manages pools and the pool construction. So, it's it's kind of an anomaly and we're still trying to figure the best way of managing the pool permits. Phil and his team get involved simply from understanding the impact of putting that structure in the on a property. What impact that might have on uh the drainage patterns of the joining property and the property on which it exists. Yes. >> Yes. don't work. So when you do an inspection, you just clarify what you are actually. >> So the the the building code regulates elements of construction. It tells you what what material is suitable to use, how the material is fastened, that it has to be plum, it has to be level. But if the but if it's poor workmanship and and primarily it's on finishes that we get into workmanship um help me out. Do we have an example of workmanship that we can >> I think things like trim work things that you know ends not corners not being done talk to Jared and Michelle over there later examples of things that would be gaps in flooring things like that that aren't under fall under >> so just if I can just add further to that that Terrion does publish a guideline which which everyone has access to on what the tolerances are for workmanship. So you can look up and actually I think they still have a really cool model so it's easy to follow. You look at your house are you inside the house or outside the house you click on that and you walk your yourself through if I can say that and then you'll see what the workmanship levels are right like a floor has to be level but a floor can't be level it has to have a slope to it to it drains. So when is it level and when is it sloped appropriately. So those standards for example are written in the in the carryon guidelines of what proper workmanship is. Yes. Yes. Yeah. And and just on that I can I can share some examples that will really frustrate a homeowner. Some especially on a new home, some people close the the deal of their new home on a building occupancy or final inspection. Don't ever do that because the building code, there are provisions in the code that aren't applicable to what you'd be looking for. For example, you don't need trim. You don't need a carpet. As long as the floor is smooth, we would pass occupancy inspection on a home that has no carpet, no trim, right? You don't want that as a homeowner. You don't want to move into a home under those conditions, but we have to allow it. Why would you allow it? You say. Good question. When you're renovating a home, we don't ask people to vacate their home because it's not finished, right? So, we have to make sure that there are some as long as the minimum safety requirements exist in the home, the home can be occupied, right? So, I think it's a good it's a good piece of information for people to know when they're looking at a new home that make sure that you occupy the home on your terms. Don't leave it up to say the occupancies break granted by the building department. You will in most cases be disappointed. Yeah. A building permit is to be posted in a conspicuous location. tough question. Trees are so and we we left this I think my um so trees are a huge part of our building permit process and what we tried to do tonight is is just keep it to building permit. Um you know the tree piece is not applicable law. Every building permit application that comes in that is uh doing exterior works we circulate it to the forestry department. So it's part of what's called a tree declaration form. We advise the forestry department that there is work subject work that will be happening here. So we work very closely with them to ensure I just didn't want to step on forestry's toes by by uh in and kind of bringing it because there are many departments that are affiliated with the issuance of a building permit. Uh tonight we just wanted to demonstrate this is this is what the building department does and in future uh workshops like this we're happy to to increase um the the number of of other departments that are are here just to demonstrate how it it does touch so many departments. >> I just want to add also Janet about about trees. So under the site alteration permit there is a whole tree process where there's an arburous report. We ensure all the tree protection is up and we're protecting all the neighboring trees and existing trees as best as we can. Any other questions? Going once, going twice. Sold. Again, thanks for your attention and coming out here. We appreciate that. Feel free to stick around and ask staff any questions and and check out our Oakleaf. I don't know. >> I was going to go on about Oak Leaf, but no. Yeah, with Bill 23 things. I I need Australia.