Building Services
Building permits are in place for your safety - and the safety of those around you, ensuring your construction project is protected from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock and other health risks. Permits also provide a permanent record of the work performed and all inspections conducted to ensure the project is sound and safe.
Before starting a new construction project -- either indoors or outdoors -- you must determine whether you need a building permit.
Building Services at the City of Stratford is here to help you through the Building Permit process.
Applying for a Building Permit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Building Permits are accepted electronically or in person. Please review the steps below to apply for a building permit in the City of Stratford.
|
Applications and Forms |
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Agency Letter of Approval Alternative Solution Application Demolition Services Sign Off Sheet Request for a Zoning and Building Information Report Revisions to Permit Applications |
Building Permit Guides |
Facility Accessibility Design Manual |
In 2018, in consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, work began on a new Facility Accessibility Design Manual (FADM) for the City of Stratford. FADMs address accessibility requirements for the design and construction of new facilities, as well as retrofit, alteration or additions to existing facilities owned, leased or operated by the City of Stratford. The new FADM replaces existing guidelines adopted in 2004. The new Facility Accessibility Design Manual was adopted by City Council at the July 26, 2021 Regular Council meeting. Staff and the Accessibility Advisory Committee will work to promote the manual and provide education on the benefits of meeting these standards by private developers. As noted above, these standards only apply to City facilities and not private developers, although its use will be encouraged throughout the community. Staff will also begin ensuring future projects comply with the manual. A physical copy of the FADM can be obtained by email, or by calling 519-271-0250 extension 5345. |
Code of Conduct for Building Officials and Inspectors |
PreambleThe Code of Conduct applies to the Chief Building Official and inspectors appointed under the Building Code Act in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under the Building Code Act or the Building Code. The purpose of this Code is to promote appropriate standards of behavior and enforcement actions to ensure building officials apply standards of honesty and integrity, and to prevent practices constituting an abuse of power including unethical or illegal practices. Standards of ConductBuilding Officials undertake to:
Enforcement GuidelinesCompliance with this code of conduct shall constitute a condition of employment as a Chief Building Official or Inspector appointed under the Building Code Act. Any appointed Chief Building Official or Inspector who fails to act in accordance with the provisions of this code may be subject to disciplinary action appropriate to the seriousness of the breach. All allegations concerning a breach of this code shall be made in writing. Any person who has reason to believe that this code of conduct has been breached may bring the matter to the attention of the Chief Building Official. Where the allegation concerns the actions of the Chief Building Official, the matter may be brought to the attention of the Department Head to whom the Chief Building Official reports. Any Chief Building Official or Department Head who receives information in writing concerning a breach of this code shall review the allegations of breach and, where justified, shall direct an investigation. Where appropriate, the Chief Building Official or Department Head shall recommend disciplinary action in accordance with the employment standards of the place of work. All communications received by a Chief Building Official or Department Head concerning a breach of this code shall be held in confidence. Disciplinary action arising from violations of this code of conduct is the responsibility of the City and the Chief Building Official and will be based on the severity and frequency of the violation in accordance with employment laws and standards and relevant collective agreements. |
Fees |
The City of Stratford Building By-Law Schedule A outlines all the applicable fees based on the project type and building classification. All fees must be paid in full at time of permit application. Common Fees Include (2022):
Development Charges provide for the recovery of growth-related capital expenditures from new development. The Development Charges Act is the statutory basis to recover these charges. Development Charges are adjusted annually on January 1st, and are subject to change without notice. |
Review Periods |
A review period will be assigned to your permit application, depending on the type of project and building classification. These timelines are based upon a complete application being submitted and as per the Ontario Building Code are prescribed as follows:
10 Days
15 Days
20 Days
30 Days
|
Notices |
Inspections |
It is the responsibility of the permit holder or the agent/contractor acting on behalf of the property owner to book appointments for the required inspections. Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection. To book inspections please follow these steps:
The Building Department does not call you back to confirm the time of your inspection. You may assume that your inspection is scheduled as close as possible to your requested time. We will only return your call if there is a conflict or we cannot accommodate your request. While staff will attempt to maintain scheduled inspections during the am or pm, we cannot guarantee specific appointments. The Ontario Building Code stipulates the stages at which a construction project must be inspected. The list of inspections and reports/submissions required is noted on your building permit. In order to complete an inspection the permit package must be available to the inspector on site. If you have any questions please call 519-271-0250 ext 345. |
Zoning and Building Information Report |
A Zoning and Building Information Report offers information regarding the zoning, permitted uses, recent building permits, outstanding inspections and work orders for a property. This report is often a requirement at the time of a property transfer, sale or refinancing. Please fill out the Request for a Zoning and Building Information Report, which can be submitted in person at the City Hall Annex (82 Erie Street, 3rd Floor), or by email. Requests are not processed until payment has been received, either by cash, cheque, or credit card. |
Monthly Statistics |
Monthly building reports include information about the number of building permits issued, new residential dwelling units created, total building permit fees collected, and the monthly total construction value. January 2021 Monthly Building Report February 2021 Monthly Building Report March 2021 Monthly Building Report April 2021 Monthly Building Report May 2021 Monthly Building Report June 2021 Monthly Building Report |