Planning, Building and Development Matters
Introducing the new Planning, Building, and Development Matters e-newsletter!
Stay updated on the latest notices, news, and events regarding planning, building, and development in the City of Niagara Falls. We are here to help residents, developers, builders, and others plan, design, and build a better Niagara Falls!
Zoning Compliance Certificate
As of January 6, 2025, we have updated our Zoning Compliance process to help expedite your building permit application! Zoning compliance will now be reviewed simultaneously with your building permit application. Our zoning reviewers will use your required building permit documents—such as site plans, floor plans, and elevations—to process the zoning portion of your application. Please note that the Zoning Compliance fee is still applicable, however there is no separate application required and zoning review will happen concurrently with your Building Permit application.
For those who prefer to confirm that their project meets zoning requirements before applying for a Building Permit, the option to complete a Zoning Compliance Certificate (ZCC) upfront remains available. To apply for a zoning compliance certificate, you can submit an application through our CityView Portal.
This streamlined approach is designed to save you time while maintaining the flexibility to meet your project needs.
For more information, please contact our Building Department at [email protected] or 905-356-7521 ext. 4001.
Responsibilities
Building Services is responsible to ensure that all building construction governed by a building permit meets the minimum acceptable standard as required by statutory authority under the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23. This is accomplished through the processing of all building permits, the review of applications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, and the site inspection of all construction projects.
Building Services is also responsible to ensure that minimum standards of property maintenance are enforced through the Property Standards By-law in order to protect the members of the public from situations that may be unsafe or aesthetically unacceptable. The Department responds to by-law compliance concerns. Inspections are then required to confirm a by-law violation. In addition, Building Services is responsible for the issuance of Sign and Pool Permits.
Functions and Services
- The processing of applications and issuance of permits for building, plumbing, sewer/drains, public and private swimming pools, demolition, conditional building permits, additions and renovation permits and signs on private and public property in accordance with the Ontario Building Code Act and its regulations.
- The inspection of buildings, structures, plumbing, sewer/drains, signs, public and private swimming pools and lot grading in accordance with the Ontario Building Code Act, Property Standards By-law, Subdivision and Site Plan Agreements.
- Issuance of Orders under the Ontario Building Code Act and the initiation of legal action, as appropriate, where it is investigated and found that there is non-compliance with the Act or the Ontario Building Code or relevant By-laws.
- Responding to Solicitors regarding property transactions by providing zoning and work order information.
- Lot Grading Control Compliance in accordance with our Lot Grading Policy.
- Inspection services for Liquor License Compliance.
- Inspection services for Business License Applications.
- Respond, record and track enquiries and complaints from the general public and building owners for the purpose of enforcing the City Property Standards By-law.
- Review and provide comments for Committee of Adjustments, Site Plan Agreements, Subdivision Agreements, Land Severance Applications.
- Maintain records, prepare and provide statistical reports, collect all related permit and development fees.
- Establish and enforce a Code of Conduct for the Chief Building Official and Building Inspectors.
Ontario Building Code
Obtain further information related to the Ontario Building Code, Building Code Act, compliance, certification, building materials and more from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Building and Development Branch.
Important Transition Dates for 2012 and 2024 Ontario Building Code:
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has filed the new 2024 Ontario Building Code which contains over 2,000 changes from the current 2012 Building Code. The new regulations are set to come into effect on January 1st, 2025, with a phased approach to implementation.
December 31, 2024:
- The 2012 Building Code (O. Reg 332/12, as amended) will still apply to Building Permit Applications submitted by this date.
January 1, 2025:
- Building Permit Applications submitted on or after this date must comply with the new 2024 Building Code
- Projects with substantially completed working drawings, plans, and specifications before December 31, 2024, may continue under the 2012 Building Code if the application is submitted by April 1, 2025.
March 31, 2025
- This is the final day to submit applications under the 2012 Building Code.
April 1, 2025
- All Building Permit Applications submitted on or after this date must adhere to the 2024 Building Code.
For more information, the MMAH’s website is as follows: www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r24163
By-laws
Visit the By-laws section to reference frequently requested municipal bylaws or to request a by-law.
Contacts
Building Services
City of Niagara Falls
4343 Morrison Street, PO Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2E 6Z9
905-356-7521 ext. 4001
[email protected]
Building Permit Inspections
To schedule a required inspection contact 905-356-7521 extension 4251 or 4285, or email [email protected].
Municipal By-law Enforcement Services
City of Niagara Falls
7150 Montrose Road, PO Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2H 3N3
905-356-7521 ext. 8000
[email protected]
