We inspect key stages of construction to ensure the work follows your approved permit drawings, the Ontario Building Code, and other laws. These inspections are mandatory under the Ontario Building Code. If you skip an inspection, you may need to uncover completed work. Schedule inspections as your project progresses to avoid extra costs or delays.
Schedule a building inspection
You can request an inspection:
You must give 48 hours' notice to book your inspection. The cut-off to book your inspection is 3:00 p.m. in order to meet the 48-hour booking notice. As long as the work is ready, you can schedule multiple inspections at the same time.
Information to have ready when you book:
- Your contact information and the contact information for any construction personnel who will be meeting the Inspector on-site, if not yourself.
- The building permit number.
- The project address and applicable unit numbers that match the unit numbers on the approved stamped permit drawings.
- Your preferred inspection date.
- Choose your inspection block of time. Inspection times are booked in these three blocks: Any time of day, AM, or PM.
- Any special instructions for the Inspector
Cancel a building inspection
If you need to cancel, let us know as soon as possible. If work isn’t ready and you don’t cancel in time, you may have to pay extra fees.
Required inspection stages
Building inspectors need to see the work being inspected. If you cover any part of the work before the inspection, you may be required to uncover it. You will be given a list of required inspections for your project at the time of permit issuance.
This is an example of a required inspection schedule for most projects:
| Inspection Type | Book inspection once this work is ready |
|---|
Building Sewer and Water installation, prior to backfill | Required drainage storm and sanitary sewer lines installed, proper slope/fall, required cleanouts installed, prior to backfilling. |
| Prior to pouring footings | Footings, column pads, slabs are formed, prior to pouring concrete. |
| Prior to backfilling foundation excavations | Drainage layer, weeping tile, and stone installed, prior to backfilling. |
| Building Drains (Underground Rough-In) | All underground plumbing and sewage systems are installed and ready for plumbing test, and prior to backfill. |
| Radon Gas | Rough-in |
| HVAC Rough in | Completion of HVAC rough-in, supply, return air and plenums. |
Plumbing (Above Ground Rough-In) Water distribution system | Completion of above ground plumbing rough in, required to air/water test system. |
Framing | Completion of framing, HVAC rough-in, and plumbing rough-in prior to installing insulation & vapour barrier. |
| Insulation, Vapour Barrier & Air Barrier | Installation of insulation, vapour barrier and air barrier system, prior to installing interior finishes including drywall. |
| Fire Separations | Installation of sound insulation, completion of one side of fire separation/shaft wall system, completion of fire separation or fire wall. |
| Fire Stopping of Penetrations through Fire Separations | Completion of fire stopping, and smoke seals for penetrations through required fire separations. |
When applicable, commencement of construction or installation of masonry fireplaces & chimneys, factory-built fireplaces using solid fuel and chimneys or solid fuel burning appliances (wood stoves) and chimneys | Prior to installation and after completion. |
Installation of Sewage Systems | This service is provided by the Niagara Region |
Sewage System Drainage Bed Pipe Layout | This service is provided by the Niagara Region |
Sewage System Tank Installation | This service is provided by the Niagara Region |
| Life Safety Components | Completion & verification of the fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe and emergency lighting systems. |
| Occupancy | Contact your Building Inspector to clarify which occupancy requirements apply to your project. |
Final: Completion of the Building Permit NOTE: Grading must be complete prior to final inspection. Submit the final lot grading certificate to the Building Department. | Completion of work under the approved building permit and OBC requirements. |
Work being done without a permit
Any project that requires a building permit cannot start work before the permit is issued.
To report work being done without a permit, contact Municipal Enforcement Services:
905-356-7521 ext. 8000, or [email protected].
What happens if you don't get a building permit?
Not getting a building permit can lead to serious problems, including:
- Orders to Comply:
You may be ordered to get a building permit, which could be registered on the property’s title. - Fines and penalties:
You could receive a ticket with a fine. Under Section 36 of the Building Code Act, first-time offenders face fines up to $50,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations. - Orders to stop work:
Authorities may order you to stop all work immediately. - Legal action:
Starting construction or demolition without a permit or ignoring an order can lead to legal action. - Extra costs:
Fixing unapproved work might require hiring a professional engineer, undoing work, or other expensive remedies, - Conflicts with laws:
Your project could break rules from other agencies, such as the Niagara Escarpment Commission, Conservation Authorities, or local zoning by-laws. - Additional fees:
Extra charges may apply under our by-law. - Complications with property:
Issues like unapproved locations or encroachments can create long-term challenges.
Your responsibilities as a building permit holder
Some of your responsibilities include:
- Do not start construction without an issued building permit.
- Post the building permit visibly at the site.
- Request all required inspections to finalize your building permit(s).
- The approved construction drawings are required on-site for every inspection.
- Ensure the work being inspected is ready to avoid extra inspection fees.
- Do not cover work before it needs to be inspected.
Notice of project
Before work begins on a construction project, the property owner may need to file a Notice of Project (NOP) to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Learn when a Notice of Project is required.
