Building Inspections

Building projects are subject to mandatory inspections at specific stages of construction or demolition to confirm building standards are met.

To arrange an inspection, please contact Building Services Inspections Staff

Please provide the following information when booking:

building permit number;
project site location;
required inspection; and
contact information.

A minimum of two business days' notice in advance of the applicable stage of construction is required.

Construction Site Safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace. Its main purpose is to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Act establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and provides for the enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily.

The construction site must be kept safe and clean for your employees, the Building Inspectors, and the public.

Additional Resources

2021 Updated Building Permit Submission Requirements
Community Improvement Plan - Fact Sheet
- For more information on the Community Improvement Plan, click here.

Please be advised that the Town requires a minimum of two business days to schedule a building inspection.

In accordance with the Ontario Building Code, the timeframe from which notice is given begins on the following business day that inspection notice is received and does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, and/or days that Town offices are closed. Inspection requests may continue to be scheduled by contacting Building Services.
A Building Inspector is required to review your project at several pre-defined stages throughout construction. These stages are typically listed as required inspections on the reviewed permit drawings issued with your building permit. When conducting the mandatory inspections, the Building Inspector must be able to see the work that is under inspection at that time. Any building elements that have been covered prior to the relevant mandatory inspection must be uncovered for inspection and passed before the completion of the project.

Typical Inspection Stages

1. Excavation: Prior to pouring concrete. All formwork and re-bar (as applicable) should be in place.

2. Foundation/Slab Reinforcement: Prior to pouring concrete.
• re-bar placement for ICF;
• required reinforcement for foundation walls; and
• re-bar in suspended "cold room" slabs.

3. Foundation/Backfill: Prior to backfilling. Foundation to be completed, damp-proofing/waterproofing to be completed, drainage layer to be completed, and weeping tile with proper stone coverage to be completed.

4. Water and Sanitary Sewer Drainage Pipe: Prior to backfilling.
• water service pipes complete and under test at minimum 50 psi;
• sanitary sewer pipe complete and under test with five psi air or filled with water; and
• a ball test may be requested by the Building Inspector.

5. On-Site Sewage (Septic System): Prior to backfilling. Substantial completion of distribution pipes and septic tank. A copy of the soil analysis or imported material analysis must be provided to the Building Inspector at this time.

6. In-Floor Plumbing: Prior to pouring concrete. Plumbing must be roughed-in, capped and under test:
• air test at five psi; or
• water test with a minimum 10'-0" of pressure head.

7. Masonry/Factory Built Wood Burning Fireplace: Prior to covering. Fireplace, fire stops and chimney flue installed. Manufacturer specifications shall be on site. NOTE: WETT certification shall be provided for all wood-burning appliances.

8. Above-Ground Plumbing: All drains, wastes and vents complete and under test:
• air test at five psi; or
• water test with a minimum 10'-0" of pressure head.
Note: water meters are required to be installed and operational prior to requesting a plumbing rough-in inspection. To arrange a water meter inspection, please contact Water & Wastewater Billing.

9. Water Distribution System (within building): Water pipes complete and under a minimum 102 psi air test.

10. Framing: Framing to be complete. Inspection should be requested after the installation of roof/shingles, windows, plumbing, HVAC and electrical.

11. Air Barrier System: An approved air barrier system shall be continuous and completely sealed throughout the entire building envelope. Generally completed during the framing and/or insulation inspection.

12. HVAC: General overview, following the completion of framing.

13. Fire Separations: If applicable, completion of all required fire stopping of penetrations and party walls complete.

14. Insulation and Vapour Barrier: Prior to installation of finishes and drywall. Any/all framing deficiencies noted must be completed.

15. Water Meter: Upon completion of the Water Meter installation, please contact the Town's Utility Account Coordinator to arrange an inspection.

16. Occupancy: All required items for occupancy must be completed. Occupancy is not permitted until an Occupancy Permit is issued.

17. Final: All exterior grading completed and certification received. All building code items at time of occupancy completed.
Below is a summary of the current criteria for permitting the occupancy of a newly constructed house.

Occupancy Requirements

As of January 1, 2012, residential houses* must meet additional completion requirements before occupancy of a house can be permitted. These requirements found in Article 1.3.3.4 of Division C of the Ontario Building Code will culminate in the issuance of an Occupancy Permit.

*Houses are residential dwelling units in a detached, semi-detached or townhouse form where no unit is above another unit, each unit has its own exit facility and has no accommodation for tourists.
Re-inspection fees may apply where the requested work to be inspected is not ready, is incomplete, if the reviewed drawing package is not on-site, or if the site is too unsafe for the Building Inspector to continue.

If your inspection result indicates "Re-inspect with Fee", the re-inspection fee is required to be paid before further inspections are completed. Unless otherwise indicated, each re-inspection fee is $100.00 (HST exempt).