According to the City of Toronto – Building Department website: www.toronto.ca a building permit is required for solariums, porches and decks.
The Building Department will verify that your renovation plans follow the Building Code and Zoning regulations. They want to ensure that the new structure is safe and must have:
- A proper foundation
- A design that does not compromise the integrity of your home
- Posts and beams that are properly sized
- Stairs that will be built correctly for safe use
- Railings of the proper height and provide a good shape for graspin
For your porch renovation building permit, you must have a qualified designer with a BCIN (building code identification number) submit drawings to the city on your behalf unless you wish to submit plans that you yourself have drawn. Once the permit is approved, the builder will make sure that all of the necessary inspections are done through the construction process.
A BCIN qualified designer will know what to take into consideration in designing your porch in order to meet the building code and be mindful of what design will suit your home, neighbourhood and lifestyle. When working with a design/build firm, the porch can be built to your budget because it will be designed with input from the construction side of the renovation company. Designs made without input from the builder can result in designs that exceed your budget.
Call Dennis Bryant at Bryant Renovations, to have your renovations properly planned. We guarantee that all of our work complies with or exceeds building code requirements. You can relax knowing your new porch is built to last.