Building owners often change the use in all or part of an existing building's design (i.e. Change a residence to a mercantile occupancy). Sometimes they propose to carry out these changes without making any alterations or doing other construction.

Where no construction is proposed, an existing building's design and state of repair may not be appropriate to accommodate the new occupancy. This generally occurs where the new occupancy is more hazardous than the old occupancy. The existing building may have inadequate structural capability, early warning and evacuation systems, fire separations, or some other health or safety requirement with respect to the new occupancy.

Not every change of use that results in an 'increase in hazard' will require construction, i.e. The existing building may be able to accommodate the change safely.

However, even without construction proposed, no person shall change the use of a building or part of a building resulting in an increase in hazard as determined by the Building Code, unless a permit has been issued by the Chief Building Official. A permit for change of use would be triggered by a proposed occupancy change that would increase the current hazard level.

Article 2.2.2.12. of the Building Code states that Part 10 applies to existing buildings requiring a permit under section 10 of the Building Code Act. Where construction is proposed and a permit is issued under section 8 of the Building Code Act, a person is exempt from the requirement to obtain a change-of-use permit. In this case, Parts 3, 9, or 11 would apply to the design and construction (note also section 3.13 or 9.41).

Building Standards plans examination staff review plans for proposed fire alarm, standpipe and hose systems, sprinkler systems, voice communication systems and emergency systems for compliance with the Ontario Building Code. Shop drawings for sprinkler systems must be submitted to the Town's Mechanical Engineer prior to installation of the system.

If you are installing or repairing an on-site sewage system, with a design capacity of 10,000 Litres per day or less, a permit is required for the Building Standards department. For further information, please contact Mechanical Plans Examination at (905) 475-4743.

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