The Ontario Building Code references many other Applicable Laws. All relevant Applicable Law approvals are required to have been received prior to your building permit application being deemed complete. Review of building permit applications for OBC compliance begins when the application is deemed complete.
Please note that most Applicable Law approvals will require additional time. Please contact the respective agencies early in your project planning process to determine how long this will be. These time lines are not established by the Building Section and are outside of the control of the City of Belleville.
Some common Applicable Laws that may apply are:
- Ministry of Transportation - You may require a work permit for work on your property if a portion of your property falls within MTO Controlled Areas along provincial highways.
- Quinte Conservation - You may require a permit from Quinte Conservation if a portion of your property falls within areas regulated by them. These requirements are established by the Conservation Authorities Act to provide for the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.
- Zoning Approval (Planning Section) - Every property within the City has specific rules that govern the use of the property including location and size of buildings. Please contact the Planning Section to discuss your plans.
- Record of Site Condition - A change of use of a property to a more sensitive land use will usually trigger the need for a Record of Site Condition as required by the Environmental Protection Act. One example is conversion of former industrial or commercial properties to residential uses. For more information please consult the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks.
- Development Charges - For many projects a development charge is required to be paid in addition to building permit fees.
Additional Applicable Laws are required to be addressed prior to a building permit being issued. For your convenience links to some of the OBC referenced legislation and regulations have been provided below. Please consult the Ontario Building Code for a complete list of Applicable Laws.
Local municipality |
Planning ActThe Planning Act is provincial legislation that sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario. It describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them. Ontario Planning and Development ActThe Planning Act is provincial legislation that sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario. The purpose of the act is to promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment within a provincial policy framework. Ontario New Home Warranties Plan ActThe Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act covers all new homes. It does not cover renovated, previously occupied and some other types of home. It does not cover what it lists as items and deficiencies, including normal wear and tear, and damage for reasons such as poor maintenance. Ontario Heritage ActThe Ontario Heritage Act, allows municipalities and the provincial government to designate individual properties and districts in the Province of Ontario, Canada, as being of cultural heritage value or interest. Development Charges ActThe Development Charges Act, 1997 enables municipalities in the province to enact by-laws to impose development charges against lands to be developed to pay for growth-related capital costs for municipal services such as roads, water, wastewater, public works, recreation, police and fire protection. |
Conservation authorities |
Conservation Authorities ActThe purpose of this Act is to provide for the organization and delivery of programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario. Contact Quinte Conservation Authorities, our local Conservation Authorities to check if your application is effected by this act. Clean Water ActThe Clean Water Act is a law enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this Act is to protect existing and future sources of drinking water. Environmental Assessment ActThe Environmental Assessment Act sets out a planning and decision-making process so that potential environmental effects are considered before a project begins. The act applies to: provincial ministries and agencies. Municipalities, such as towns, cities, and counties. Environmental Protection ActThe Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes provision for the improved control of pollution to the air, water and land by regulating the management of waste and the control of emissions. Public Lands ActTo achieve effective stewardship of public land and to protect Crown interests from activities occurring on adjacent, privately owned shore lands through the issuance of work permits. |
Provincial agencies |
HighwayPublic Transportation and Highway Improvement ActThis Act come into effect when construction is adjacent to a highway, or is within 800m of highway and will generate major traffic. Check to see if you fall within MTO regulated areas. EducationChild Care and Early Years ActThe Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 ( CCEYA ) governs child care in Ontario. The legislation supports the health and safety of children, increases the government's oversight of caregivers, and helps parents make informed choices about their child care options Education ActThis legislation provides authority for the creation of all of the main features of the education system. The Education Act sets in law the powers and responsibilities of the Minister of Education and School Boards, the authority of principals and teachers, and the rights and responsibilities of parents and students. Agriculture and FoodMilk ActThe purpose and intent of this Act is to provide for the control and regulation in any or all respects of the quality of milk, milk products and fluid milk products within Ontario. Nutrient Management ActThe purpose of this Act is to provide for the management of materials containing nutrients in ways that will enhance protection of the natural environment and provide a sustainable future for agricultural operations and rural development. |