Frequently Asked Questions 






  
  
  

      


  

    
1)      When do I need a building permit?


A Development Permit is required for all construction with the exception of: general maintenance on buildings for items such as siding, roofs, eave boards, and replacing windows, doors, decks of the same size.

 


2)      How long does it take to get a development/building permit?


Provided that all relevant information and forms are received by the Planning Department, it usually takes 5 to 7 working days to obtain a permit..


 


3)      What are the regulations for constructing a private detached garage?


A private detached garage shall not exceed 67.5 sq. m (750 sq. ft.) on Lots of 1 acre or less, and 108 sq. m (1,200 sq. ft.) on Lots of over an acre. A private detached garage shall not exceed a height in excess of 4.5 m (15 ft.) above grade.


 


4)      What are the regulations for installing a pool?


A swimming pool means any outdoor structure, basin, chamber, or tank used or which may be used for swimming, diving, or recreational bathing and having a depth of 60 cm (approximately 24 inches) or more at any point or with a surface area exceeding 10 square metres (108 square feet)


 


The installation of a outdoor Swimming Pool shall be permitted in any Zone in accordance with the following provisions:




the Property Owner shall first obtain a Development Permit from the Town;


a minimum 1.8 m (6 ft.) high Fence shall be constructed in such a manner so as to impede unauthorized persons from entering over or under the Fence and the Fence shall be aesthetically presentable and preference will be given to a wood Fence;


any gate on the Fence shall be capable of being locked;


the Developer shall agree that other reasonable initiatives regarding maintenance and safety which are reasonable and prudent shall be carried out either at the initiative of the Developer or the Town, the cost of which shall be borne by the Developer;


no outdoor Swimming Pool shall be installed in any required Front Yard or Flankage Yard.




 


5)      What are the regulations for constructing an accessory building (baby barn)?


You are allowed to construct an accessory building on any lot provided that the accessory buildings is not used for human habitation. The accessory building can not be located within the front yard or flanking side yard of a lot or built closer than 0.9 m (3 ft) to any lot line.   The accessory building shall not exceed 3.6 m (12') ft. in height above grade or exceed 18 sq. m (200 sq. ft.) in total floor area. You are only allowed one (1) building per Single Family Dwelling Lot.


 


6)      What are the regulations when constructing a fence?


A permit is needed if you are constructing a fence over 4'. You will be required to submit a Development Permit Application. You will also be required to submit a site plan showing where the fence will be placed on the lot (set back from the property line is 1'). If you are placing the fence on the property line, written permission will have to be submitted to the Planning Department for the neighbour with your application.


 


7)      What are the Bylaw regulations for a Single Family Dwelling?


The minimum set backs in the Single Family Residential Zone (R1) are as follows:


Front Yard                        17 ft.


Side Yard                         12 ft.


Rear Yard                        15 ft.


Flanking Side Yard        17 ft.


 


You will also need to complete an application for a Development Permit, Utility Corporation Application the Department of Transportation and Public Works Entranceway Application.


 


Along with the above application you are required to submit a site plan, showing the lot dimensions; location and dimensions of all existing and proposed buildings and structures on the lot; setbacks of all existing and proposed building sand structures from the front, side and rear lot lines and the location of all existing and proposed water systems on-site well, private or municipal connections and sewerage systems (on-site septic or municipal connections)


           


A set of plans showing elevations(front, side and rear building), floor plans (layout of rooms, use of rooms and dimension of rooms), and a lot grading plan (basement floor elevations; top of the foundation wall, final lot grades, and the direction of surface water flows) will also be required..


           


The fees for a single family residential dwelling are as follows:


    
    
  • Development:                        $0.11/sq. ft based on the total floor area for construction
    • 
    
  • Utility Services:                      $20 sewer and $30 water
    • 
    
  • Entrance Way:                       $500 per entranceway or $200/curb cut
    • 



 8)     What is the process to amend the Official Plan, Zoning and Development Bylaw?




    
    
  1. A  formal application submitted by the applicant
    2. 
    
  2. Study and research regarding the proposed amendment(s) in the Planning Department
    3. 
    
  3. Reviewing and Discussion at the Planning board (Denial or approval for public consultation)
    4. 
    
  4. Public consultation (Public meeting would be approved by council).
    5. 
    
  5. Planning Board considers public inputs, and makes a recommendation to Council (Denial or Approval)
    6. 
    
  6. Council First Reading, if approved (Resolution).
    7. 
    
  7. Council Second Reading and Adoption (Resolution).
    8. 
    
  8. Minister Approval.
    9. 





 


 Contact:


 


              Stratford Planning Department


              234 Shakespeare Drive


              Stratford, PE C1B 1L8


              Phone: (902) 569-6255


              Fax: (902) 569-1845