Ontario Construction News staff writer
Frank Bidin, Ottawa’s Chief building official, has provided an update on the building permit approval process to the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association (GOHBA)
Bidin reported to the GOHBA that city staff “are aware of, and working on, the delays regarding permits for site servicing, water, road cuts, etc for infill projects,” the association reported in a memo to its members, noting that if applications for building permits have been approved, then they will be issued.
He also said that building permit volume currently is about 35 per cent of usual levels, meaning it is a good time to submit an application for when the project can proceed.
In detail, the GOHBA reports Bidin said:
- For all building permits – if your application has been approved you should have received notice, and a request to submit payment;
- This is being done so that, as soon as your project is added to the essential workplaces list, your permit can be issued electronically;
- When permits are issued, applicants will be sent an email with the permit, (If there is) any necessary documentation, and any “scan-able” drawings (letter-sized paper, 10 pages or less). Where ‘bigger’ drawings necessary, they will arrange to be picked up by appointment;
- Portal applications are also ready to go electronically once the emergency order is lifted; and
- Permit applications have slowed tremendously – the city is receiving about 35% of its normal volume. Now’s the time to put your applications in.