Make safety a priority when planning construction projects
Image
Citizens and building
professionals must obtain proper permits before work begins
In honour of Building Safety Month, which was proclaimed by the City in May, the City of Vaughan is reminding citizens and building professionals to make safety a priority when planning construction projects. From building a backyard deck to transform residential outdoor spaces to planning a development project that will contribute to Vaughan’s growing skyline, obtaining building permits is an important step that must be taken to ensure all construction projects are completed safely and correctly.
In honour of Building Safety Month, which was proclaimed by the City in May, the City of Vaughan is reminding citizens and building professionals to make safety a priority when planning construction projects. From building a backyard deck to transform residential outdoor spaces to planning a development project that will contribute to Vaughan’s growing skyline, obtaining building permits is an important step that must be taken to ensure all construction projects are completed safely and correctly.
Vaughan
is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada. Since 2010, more than
$13 billion in building permits have been issued by the City and despite the
global COVID-19 pandemic, city-building did not slow down. In fact, Vaughan
issued $1.153 billion in building construction value in 2020 – a significant
investment into the community. So far in 2021, 15,998 inspections have taken
place and 1,212 permits have been issued – this equals more than $820 million
in construction value. The City is on track to achieve yet another milestone
year.
As part
of the City’s responsible, measured and disciplined approach in responding to
the global COVID-19 pandemic, a new online digital permitting
service
was launched in 2020, enabling citizens and building industry professionals to
apply, track and pay for permits online. This portal streamlines city-building
processes and is also helping support Vaughan’s local economy.
Essential
city-building services, such as building code enforcement, processing of
building permits, conducting inspections and issuing occupancy permits,
continue uninterrupted. Processes have also been innovated to ensure planning
approvals and shovel-ready projects can move forward throughout the pandemic,
including new digital development applications, electronic-participation
Pre-Application Consultation and virtual Heritage Vaughan and Design Review
Panel meetings.
With
provincial COVID-19 orders keeping citizens home more than usual, many people
are turning their time and attention to
enhancing backyard spaces. This may include building a shed, sunroom, deck,
pool, cabana and more. But before putting the shovel in the ground, residents
and building professionals are encouraged to check what permits are needed – here is some
information on the types of grading permits and building permits required for various
residential construction projects.
Before
submitting a permitting request, the City is reminding citizens to refer to
provincial and regional COVID-19 regulations. As per Ontario’s current Stay at-Home Order, residential construction
can continue, but individuals must adhere to Public Health safety measures, including wearing a mask
and pratising physical distancing. Another resource is Ontario
One Call
– a not-for-profit organization that facilitates excavation locate requests to
ensure homeowners and infrastructure assets, such as buried cables, wires and
cables, are safe when digging. Reach them online or by phone at
1-800-400-2255.
To
learn more about permit and safety requirements in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/DEPermits. Ready to submit a permit?
Get started at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
-30-