As construction season kicks off in Ontario, homeowners are also getting ready.
This time of year often sees homeowners planning their summer renovations. Depending on the size and type of project, the City of Kitchener wants to remind everyone that you might need a permit.
While permits do have a fee, not getting approval could end up costing you much more. Recently, the city highlighted the importance of obtaining permits for widening driveways.
Janine Oosterveld, Manager of Customer Experience and Project Management with the City of Kitchener, explained to 570 News Radio what to do if you’re considering making your driveway wider this summer.
“The first step a homeowner should take is to look at the city’s website. Right on our website, we have a whole webpage about driveway widening.
That webpage talks about the cost involved with getting a driveway widening permit. As well as some of the things to look for, from rules about driveway widths, setbacks, and if you’re on a corner lot.” Having the right permits ensures your project won’t disrupt municipal infrastructure like fire hydrants, street lights, utility boxes, and hydro poles. They also help protect homeowners from certain liabilities. Tim Benedict, Manager of Buildings in the city’s Building Division, mentioned during his chat with 570 News Radio that building a deck is an example where having a permit is essential. “It basically confirms the deck has been built to the approved plan and to the minimum standard of the Ontario Building Code. It’s a $95 permit fee for a deck, so that’s all included in it. And it’s making sure those safety features are in place.” A key safety feature would be having railings around a deck at a minimum height as a precautionary measure. Oosterveld pointed out that after informing the city about your project, there’s another group you should notify as well. “Communicating with your neighbours is also really important. Talk to your neighbours before starting a project so that they know what to expect. If a permit is required make sure it’s visible. It’s just a really great way to make sure you are respectful to your neighbours considering noise and work hours during your construction project between 7 AM and 7 PM.” Oosterveld also suggested reaching out to Ontario One Call before starting any digging. They can help identify any underground pipes or wires that may be affected by your work.
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That webpage talks about the cost involved with getting a driveway widening permit. As well as some of the things to look for, from rules about driveway widths, setbacks, and if you’re on a corner lot.” Having the right permits ensures your project won’t disrupt municipal infrastructure like fire hydrants, street lights, utility boxes, and hydro poles. They also help protect homeowners from certain liabilities. Tim Benedict, Manager of Buildings in the city’s Building Division, mentioned during his chat with 570 News Radio that building a deck is an example where having a permit is essential. “It basically confirms the deck has been built to the approved plan and to the minimum standard of the Ontario Building Code. It’s a $95 permit fee for a deck, so that’s all included in it. And it’s making sure those safety features are in place.” A key safety feature would be having railings around a deck at a minimum height as a precautionary measure. Oosterveld pointed out that after informing the city about your project, there’s another group you should notify as well. “Communicating with your neighbours is also really important. Talk to your neighbours before starting a project so that they know what to expect. If a permit is required make sure it’s visible. It’s just a really great way to make sure you are respectful to your neighbours considering noise and work hours during your construction project between 7 AM and 7 PM.” Oosterveld also suggested reaching out to Ontario One Call before starting any digging. They can help identify any underground pipes or wires that may be affected by your work.
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