Summer renovation? Might need a permit, City of Kitchener advises

As construction season gets underway in Ontario, another season is also kicking off for homeowners.

It’s around this time of year that homeowners are making plans for summer renovations. Depending on the scale and scope of the project, the City of Kitchener is reminding people that a permit may be required.

Permits do come at a cost, but the price of not getting your project approved could be much higher. The city recently issued a reminder about driveway widening.

Janine Oosterveld, Manager, Customer Experience and Project Management with the City of Kitchener. She described to 570 NewsRadio the process if your project this summer is a wider driveway.

“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.”

Ensuring the proper permits are in place means the project won’t interfere with municipal infrastructure like fire hydrants, street lights, utility boxes and hydro poles.

They also protect the homeowner from certain liabilities.

Tim Benedict, Manager of Buildings in the city’s Building Division, told 570 NewsRadio, a deck is the perfect example of why a permit is needed.

“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.”

An example of one of those safety features would be a minimum height for railings around a deck as a safety precaution.

Oosterveld said that after letting the city know about the work, there is another group you should consider warning.

“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 the work hours you’re doing your construction project between 7 AM and 7 PM.”

Oosterveld also recommended one more point of contact before starting your project: Ontario OneCall. They will identify any underground pipes, wires or cables before your dig.