Safety Codes Bulletin: Foundation Permits included within Fast Track Program

Introduction

Planning and Development Services is excited to announce the trial Fast Track Permit program has concluded successfully. Industry feedback highlighted a demand for more permit types to be included in the program. In response, we have redesigned the program to allow Foundation Permits to be requested for any permit type with foundation construction, subject to the requirements outlined in this bulletin. This new application process allows for foundation construction to commence while a comprehensive review of the building permit application is conducted to ensure compliance with all provincial regulations.

Projects that qualify for a Foundation Permit to be requested must:
  1. Have the associated Development Permit fully approved and issued.
  2. Not include variances or alternate solutions from the 2023-NBC-AE
  3. Include a complete application per requirements to be noted below, and include all applicable fees as noted in the Planning and Development Fee Schedule.

Application

The option to request a Foundation Permit will be available on ePermit Portal, no additional request forms are required. All applications are to be applied for using the ePermit Portal.

Applications for a Building Permit that request a Foundation Permit must include the following:
  1. Complete set of unprotected PDF construction drawings showing significant details to determine compliance with all required construction codes. The building design cannot include alternate solutions that require additional reviews or variances.
  2. Energy Code review documentation on buildings requiring energy code compliance
  3. New Home Warranty Certificate – for all new residential construction
  4. Form C – Exterior Wall Claddings – where applicable
  5. Manufactured Floor and Roof layout conforming to Standata 14-BCV-016 “Manufactured structural components in the construction of one and two family homes”
  6. Approved elevation drawings (with approval stamp) when required by the Developer
  7. Unprotected PDF engineered stamped drawings or details for:
    1. Foundation wall openings wider than 1.2m that support backfill greater than 1.2m, and
    2. Exterior and interior walls where the stud length exceeds that found in Table 9.23.10.1
    3. Residential Sprinkler design drawings conforming to NFPA 13R when required.

Terms and conditions of a Foundation Permit

As the Foundation Permit will be issued prior to a detailed plans examination and full release of the Building Permit, initial term and conditions will be added to the Permit document released. Compliance with the conditions of the Permit are required and failure to comply with the terms of a Permit is an offense under the Safety Codes Act. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of the Permit or a Stop Work order being issued.

Once the detailed plan review is completed, the Building Permit will be issued along with any additional corrections or conditions included. The Permit Holder must review the permit and construction drawings that have been stamped EXAMINED for any corrections.

All requirements of the Safety Codes Act and associated regulations must be adhered to.

Useful links

Apply for your permits through the City's ePermit Portal.

Visit ePermit Portal
Download full bulletin