Building Department

A building permit is required to construct  new building or structure; demolish, alter or add to an existing structure; and in most cases, to change the use of an existing building.

A building permit is also required to install, add or alter a plumbing system.  All construction must comply with the Ontario Building Code, the Zoning By-laws of the Municipality and all other applicable laws.

A building permit must be obtained before starting construction.  Application forms are available at the Municipality Office.  Please call 683-4545 for more information.

Alan Cooke is the Chief Building Official.

Mr. Cooke is available for phone calls or appointments at the municipal office on the following days. 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

PLANNING:

T he Planning Department  provides by-law interpretation for both Council and the public; prepares amendments to by-laws, technical guidance to council, policy advisor to Committee of Adjustment ; negotiates and prepares subdivision agreements.

The Planning Act applies to all development in Ontario and Provincial Policies must be complied with in any documentation or development.

Shuniah has adopted an Official Plan that sets out the municipalities general policies for future land use and includes the government policies and guidelines.  The Official Plan was approved by the Province in August of 1996.  Further, the Municipality has adopted an Amendment to the Official Plan which was approved by the Province in April 2001.

All construction, development and use, which include plans of subdivision, must comply with the provisions of the Zoning By-law and conform to the policies of the Official Plan as well as the Planning Act and Provincial Policies. Amending zoning by-laws require circulation and notice provisions as specified in the Planning Act of Ontario. Minor variances to the zoning by-law can be processed through the Committee of Adjustment. 

 Zoning By-law No. 2038-00

The By-law establishes zones within which permitted land uses are defined; and regulations, provisions and requirement for them are set out. The purpose of these is to establish and to implement minimum standards of health safety, and general welfare in the community and to facilitate sound municipal financial management, as it relates to land use.