NEW: Virtual/Remote Inspections can be requested for the following: Occupied Buildings, All inspection types except Footing and Framing, Re-inspections when the Inspector determines an In-Person Site Inspection is not necessary and; any other practical Inspection. 

Building Division is going paperless! 

As of April 19, 2021 all documents, reports, drawings and permit applications will be required by electronic submission. 

Please note all electronic submissions will be reviewed for completeness.  Should any items be missing applicant will receive notification by email.  In addition, payments must accompany all application submissions by either dropping off a cheque or completing an authorization of credit card use form (credit card transaction is a maximum of $6,000.00). Missing information or payment may delay the processing time.

Electronic submission can be provided by email for Small projects through Building Division email which has a maximum file size of 16mb. For all other projects please submit through PlansDrop or on a USB drive.

PlansDrop a cloud-based solution and it is free, secure, easy and no-contact way that allows applicants to register with PlansDrop to upload their permit application submissions electronically in order for the Town to retrieve the files and process the application.  Applicants can track all submission in one place and allows the municipality to manage the online intakes for verification. PlansDrop Account Login

USB Drive: applicant can upload all the permit application and related drawings and documentation on a USB drive and submit to the Building Division Department in person.

Examples of small projects:

  • Minor interior alterations
  • Decks, porches and balconies
  • Garages and carports
  • Basement walkouts
  • Swimming pool enclosures and hot tubs
  • Detached accessory buildings or structures (such as sheds, gazebos or cabanas) greater than 10 m2.
  • Residential Plumbing
  • Tents
  • Wall Signs
  • Permitted Use Letter for residential or non-residential
  • Backflow Preventers

For further information on electronic submission, please email at Building Division or (905) 727-3123 ext. 4388.

We are now accepting credit card payment for permit applications. In order to pay by credit card applicant must fill out the Authorization of Credit Card Use.  The form can be either emailed to the building division or drop off in a sealed envelope marked with project address to the mailbox located at the front entrance of Town Hall.  Cheques must now be placed in a sealed envelope and  dropped off to the mailbox located at the front entrance of Town Hall. For security purposes, please do not include cheque with permit application.

Building Code Review and Inspections is responsible for the review of all application plans and documents. Building Inspectors and Examiners perform various on-site inspections to verify compliance with the Ontario Building Code and other related standards and bylaws.

These reviews and approvals are meant to ensure that the minimum construction standards established by the Ontario Building Code have been met to protect the health, safety and welfare of both inhabitants and users of buildings.

Electronic Submission Guidelines for Building Permit Application

The Town of Aurora Building Division requires mandatory electronic submission of all documents, including all forms, drawings, documents, reports, specifications, calculations and plans.

All Documents must be submitted on a USB drive or for eligible projects, by email or through PlansDrop.

Submission by fax is not permitted. 

Submission Requirements
  • All electronic documents, plans and drawings must be submitted in PDF format, version 7 or later.
  • Files must be unsecured and not password protected.
  • Plans/Drawings with multiple pages and sets must be combined into a single Electronic Document (PDF format) in the same order as the submitted paper document.
  • Documents/Drawings containing multiple layers must be flattened to a single layer prior to submission.
  • Documents/Drawings must have no comments. Text placed on the PDF as a comment must be flattened or removed. When rendering drawings to PDF, options for saving text as comments must not be selected.
  • Submitted PDF files must be a single layer.
  • Drawings and Specifications must be in black and white only. Full-colour renderings and photos may be submitted, but only as supplements to a sufficient set of plans.
  • Electronically-produced documents, plans and drawings (i.e. docx) must be converted into PDF format for submission.
  • The maximum page size is an ARCH E (36″x48″ or 914.4mm x 1219.2mm).
  • The scale and page size of the plans/drawings on the PDF must match the scale and page size of the full-sized plans/drawings on paper.
  • Documents must be properly labelled.
  • Electrical / Emergency Lighting / Fire Alarm, Sprinkler and other Fire Safety Systems must be submitted as part of the Building Permit set.
  • Other structural plans/drawings such as roof truss drawings must be included in the Building Permit set, and able to be extracted by the Examiner for issuance of part permits, if necessary.

Resources
Requirement for Scanning
All scanned documents must meet the following requirements:
  • Plans/drawings must be at a resolution that is easily legible on screen, and the pages must not be skewed.
  • Scanned resolutions of 1-bit black and white 300 dpi is usually acceptable. For plans/drawings containing fine lines and detail, 600 dpi resolution is required.
  • Do not reduce the scanned document size.
  • Scanning documents in full colour is only necessary if it contains photographs.
Email/Secure File Transfer/USB
 
USB drive containing the PDF files must
  • Contain only the PDF files for the Building Permit application. There should be no additional, unrelated documents on the USB drive.

  • Not contain documents that are compressed or zipped, and

  • For single permit application, must not contain folders of any kind. All files must be readily visible when the USB drive is accessed, or:

  • For multiple permit applications, must have their corresponding documents in separate folders
PlansDrop
  • Another format of electronic submission can be done through PlansDrop.

  • You can create an account under Public/Contractor Category. 

    • PlansDrop is a free, safe, secure, no contact way to transfer project plans/submissions for a permit application. 
    • Applicants can view the status of their submittals.  If anything is missing in the submittal package the municipality will note what is required.  Example of statuses would be “closed” waiting for submittals”, “canceled” “new.”

Electronic Submission of Plans FAQ

What is Electronic Plan Review?
The Town of Aurora Building Division has an electronic plan review process. As a result, permit applications are processed electronically. 
I don't have an Electronic Copy of my Drawings. How can I Submit Them?
All applicants including homeowners are required to provide the required information electronically on a USB drive. Applications that do not meet the submission guidelines will not be accepted.

If you do not have an electronic copy, you can either request an electronic copy from the designer or have the drawings scanned at a copy centre.
Will the Building Division Scan the Required Documents for me?
Building will only scan 11″ X 17″ drawings maximum size.

When an additional form is required to be filled out at the counter, the completed form will be scanned by Building staff.

This service will only continue until August 1, 2021, afterward, Building will not provide this service.
Are Scanned Copies of Hand-Drawn Plans Acceptable?
Yes, they are acceptable, as long as they are scanned at a sufficient resolution (300 dpi in general, 600 dpi where necessary for fine details), and meet all other submission requirements
Are the Stamped and Signed Drawings to be Scanned and Submitted?
Unless drawings are manually drafted, scanning should be avoided as quality suffers and the size of the file increases.

For these reasons, it is preferable that the BCIN stamp and signature be incorporated into the electronic drawings. Adobe PDF-creation software can be used to create custom stamps.

 

Application Forms
Permit and inspection fees list
Book an inspection
To schedule an inspection, please call 905-726-4778 or email building.inspection@aurora.ca

To book a swimming pool or hot tub inspection, please call 905-727-1375 ext. 4240 or email bylawdept@aurora.ca​

Please provide the information found on your permit placard including:

  • Permit Number
  • Project location (lot and plan number or municipal address)
  • Type of inspection you are requesting
  • Contact name and phone number

Inspection requests made by 4 p.m. will be scheduled for the following business day. Inspection requests made after 4 p.m. will be scheduled for two business days.

If you are requesting an inspection for a particular day, please schedule your request by indicating your preferred date.

Please note: Same day inspections are not available and specific times can only be accommodated by making arrangements with the inspector on the day of the scheduled inspection.
Code of Conduct for CBO & Inspectors
The Town of Aurora has established this Code in accordance with the Building Code Act and maintains standards and principles outlined in this code.

Standards of Conduct

Building Officials in exercising their power and performing their duties shall at all times:

  • Promote public safety and safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protection, structural sufficiency, barrier-free accessibility, energy conservation and environmental integrity.
  • Apply the Building Code Act, Building Code and all applicable legislation uniformly and impartially without influence from anyone.
  • Act only within the category or categories of qualifications obtained under the Building Code Act.
  • Commit to a continuous education program to keep apprised of developments in the building regulatory framework, building practices and designs.
  • Conduct themselves in a professional manner with honesty and integrity
  • Manage confidential and sensitive information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
  • Report any conflict of interest that may arise in which private interest or personal consideration may affect their judgement in carrying out their roles and responsibilities.

Guidelines for Responding to Allegations of Breaches of the Code

  • The Building Code Act prescribes that the conduct of the CBO and the Inspectors will be measured against this code. Any allegations of a breach of conduct will be kept confidential.
  • The CBO will review any allegations of a breach in the Code of Conduct by an inspector. If justified, the CBO will conduct an investigation and recommend disciplinary action, if any, to be taken against the inspector who fails to comply with this code.
  • Where allegations are made against the CBO, the Chief Administrative Officer shall review and if justified, investigate any allegations and recommend to Council appropriate action.

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action arising from violations of this Code of Conduct is the responsibility of the Corporation of the Town of Aurora and will be based on the severity of the violation in accordance with employment laws and standards.
When are permits not required?
Projects that do not require a building permit must still comply with the requirements of the Town of Aurora Zoning By-law and if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.
  • Wooden decks (including pool decks) with no roof, where the finished deck level is not greater than 0.6 metres (2’) above adjacent finished grade either attached for detached to a structure.
  • Constructing a detached accessory building that has an area of 10 sq. metres or less and contains no plumbing. Note: the location, height, etc. is regulated by the Town’s Zoning By-law.
  • Erect a fence, other than a pool enclosure fence. Compliance with the Town’s Fence By-law is required. Note: Building permits are required to erect a pool enclosure fence in accordance with the fence By-law.
  • Open slot wood roof joist with no sheathing or roof covering placed on the narrow edge not closer than 12 inches on centre.
  • Skylights installed in a single family, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling units, provided no structural members are cut or altered.
  • Re-cladding with non-combustible material excluding brick or stone veneer.
  • Re-insulating or adding insulation.
  • Window or door replacement providing the opening is not enlarged or altered.
  • Furnace and boiler replacements, add on cooling systems, gas fireplaces, air cleaners and in-line humidifiers installed in single family, semi-detached and townhouse dwelling units. +
  • Repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures and/or appliances.
  • Replacement of kitchen and bathroom cupboards without plumbing work.
  • Re-roofing using similar materials except where structural work is involved.
  • Finish basements where there are no structural alteration or additional sleeping accommodations proposed. Not all proposed plumbing requires a plumbing permit.
  • Canopy/storm porch enclosure where the roof is existing, enclosing not more than 5.0 square metres of floor area.
  • Minor repairs such as installation of chimney caps, chimney linter and repointing of brick work,
  • Installation of counters, millwork and floor finishing.
  • Repair of leaking foundations where there is no structural work involved.
  • Emergency drain repair.
  • Temporary tents not more than 60 sq. metres in aggregate ground area, not attached to a building and minimum 30 metres from other structures.
Additional Resources