Approvals from other agencies are often required before a building permit can be processed and issued. The building department does not administer these approvals. The fastest way to obtain a building permit is to ensure that all other required approvals are completed before the permit application.
An Applicable Law Checklist is required as part of a complete application. Agency contacts are included with this form. Our community mapping has many of these layers mapped to help you determine if additional approvals are required for your application.
Zoning Requirements
Finding the zoning associated with your property is easy with our GIS Community Web Map; position your property and turn on the zoning layer by clicking layer list, planning, and zoning.
You will need to provide a plot plan for zoning review. Refer to Norfolk County Zoning Bylaw. This plot plan needs to include the following:
- Property lines and lot dimensions,
- Location of building and all other structures on the lot,
- Location of all steps and landing,
- Distance from dwelling to property lines
- Parking spots with dimensions,
- Location of septic systems
A planning application will be required if your proposed building or structure does not comply with the zoning requirements. Zoning and Planning approval is required as part of a complete permit
application.
- Contact the Planning Department at planning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1842
- Contact the Zoning Department at zoning@norfolkcounty.ca or 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1000
Zoning and set-back provisions
|
|
Agr. Zone |
RH Zones | RR Zones | R1-R6 Zones | Boathouses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum building area |
May not occupy |
May not occupy more than 10% of all acc. buildings on lot up to max. of 100sq m |
May not occupy more than 10% of all acc. buildings on lot up to max. of 55sq m |
May not occupy more than 10% of all acc. buildings on lot up to max. of 55sq m |
May not occupy more than 10% of all acc. buildings of lot up to max. of 56sq m |
|
Setback from |
13 m (43 ft) | 6 m (20 ft ) | 6 m (20ft) | 6 m (20 ft ) | Front yard as per that zone. Exterior side yard 6 m |
|
Setback from rear |
1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.2 m ( 4 ft) | 1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.2 m ( 4 ft) |
n/a |
|
Setback from side |
1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.2 m (4 ft) | 1.2m except if on a common lot line no setback |
|
Height (grade at front of |
6 m (20 ft) |
6 m (20 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16ft) |
Lot Grading
Under the Norfolk County Grading and Drainage By-law, proposed grading plans and a lot grading form shall be submitted with all building permit applications.
Proposed grading plans need to identify the following:
- all surface features;
- existing and proposed structures;
- changes in grade and slopes in percent between such changes, and
- include sufficient information regarding adjacent properties to confirm conformance with this By-Law with respect to drainage onto those properties.
An exemption may be considered for a lot in a rural area. You must complete the application form, and fees apply.
Site plan drawing example
