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.
Pre-consultation meeting - Site plan approval
Most industrial, commercial,l and institutional buildings are located on properties where a site plan approval is required through the Planning Act. Before you submit a planning application, please contact our office about the necessity of a pre-consultation meeting.
These confidential meetings are hosted by the Planning Department with staff from various departments (and agencies, as applicable) who will provide valuable feedback on your proposal and outline what will be required as part of a complete planning application. After the meeting, you will receive a detailed summary of the meeting, which will include feedback from each department. The document will also include a clear list of what you must submit as part of a complete planning application form.
To request a pre-consultation meeting, please email the Planning Department at precon@norfolkcounty.ca. You can also call call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 1842.
For more information on the process, please see the Planning website.
Site Plan Control
Site Plan Control is a tool utilized by the County to ensure that specific development proposals meet the Official Plan and Zoning By-law objectives. Essentially, site plans approved under this process are very detailed and outline precisely how a particular property will be developed. Site Plan Approval is typically the last planning approval necessary before the Building Permit process.
A Site Plan Agreement is sometimes required for more complicated developments. Where a property has site plan control designation, but the proposed construction is deemed minor in nature, the applicant will need to provide a site plan waiver from the Planning Department as part of an Applicable Law review.
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
Lot Grading
Where a property has been issued a site plan waiver, and the building's footprint is increasing in size, lot grading is required.
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
