Architectural Plans Examination Process 

Architectural plan examination staff check plans for fire safety, structural integrity and health aspects. Their main function is to determine compliance with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws. A typical review examines a building for compliance with either Part 3 or Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code. The examiner may refer to other sections of the Building Code, standards such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada, (ULC) and laws such as the Fire Code.

Structural Plans Examination Process 

Structural plans examination staff ensure that all plans and specifications meet structural standards. A typical review examines a building for compliance with Part 4 of the Ontario Building Code. Structural examination staff provide assistance to architectural plans examination in non-routine structural matters.

Mechanical Plans Examination Process 

Mechanical plans examination staff ensure that all plans and specification meet good engineering practice. A typical review examines a buildings' mechanical systems for compliance with Part 6, Part 7 and Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code. Examiners interpret the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and plumbing regulations parts of the Building Code.

Certain Building Code related fire requirements, such as sprinklers, standpipe and hose systems, extinguishing systems for commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and industrial paint spray booths, are checked and information on shop drawings are reviewed prior to the work being installed.

Zoning Plans Examination Process 

Zoning plans examination staff ensure all permits meet Town standards under the Zoning By-law. This includes proper setbacks form property lines, percentage of coverage, land uses, etc. Zoning By-laws protect existing and future land owners from unauthorized development which may harm existing or future development in the area. The initial review ensures that all by-laws are satisfied. If not, major changes in building location or use may be required. There is often communication with the owner at this stage to clarify the use, building location, size, parking requirements, etc. If the proposal does not meet By-law requirements, the owner may either change the proposal or apply for exemption either through the Committee of Adjustment or By-law amendment.

At this stage, a determination is made on whether the land is under Site Plan Control. If it is, an application must be made to the Planning Group to enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement. Where applications deal with a subdivision, the Subdivision Agreement must be reviewed to ensure all plans and drawings comply.

Certified Model Program 

When applying for 'Certified Models' the following information is required:

• two copies of architectural drawings
  
• two copies of trusses, floor joist systems (if applicable)
  
• one copy of architectural drawings reduced to 8 1/2 x 11
  
• if a model has increased floor area, every change in floor area must be submitted as a separate model e.g. Lofts, Walkout Basements, Finished Basements
  
• the certification application form must be filled out
  
• detached garages can be certified in the same manner
  
• all the elevations must be stamped by the control architect for the subdivision
  
• two copies of mechanical layout & calculations

Certified Model Application Form ( 38k/1p)

Information Required For Semi-Detached Pairing

Semi-detached houses and semi-detached garages may be paired together as Certified Models providing all future pairings are identical in every respect including Model type, elevation and location in relation to each other.

For each pairing a separate submission is required with the following information:

1. Two complete sets of Architectural drawn to scale of both sides of the semi-detached unit.
   
2. Party wall details drawn to scale.
   
3. Roof Truss shop drawings, of the overall pairing, stamped and signed by a professional engineer and accompanied by a roof truss layout locating and referencing each truss. Such drawings must be coordinated with the architectural drawings prior to submission.

Zoning Searches 

Zoning Bylaws contain standards governing the development of land and the construction of buildings including permitted uses, size, height and location of structures. For example, the Towns Zoning Bylaws regulate how close to the lot line you can build or if you can locate a certain type of business at an address in Markham. Zoning Bylaws may be viewed or purchased at the Town's Planning Department, Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham.

During the planning stage of your project, it is imperative that you determine what zoning requirements apply to your property. The Town of Markham Building Standards Division will assist in that task through the use of the Zoning Search Form. The form, accessed through the link below, can be used by you to request zoning information for any property within Markham.

• Zoning Search Online Form