Getting a building permit in Norfolk County has often been met with frustration. It’s a multi-step process that’s necessary to properly move through a building project while adhering to local laws and regulations.
Steps to Getting a Building Permit in Norfolk County
Registration & Online Portal
Normally, you would have to start by visiting the Norfolk County website, and register to their new permit portal. This part doesn’t take long, and does make for a relatively painless ‘first step’.
From there you’ll be brought to a series of questions about your project. Depending on the scope of the project, the intensity of the questions will vary. For a moderate interior renovation, this form will take less than 10 minutes. However, if you’re applying for a permit for a brand new home to be built, it will take a little longer.
Drawings & Designs
During this application process, you’ll also be asked to describe your project and provide drawings. The drawings may be done by the homeowner, or they may be completed by a BCIN designer, both options are acceptable.
Waiting for Feedback
After you submit the permit application, it may be several days before you hear back from the county. The permit officer will respond to you with further requirements to complete the building permit application process.
You will be asked to complete a different sort of application, the application for permit, which may seem redundant, but also helps to clarify all details of the building project to the County official.
You will also be required to fill check off a ‘local law’ check list which rules out infractions on local zoning issues and other potential conflicts.
The Fee
The building permit fee is based off of a formula that is derived from the scope of work to be done. It’s difficult to provide an accurate number in advance so you know what to except, but for example, renovating a garage into extra living space is approx. $400 (2023 numbers).
Waiting for Approval
Once you have submitted your application for permit, law checklist, drawings, and paid the fee, you will have to wait for the final approval.
The Herrewynen Homes Method
The process of acquiring a building permit can be daunting for most people. It isn’t really that bad, but it also isn’t exactly ‘fun’. For this reason, we’ve started to include building permit acquisition into our services to make your life just a little easier. After all, a renovation or custom home build is a big job, and you have enough on-the-go as it is. Leave it to us, and we’ll always strive to make life just a little bit easier for you!