zorra-now-winter-2024

TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 4 Zorra Now | Winter 2024 Zorra Now | Winter 2024 5 911 Addressing As per the Township of Zorra’s Sign By-Law 72-19, it is the responsibility of property owners to maintain 911 signs. Property owners are required to have 911 signs visible so they can be easily identified by emergency responders. Need a 911 Sign? Signs can be ordered through the Building Department. Fill out the 911 Sign request form online found on the Township’s website: forms.zorra.ca/911- Sign-Request-Form Type Cost First 911 Sign / Post / Installation No Charge Replacement Sign / Post / Installation Property owners will be charged a replacement fee. Refer to the Township’s Fee By- Law for current pricing For more information about 911 and civic address visibility, please read Zorra By-Law 72-19 or phone the office. Any building or drainage questions should be addressed to Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent 519-485-2490 ext 7224 or mhughes@zorra.ca Public Works Department NOTICE TO RESIDENTS... WINTER ROADWAY MAINTENANCE ON TOWNSHIP OF ZORRA ROADS The winter level of service to be delivered is prescribed in the Minimum Maintenance Standards – Ontario Regulation 239/02 regarding snow and ice control. The Minimum Maintenance Standards are a regulation of the Municipal Act, 2001. Service will be delivered during the following hours: Monday to Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with additional hours as determined by weather conditions Saturday, Sunday, holidays - as determined by weather conditions. REDUCED LOAD SEASON - February 15 - April 30 An early reminder to all drivers of heavy trucks and equipment that the reduced load season takes effect for the period of February 15 to April 30 inclusive each year. In accordance with By-law 21-03, signs will be posted on applicable Township roadways. HALF LOAD SEASON RATIONALE • Minimize long term damage to infrastructure • Problems caused when roads are soft often require major repairs • Prevent additional damage to culverts and bridges • Heavy loads do damage to road sub-base that is difficult to detect Any roads questions should be addressed to Steve Oliver, Director of Public Services 519-485-2490 ext. 7227 or soliver@zorra.ca • Changes in the size of agricultural equipment i.e. large liquid manure trailers • Multiple aggregate producers in Township • Infrastructure repair costs borne directly or indirectly by residents All of the above lead to safety issues during Half Load Season. Building Department 2024 Ontario Building Code Ontario has released a new Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry while increasing the safety and quality of buildings. The 2024 Ontario Building Code comes into effect on January 1, 2025. There is a three-month grace period until March 31, 2025 for specific designs that are already underway. For more information, please visit www.ontario.ca/page/2024-ontario-building-code or reach out to the Zorra Building Department. Building Permit Fees Building permit fees will increase on January 1, 2025. As per Section 7(6) of the Building Code Act a public meeting was held at the November 6, 2024 Council meeting. Council approved the recommended fee changes effective January 1, 2025. For more information on the report submitted by staff and the specific fee increases, please read Report 2024-110. You can find the most up-to-date Building By-Law at zorra.ca/our-township/by-laws-and-policies/ Building Permit Applications For instructions on how to apply for a building or septic permit, please visit the Building & Drainage section on the Township website. All applications should be submitted through Cloudpermit at www. cloudpermit.com . First time users will be required to register an account. For questions related to Cloudpermit, please contact Nicole van Breda at 519-485-2490 ext. 7231 or nvanbreda@zorra.ca. Thinking about doing an interior renovation this winter? Examples of projects that require a building permit: • Interior alterations for non-residential units • Interior alterations for residential units if a bedroom is created that will require an egress and smoke detector/carbon monoxide detectors, a garage is converted to a living space etc. • Finishing an unfinished basement and adding/removing plumbing fixtures and insulation. • Installation of solid fuel appliances (i.e. woodstoves and fireplaces) • Plumbing systems, heating, ventilation • Any structural changes or repairs (i.e. moving a structural wall) For a more detailed list of projects that require a building permit and projects that do not require a building permit, please visit the Building Department webpage at www.zorra.ca or contact us at 519-485-2490 Project Finished? If your project is complete, please book a final or occupancy inspection on Cloudpermit. It is important that final inspections and occupancy inspections are completed so that your permit can be closed. You may be subject to a fee if your permit is not closed. Construction Drains • Construction drains are initiated by a petition that is filed by the landowner, county or even the Public Works Department of a municipality. • Council will either accept or reject the petition. • If Council accepts the petition, Council will then appoint an Engineer to do a study and a report. • Drainage meetings will be arranged and notification will be mailed to the landowners within the watershed. • It is very important that any notifications that a landowner receives from the Township is fully understood by the landowner. • It is essential for all landowners to understand all the deadlines, appeal dates and the financial implications of the drainage work. Keep up to date on news and events in Zorra Township www.zorra.ca Follow us on Twitter! @ZorraTwp Follow us on Instagram! @ZorraTwp Find us on Facebook! Township of Zorra