TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 4 Zorra Now | Spring 2026 Zorra Now | Spring 2026 5 Any roads questions should be addressed to Steve Oliver, Director of Public Services 519-485-2490 ext. 7227 or soliver@zorra.ca Building Department 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 Downed Trees High winds can often mean downed trees. If you come across a tree blocking the road during business hours (M-F 8am-5pm), please call the Township office to report at 519-485-2490. Outside office hours, call the OPP to report at the non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122 *OPP. If it is an emergency, please call 911. Half Load Season Rationale • Minimize long term damage to infrastructure • Problems caused when roads are soft and often require major repairs • Prevent additional damage to culverts and bridges • Heavy loads do damage to road sub-base that is difficult to detect • 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. Street Sweeping: Street sweeping will begin late April, due to the long, snowy winter and heavy winter sand presence. Sweeping will take longer than usual, however, all streets should be cleaned up by the end of May, weather permitting. Fresh Gravel and Dust Suppressant Application: Dust suppressant application will begin May 4. All gravel roads will be graded several times prior to application of dust suppressant. Zorra Township has approximately 350 kilometers of gavel roads. Weather permitting, dust suppressant application operations should be complete by June 30. The north end of the Township is scheduled for fresh gravel application starting May 19. All gravel roads north of, and including, Road 88 will be receiving fresh gravel Weather permitting, all scheduled roads receiving fresh gravel will be completed by June 12th. 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 the Building Department. Decks and Shed Building Permits • Decks that are 24 inches (2ft) in height or higher require a building permit and must be equipped with appropriate guardrails. • Sheds larger than 15 m.sq. (161 sq. ft.) require a building permit and must comply with applicable zoning by-laws including setbacks, height restrictions, and lot coverage. • Sheds smaller than 15 m.sq. (161 sq.ft.) do not require a building permit (unless they are going to contain plumbing). Even though a building permit may not be required, the structure must still comply with applicable zoning by-laws including setbacks, height restrictions, and lot coverage. Pool Permits If you are planning to install a pool, a building permit is required. A site plan, grading plan and information on fencing and locks will be required with your application. Additionally, ensure that your pool project complies with Section 9.0 of the Township of Zorra Fencing By-Law 45-22. Standard Details for Residential Construction The Ontario Building Officials Association and the Large Municipalities Chief Building Officials group has created a helpful document illustrating some examples of minimum Ontario Building Code requirements which apply to different types of residential construction in Ontario. The document includes sample drawings for basement alterations, carports, decks, fireplaces, garages, plumbing systems, and wall sections. The document can be accessed under the Information and Resources section on the Zorra website. Building Safety Month – May 2026 May marks Building Safety Month, a time to recognize the vital role building safety professionals play in protecting our homes, workplaces, and communities. Drainage As Spring field operations commence, please remain vigilant for any damaged municipal drain tiles. If you identify any issues that may require repair, please reach out to Drainage Superintendent Mike Hughes to review the matter and discuss next steps. Early reporting helps ensure timely fixes and smooth operations throughout the season.
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