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Revised: March 18, 2020
Town of Gander
Commercial Building Guidelines
Town of Gander
Engineering Department
100 Elizabeth Drive
[email protected]
Gander, NL A1V 1G7
www.gandercanada.com
Fax: (709) 256-5809
Phone: (709) 651-5954/5915
BUILDING PERMIT GUIDELINES
Non-Residential
New Buildings, Extensions, and Renovations
Intent
A building permit is an official document issued by the Town of Gander and is necessary when you wish to
construct, alter, renovate, demolish, or change the use of a building. Building permits regulate various types of
building construction that are permitted in the community and ensure that they meet all building standards.
The building permit process protects both the owner's interests and those of the community at large, while
ensuring that any structural change is safe, legal, and compliant.
Application and Fee Structure
Non-Residential Building Permit fees are calculated based on the estimated construction value of a project.
Building Permit Fee:
$5.00 for each $1000.00 of construction value with a minimum charge of $25.00
Fee to be paid upon receipt of application
Where the Authority has been made aware that construction has commenced, prior to the issuance of a
building permit or the required government approvals, the permit fee shall be doubled.
**Sufficient time should be allotted for processing of the Building Permit application and review of submitted drawings,
normally 3-4 weeks.
If you are considering building or renovating contact the Engineering Department to discuss your proposal in
detail in order to determine if the project complies with Town planning, land use and zoning regulations. This
initial contact will provide the resources and information required to help ensure potential delays and
problems are avoided, which could cost time and money;
Zoning by-laws regulate the use, size, location, and type of building that is permitted on a lot. Current
Development regulations will indicate minimum setbacks, building height restrictions, sideyards, etc. based on
zoning
Some projects may require the approval of a Development Application before proceeding with the application
for a building permit.
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Revised: March 18, 2020
Town of Gander
Commercial Building Guidelines
To Apply:
1. Should the proposal comply, fill out a Building Permit Application form;
2. Submit the completed application, along with associated drawings, if necessary, to the Engineering
Department;
3. Pay the applicable fee as set out in the Town of Gander's fee schedule;
4. Submit additional documentation as required to all applicable agencies, such as Service NL, as their approval
is required prior to issuing a building permit.
Regulations
Location
The builder shall provide a copy of the survey of the property.
Plans
Builders must present two complete sets of plans. Upon review, one set will be stamped and returned to
the owner. Information to be provided on plans:
(a) Plans should be drawn to scale.
(b) White print copies only (photocopies not accepted).
(c) Shall be of quality workmanship.
(d) To be submitted on standard size sheets.
(e) Shall include - Site Plan, Elevations, Foundation Plan, Floor Plans, Mechanical, Electrical, Sections
and Details, etc.
(f) Provincial legislation requires many types of buildings to be designed and have construction drawings
prepared by an architect. All applicable projects shall bear the appropriate stamp.
(g) The National Building Code of Canada requires that buildings in excess of 300m2, as well as many
other smaller buildings, be designed by a professional engineer licensed to practise in the province
of Newfoundland and Labrador. Building referred to in Part 9 of the NBC are exempt.
(h) Provincial regulations dictate that all buildings, with the exception of single and double family
dwellings, shall be subject to a plan review by Service NL
(i) Buildings classified as Part 3 under the NBC, and exceeding 600m2 in area shall be designed by either
an architect or engineer who is licensed to practise in Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally,
assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more, are subject to the same conditions. All
drawings, specifications, and other associated documents must bear professional stamps where
required.
(j) All plans shall be completed in accordance with the current National Building Code of Canada and all
applicable Provincial codes and Municipal regulations.
(k) At no time shall changes be made to an approved drawing without first having received the approval
of the Engineering Department of the Town of Gander.
Sideyards
As per the current edition of the Town of Gander's Development Regulations.
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Revised: March 18, 2020
Town of Gander
Commercial Building Guidelines
Easements
Builders should check their lot survey to determine if there are any utility easements on the lot.
It is very important that the building not be located on an easement. If the building is located incorrectly,
it may be necessary to relocate the building at the expense of the builder/owner.
In the event an easement is located on a property, the Town will, where possible, establish the sideyard,
where the easement is located, as being 0.3 metres larger.
Drainage of Excavation
Laterals (storm and sanitary) must be capped at all times. Great care must be taken to ensure that silt,
sawdust, concrete, etc., must not be allowed to enter the sewer system through building laterals during
construction. This can result in blockages in the system and much expense and inconvenience both to
the builder and building owners who experience flooding. Costs will be charged to the builder/owner
where responsibility can be proven.
Water from excavations must not be pumped out into the street. It should be pumped onto the ground
at a point where it is sloping away from the excavation or directly to a catch basin or other Town
approved area.
Stripping of Lots
All stumps, rocks, and other stripping material removed from the site shall be disposed of at an
approved site. Great care should be taken during stripping and basement excavation that materials
are not pushed onto the street or adjacent property. If this occurs the builder is responsible for
cleaning or repairs.
Assurance and Field Compliance
Any building or building systems required by the National Building Code to be designed by an engineer
or architect must be inspected, and a certificate of "Assurance and Field Compliance" must be provided
to the Town of Gander prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
Occupancy Permit
An occupancy permit is required prior to the occupancy of any building or part thereof. The issuance of
this document ensures that all criteria required by the Town of Gander has been satisfied and the
occupant can safely and legally occupy a building. The permit will not be issued until after a Final
Inspection has been completed. The Authority can refuse the issuance of the permit if all outstanding
documents have not been received from the owner/builder.
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Revised: March 18, 2020
Town of Gander
Commercial Building Guidelines
General Information
SERVICE NL
Service NL is responsible for the handling and processing of all Provincial Government permits, licences and
approvals. The Centre controls approvals for Fire & Life Safety, Building Accessibility, Health, Environment and
Lands, Highways, Development & Tourism, etc. therefore all applications must also be forwarded to their
office for review. The Department should be contacted a minimum of two to three weeks prior to expected
commencement of construction.
Service NL
PO Box 2222
Fraser Mall, 230 Airport Boulevard
Gander, NL A1V 2N9
Phone: 709-256-1420
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL A PERMIT BE ISSUED OR CONSTRUCTION BE PERMITTED TO COMMENCE
UNTIL ALL APPROVALS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM ALL APPLICABLE AGENCIES. IF CONSTRUCTION DOES
START WITHOUT SUCH APPROVALS, A STOP WORK ORDER WILL BE ISSUED.
Other Related Information
Mandatory Inspections
Fences
Signs
Landscaping
Occupancy Regulations
This is a guideline prepared for easy reference. The Town's Regulations are subject to periodic amendments. For the
most recent and official version of the regulations, please refer to the Town of Gander's Development Regulations.
Powers of Authority
Employees of the Town of Gander are required to enforce these regulations and are not permitted to
make modifications. If these regulations prohibit a development proposal, the applicant may formally
contact Council, by written request, to effect changes to a regulation or by-law.