What's New
within the Planning & Building Divisions:

Restructuring

The City of Welland has restructured and our department is now called Integrated Services. The new department consists of Planning, Building, Recreation and Culture and Transit. This change went into effect as of July 4, 2011 and staff continues to work in transition to ensure all services are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Commercial Strategy

The Recommendations of the Commercial Strategy Study: Policy Directions Report provided the basis for the Commercial Policies contained in the Official Plan. A copy of this document can be viewed by clicking here.
 

Brownfield Strategy/Community Improvement Plan

The City's Brownfield Community Improvement Plan and Brownfield Strategy provide a framework for the City to promote the remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites.  These documents, together with Official Plan set out community improvement policies and provide the enabling policies and financial incentive programs to encourage brownfield redevelopment.  More information can be found here.
 

 

Builders, Building Designers, Contractors, Homeowners

Building Code Changes Effective January 1, 2012

Energy Efficiency to Houses

Every Building Permit Application for housing filed after December 31, 2011 must:

1. meet the performance level that is equal to a rating of 80 or more when evaluated in accordance with NRCan “EnerGuide for New Houses:  Administrative and Technical Procedures”, or
2. conform to Ontario Building Code Supplementary Standard SB-12 “Energy Efficiency for Housing”.

Occupancy Permits for Houses

Effective January 1, 2012, an Occupancy Permit issued by the Chief Building Official is required prior to occupying or using a house newly constructed.

Vacant Building Owners

City Council passed a Vacant Building By-law at its meeting of May 17, 2011 in response to concerns raised by residents of the City and municipal emergency services about health/safety and other issues arising from vacant buildings.  More information can be found here.

Student Housing

The City is a partner in the new Ad-Hoc Committee formed last year to deal with the Student Housing issue. The Building Division is a member of the committee along with Niagara College, Niagara Regional Police, Student Council representatives, and the Welland Fire Department. The Committee is meeting shortly in preparation of the year end issues and on-going concerns.