Erin staff can now issue conditional building permits

ERIN  – Council voted unanimously in favour of allowing town staff to issue conditional building permits prior to receiving a full building permit.

This change is to avoid “unnecessary construction delays,” officials say.

“These permits may be issued before all requirements are met, providing the applicant enters into an agreement with the town that introduces safeguards and ensures compliance,” said chief building official Joe Forte.

According to Forte, conditional permits will help to prevent unnecessary construction delays and improve operation efficiency.

Councillor Bridget Ryan asked for an example of a conditional permit and why one would be issued.

Forte told Ryan a permit could be issued for builders to lay foundation or do other foundational work prior to receiving a building permit. The conditional permit would act as a “half permit” allowing buildings to only do what is outlined in the conditional permit.

Mayor Michael Dehn questioned what would happen if someone began building without a conditional permit. Forte assured council that a stop work order could be issued at any time and would hold legal ground to bring illegal builders to trial.

Councillor Jamie Cheyne voiced his support for the change.

“If we are thinning the red tape as opposed to halting it or making it bigger that’s good, as long as the checks and balances are there and we can halt proceedings as needed.”