Solarium / Building extension

Building a solarium or an extension to an existing home?

Installation work must be properly planned!

To install a solarium or build an extension to an existing home, a building permit must first be obtained from the Urban Planning Department. The request must be accompanied by a copy of the property’s certificate of location and a site plan, clearly indicating the dimensions of the proposed structure and its planned location, as well as its distance from the property lines. The request must also include two copies of the detailed construction plans.

Learn about the applicable regulations

The provisions applicable to new constructions are found in the following by-laws that make up the Town’s Planning By-Laws:

• Zoning By-law No. 90-58
• Subdivision By-law No. 90-59
• Building By-law No. 90-60
• Permit and certificate By-law No. 90-61
• By-law URB-2 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration

The By-laws, in a nutshell

For planning by-law purposes, adding a solarium is the same as adding an extension to an existing home. This structure is therefore subject to the same rules as an extension and must meet the regulatory zoning and building requirements as well as those for planning and architectural integration, where applicable.

The following text is a brief summary of the key regulatory requirements for building a residential extension in Kirkland. The details below are for information purposes only and are not to be construed as legally binding.

The Urban Planning Department that is responsible for ensuring compliance with the planning by-law can help you better understand its requirements.

Zoning

In accordance with Zoning By-law No. 90-58, an extension to an existing home is authorized, as long as its location complies with the minimum setbacks applicable to the zone where it is being built. These requirements are listed in a special provisions table set out in Article 10.14 of the zoning by-law. The Urban Planning Department can assist you with these issues and help you identify your residential zone and the provisions of the by-law that apply to your particular project.

Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP)

By-law URB-2 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration in residential, commercial and industrial zones helps provide better consistency throughout the various residential, commercial and industrial areas, by ensuring that all new constructions or major modifications to existing buildings blend well with the neighbourhood.

Issuance of a home building permit is subject to By-law No. URB-2 on SPAIP, when the combined floor area of the extension with the existing building exceeds 25% of the average floor area of neighbouring residential buildings.

The Urban Planning Department can assist you with this issue and help you understand the different steps in the SPAIP approval procedure.

Applying for a permit

A building permit application form is available at the Urban Planning Desk at Town Hall or can be downloaded by clicking here.

To expand or modify an existing dwelling, a building permit request must be accompanied by the following documents:

• A copy of the property’s certificate of location and a site plan clearly indicating:
  • the dimensions of the proposed structure
  • its planned location
  • its distance from the property lines
• Two copies of the detailed construction plans signed and sealed by an architectural technologist, an architect or an engineer, depending on the project
• Samples showing the exact colour and texture of the exterior materials that will be used
• Pictures - in the case of an extension or modification affecting the look of the building
• Any other document ie. texts, maps, plans, architectural sketches, scale models, visual simulations, drawings or audio-visual material, which the applicant may deem appropriate in support for the request

Processing Period

A permit for a new construction typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. However, where it is required that the request be submitted to the Planning Advisory Committee for recommendation, the process will generally take 8 weeks as the Municipal Council must rule on the Committee’s recommendation and the building permit may only be issued once the Council resolution authorizes its delivery.

Applicable Fees

Building permit fees for an extension are payable at the time of application and are based on the estimated construction cost, as per the following rate:

• $8.00 per $1,000

If issuing the permit requires the approval of a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP), additional fees of $250 will be added to the cost of the permit for reviewing and processing the application. These fees are also payable at the time of application.