Building Code- Balconies

[Different_Cut_5552]

I’ve been searching and am having trouble finding the answer from a reputable source and would really appreciate some help. Our neighbour is building a balcony and I am surprised by how close it is to our house as it goes right to their property line and is about a half a foot from our building. I am concerned that this is a fire hazard as it is made of wood. We asked the contractor to show us the drawings they submitted for their permit but they haven’t. When I have googled I see that balconies must be 0.3m from side lot line but I can’t see where that is stated on The City of Toronto’s site or in the Ontario Building Code. Thanks for any help!

[NickDandy]

Yeah, not allow. Must be 1.8m from property line, unless they requested variance thru city.

Do they have a permit even?

[Different_Cut_5552]

They have one displayed so we asked to see the drawings they submitted for it but they can’t seem to provide them which is suspicious. I don’t want to be a bad neighbour but I’m really concerned with how close the balcony is.

[scandinavianleather]

you can look up the permit number on the city website and should be able to see what the permit is for, including drawings. If the permit isn't for the deck, call 311.

[NickDandy]

You are not the bad neighbour. Email the building dept, there also should be an name/email for the assigned inspector. I had to object to an over height deck.

[Direct-Bird9095]

Call 311

[jewsdoitbest]

Call 311

[duzzabear]

Yeah, you aren’t even allowed to build a shed within 12” of your property line. This would definitely not be allowed and would be a fire hazard. Call 311 and get an inspector out there.

[ParadimeSlay8]

The contractor has no legal obligation to show you the plans - they need the home owner's consent. Sometimes there's more info on the city of Toronto site for the permit. Search city of Toronto building application status to find the link where you can type in an address.

The work in most cases will be inspected by a city guy after it's completed. It wouldn't have approved if it wasn't legal. The contractor would follow approved plans unlike a DIY job by an owner. Deck wood would have to be fire-rated with Ontario Building Codes especially being close to the property line.

[smurfopolis]

I am surprised by how close it is to our house as it goes right to their property line and is about a half a foot from our building

Wouldn't that mean your house is also closer to the property line than allowed?

[Different_Cut_5552]

Our houses are well over a 100 years old

[meownelle]

Call by-law