What You Need to Know Before You Build One Of The Following: What is the Zone Category for my area?
R1 Residential: Single family home or double wide modular home
R2 Residential: Single home or duplex
R3 Multi: Family Residential
R4 Multi: Family Residential - row houses
R5: Mobile Home Residential Why Is This Important?
Each zoned area has different requirements concerning: - What you can build
- How big you can build
- How close to the lot line you can build
Do I Need A Permit To Build A Fence?
Fence permits in Marathon are not required. However, our zoning by-law requires that: - If you fence your side(s) and backyard, the fence must not exceed 2.0 metres in height.
- While not common, you may erect a fence around your front yard, where the height must not exceed 1.2 metres.
- When building any fence, you are required to ensure that it is wholly contained within your lot line.
- To locate underground cables call:
Hydro-One 1-800-465-3960
Shaw Cable 1-800-265-1794
Bell Telephone 1-800-465-6924 It is recommended that a minimum of .6 metres/2' of post be placed in the ground for a 2.0 metre/6' high fence, in order to prevent shifting due to wind. Garage/Sheds
While each zone has different setback and coverage requirements, the following requirements apply to all zones for accessory buildings such as sheds and detached garages: - Not to be used as living quarters for persons
- Cannot be located past the front of the house, or in the front yard
- Cannot be closer than 1.5 metres to any lot line
- Cannot exceed 4.5 metres in height
- Cannot be built within 2 metres of the main building
Please provide a site plan, slab details, footing, foundation and framing details.
Decks
A permit to construct a deck is required, as the height of the railings around the deck surface and up any stairs is regulated under the Ontario Building Code. A rule of thumb is: - Stair railings or handrails are required where the deck is serviced by more than three risers.
- Railings or guard heights protecting a deck surface are based upon how high the deck is off the ground.
- Deck heights of 2' (.6 metres) to 6' (2 metres) guard height of 36 (.9 metres)
Deck Height exceeds 6' (2 metres) guard height of 42 (1 metre) The openings between vertical guards surrounding a deck or servicing a handrail shall be spaced as to prevent the passage of a 4 (.1 metre) sphere. The actual construction should also take into account the following: - Footings or supports for the deck - are they on grade (surface of the ground)?
- Or are they below the ground, usually supported on piers?
- Deck attachment to the house - is it physically bonded to the house, or to be left "Free Floating"?
- Structure integrity - are the stringers or joists sufficient for the proposed size of the deck?
Construction drawings are required to obtain a permit for building a deck.
THE FORGOING MATERIAL IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND MUST NOT BE USED AS IS, NOR IS IT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A BUILDING PERMIT. PLEASE CALL 229-1340 EXTENSION 2227 FOR ASSISTANCE IN ASCERTAINING WHETHER A PERMIT IS REQUIRED. For more information please contact:
Rick Kerster, Chief Building Official/Emergency Services Manager
Phone: (807) 229 - 1340 extension 2227
Fax: (807) 229 - 1999
Email: | 
