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 (6 feet) in height.
- While not common, you may erect a fence around your front yard, where the height must not exceed 1.2 metres (4 feet).
- 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 feet) of post be placed in the ground for a 2 metre (6 feet) 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 (5 feet) to any lot line
- Cannot exceed 4.5 metres (14.75 feet) in height
- Cannot be built within 2 metres (6 feet) 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 .6 metres (2 feet) to 2 metres (6 feet) requires a guard height of .9 metres (3 feet)
Deck heights exceeding 2 metres (6 feet) requires a guard height of 1 metre (3.5 feet) The openings between vertical guards surrounding a deck or servicing a handrail shall be spaced as to prevent the passage of a .1 metre (4 inch) 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 subsitute for a building permit. Please call (807)229-1340 x2227 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 x2227
Fax: (807)229-1999
Email: | 
