As of July, 2017, residents are now able to search properties on the City of Winnipeg website to see if building permits have been secured for construction in residential homes.  This is a new and important tool to combat illegal rooming houses.

Permits provide a legal mechanism for the City to engage in a review of plans and/or audits of construction through inspections to help ensure that the work is in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and other relevant City by-laws such as zoning.

If a homeowner is going to build, add, renovate or alter any part of a building or residence, or perform work on electrical or plumbing systems, a residential building permit must be obtained prior to starting any work.   Otherwise, the renovation is being performed illegally.

• Projects that require a building permit:  http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/permits.stm
• Projects that do NOT require a building permit:  http://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/permits/permits_not_required.stm

As we have seen in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward, numerous rental rooms in houses (on the main floors and basement) are being constructed illegally without the required permits.

If residents see construction occurring in a home, they can use the new Property Permit Search Tool and simply enter the street address to see if a permit has been secured:

• Search a Property for Permits:  https://ppdportal.winnipeg.ca/Permits/PropertyPermitSearch/Start.jsp
• Frequently asked questions:  https://ppdportal.winnipeg.ca/Permits/PropertyPermitSearch/SearchFAQ.jsp

For more information, contact City of Winnipeg Permits and Zoning at phone 204-986-5140 or Email: ppd-permit@winnipeg.ca

Twitter:  https://janicelukes.ca/?p=10034