Building Plans and Property Surveys

The Town of New Tecumseth receives many requests from the public for copies of building plans, property surveys, and structural/engineering/architectural drawings. In most cases, the requests are from the current property owners who wish to complete renovations and need to know the original structure of the building. In some cases, a representative such as a real estate agent or contractor may also request access to the plans for their client(s). It should be noted that these documents are copyrighted.

There are several ways to obtain a copy of these types of documents. An individual can:

• visit the Land Registry Office as the document may be registered on title; or
• contact the original creator of the document (i.e. the architect or surveyor) directly; or
• contact the original builder directly; or
• contact the previous owner; or
• have the Town of New Tecumseth conduct a search for the record(s).  Access a complete list of what records may be disclosed, including who can request those records.

 It is the The Town of New Tecumseth's policy that access to these types of records shall only be given to the registered owner of the property or if the requester has written permission from the registered owner of the property.

Requests for these records can be made by completing a Routine Disclosure application and submitting it to the Building Standards Department. Requesters should be aware that there are costs associated with this service as per the Town's Fees and Charges by-law (as amended) and the Town's Building Permit by-law (as amended).

The application form includes a declaration regarding copyrighted records. By signing and submitting the application form, the requester is declaring to adhere to the Copyright Act, acknowledging that copyrighted records must not be reproduced for profit, nor submitted as plans for construction nor presented as original work.