Frequently Asked Questions
- Building Permits
- What is a Building Permit?
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A building permit is a document issued by a municipal building department which, when issued, grants an applicant or their agent legal permission to begin a building project.
The Building Permit application begins the process of review of the project designs (plan examination) to ensure that compliance of the zoning requirements (contained in municipal by-laws), and building standards (contained in the Ontario Building Code) are satisfied for the health, safety, and welfare of the public who will be occupying the building. The actual construction is subject to inspections by the Town of Ajax Building Inspectors in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable standards and legislation before work is concealed by floor or wall finishes and also gives building officials the means to enforce the requirements of various standards.
For further information, contact Building Services at 905-619-2529, ext. 3244.
- Why is a building permit required?
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A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure.
The following are example of projects that WOULD require a building permit:
| • carports, garages |
| • decks - greater than 600 mm (23 5/8”) |
| • demolitions |
| • plumbing systems |
| • prefabricated structures |
| • retaining walls |
| • sheds – greater than 10 square metres (108 feet) |
| • signs |
| • solid fuel burning appliances (fireplaces/wood stoves) |
| • structural alterations |
| • swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds |
| • temporary buildings |
The following are examples of projects that WOULD NOT require a building permit:
| • replacement of stucco, siding, or shingles with the same material |
| • replacement of doors when the opening is not altered |
| • construction of fences (except when required for pool installations) |
| • patching, painting and decorating |
| • installation of cabinets and shelves |
For further information, contact Building Services at 905-619-2529, ext. 3244.
- Where do I apply for a building/sign permit?
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You can apply for building and sign permits, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.).
What can result from not obtaining a building permit?
| • Costly repairs may be required to gain compliance |
| • Removal of work done not in compliance will be required |
| • The building permit application fee may be increased |
| • Legal action may be initiated by the Building Department to gain compliance |
For further information, contact Building Services at 905-619-2529, ext. 3244.
- Dog & Cat License
- Where can I get a licence for my cat or dog and how much does it cost?
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You can get a licence for your cat or dog at Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many Veterinarians in Ajax also sell licences, including Riverside Animal Hospital, Ajax Animal Hospital, Salem Road Animal Hospital and Harwood Avenue Animal Hospital.
The cost for a licence for an altered animal is $20 and $35 for an unaltered animal. There is a $5 reduction if the animal has been micro-chipped. Licences are valid January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year. You may licence up to three cats and two dogs per dwelling.
For further information, please contact Animal Services at 905-683-8275 or by e-mail at animalservices@townofajax.com.
- Employment
- Where can I find information about Employment Insurance and other benefits?
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Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) has an office in Ajax, located at 321 Harwood Ave. S. (corner of Harwood Avenue South and Bayly Street West).
For inquiries regarding Employment Insurance, call 1-800-206-7218.
For inquiries regarding Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Disability, call 1-800-277-9914.
- Where can I find out about jobs available with the Town of Ajax?
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The Town of Ajax only accepts and holds resumes on file when a specific job vacancy has been posted or advertised.
Full-time or part-time job vacancies are posted on the Town’s Web site on the Employment page of this website.
All general applications and/or resumes received by mail, e-mail and/or fax are destroyed.
- Garbage Bag Tags
- What are garbage bag tags and where can I purchase them?
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Residents are required to tag each bag of garbage over the four bag limit on their designated waste collection day. Garbage bag tags are available for $1.50 each at the following locations:
Ajax Town Hall, 65 Harwood Ave. S.
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
905-683-4550
Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Rd.
Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Summer Hours (July-August): Saturday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
905-683-3740
McLean Community Centre, 95 Magill Dr.
Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
905-428-7711
Garbage collection is the responsibility of the Region of Durham. For more information, call 1-800-667-5671/905-579-5264 or visit www.durham.ca.
- Marriage License
- How do I obtain a Marriage Licence?
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You can obtain a Marriage Licence from Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The licence fee is $125.00 (cash or debit accepted). Two pieces of government issued identification are required for each party, regardless of whether they are present when applying for the licence. For more information, visit Legislative Services page of our website.
- Taxes
- How can I pay my taxes?
| • Pre-authorized payment - visit Tax Billing & Collection page of our website for more information |
| • At financial institutions, at the teller or through a bank machine |
| • By telephone or Internet through your financial institution. Your roll number is the account number |
| • By mail. When mailing a payment, please enclose the payment stub and make your cheque payable to “Town of Ajax”. Cheques may be post-dated to the due date of the instalment. Please write your roll number on the front of your cheque |
| • 24 hour drop box at Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.) |
| • In person at Ajax Town Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Payment by debit is available |
| • If you pay your taxes with your mortgage company, the mortgage company should be shown on your tax bill along with a mark saying “Do not Pay”. This means we have sent your tax bill information to them for payment. If the mortgage company’s name does not appear, please contact them immediately |
For more information, contact 905-683-2718 or visit the Tax Billing & Collection page of our website.
- How does the pre-authorized payment plan work?
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All taxpayers of assessed properties are eligible for this plan.
Options
Instalment: We will debit your bank account on the tax due date for the amount of your instalment.
Monthly – Arrears: We will debit your bank account on the 15th of each month for the amount stated on your application (subject to approval by the Tax Section).
Monthly – Regular: This plan spreads your taxes over 12 monthly payments beginning in January and ending in December. Your monthly tax payment will automatically be withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of each month.
Monthly – Property Not Fully Assessed: We will debit your bank account on the 15th of each month for the amount stated on your application.
For more information, contact 905-683-2718 or visit the Tax Billing & Collections page of our website.
- I have questions about my assessment, who do I contact?
- How do I get a receipt for property taxes paid?
- How are the taxes billed on my newly constructed home?
- Traffic and Parking
- How do I get an all-way stop installed at an intersection in my neighbourhood?
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The purpose of a stop sign is to control the right-of-way at an intersection. All-way stop controls are installed at the intersection of two relatively equal roadways, having similar traffic volume demand and operating characteristics or in response to high collision rates, excessive vehicular delay, or a high rate of pedestrian crossings at the intersection.
Many individuals believe that the installation of stop signs will lower the speed at which vehicles travel on a particular street. This is untrue and may result in higher speeds between stop signs as drivers accelerate to make up the lost time for having to stop. Stop signs are only effective at slowing traffic within a short distance of the intersection.
Improper use of all-way stop controls unnecessarily restricts traffic flow. At unwarranted locations, drivers who do not expect cross traffic often fail to stop completely at the intersection, which negatively affects pedestrian safety.
All requests should be directed in writing to the Transportation Division at the Town of Ajax, 65 Harwood Ave., Ajax, ON L1S 2H9.
- I want the on-street parking layout on my street changed, what should I do?
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As parking is a contentious issue in most neighbourhoods, the Town requests that a letter be mailed to the Transportation Division detailing the problem and suggested solutions to the problem. For a large study area it is recommended that the resident also conduct a petition and submit it to the Transportation Division. Once a request has been received, Town staff will review the area and determine if parking restrictions are required in order to address a “technical problem”. If a technical problem is found, a survey may be distributed to all affected residents of any requested parking changes in order to solicit an unbiased representation to the need/want for parking changes. All requests should be directed, in writing to the Transportation Division at the Town of Ajax, 65 Harwood Avenue, Ajax, Ontario L1S 2H9.
- How do I dispute a Town of Ajax parking ticket?
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If you receive a Town of Ajax parking ticket, you have three options, as listed on the back of the ticket:
Voluntary Payment – pay the “early payment” fine within 7 days of the ticket’s issue date or pay the “set fine” after 7 days.
Parking Ticket Review – to make an appointment to review your Parking Ticket please call 905-619-2529, ext. 3340. Appointments take place alternating Monday and Tuesday mornings and afternoons at Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.).
Trial Option – request your ticket be taken to court by completing the appropriate section on the back of the ticket and return to Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S.). |
