TheBuilding Code Act, 1992, makes it necessary to obtain a building permit for all farm buildings in Ontario with a floor area larger than 10 m2 (108 ft2). The chief building official may require drawings that show more structural detail. Producers commonly ask, "Do I have to contact an engineer to obtain a detailed structural design.

An engineer's task is to protect humans, animals, crops, property and the environment with structurally sound, functional and cost-effective designs. They consider many types of loading and ensure that the building serves its function properly.

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Figure 1. Attached buildings make the design of roof structures complex. Proper snow load calculations are important. Courtesy: Alberta Agriculture.

Farm buildings commonly require engineering design for specific structural components (plates, post/stud sizes, bracing, footing sizes, etc.). The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has developed standards for sizing common farm building components, as described in OMAFRA Publication 809, Farm Building Standards for Use in Sizing Common Building Components, available from Publications Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, jointly with OMAFRA, has prepared a Construction Guide for Farm Buildings,

Simple parameters such as the building floor area or total cost are used to show how complicated a building is, but for many farm buildings, this does not tell the whole story. This Factsheet lists several questions to ask about proposed farm structures. It serves as a guide to show how complicated the design is and why building officials may request more design details. Getting answers to key design considerations early in the process can make building projects run smoother.

Is the new building being built by an experienced farm building contractor?

The chief building official will be most comfortable dealing with a builder or contractor who has completed many similar projects. An experienced builder follows proper design procedures, is familiar with current building techniques, makes proper connections and knows best how the building must function. The complexities of constructing, temporarily bracing and finishing a large structure are best handled by a person with experience. A large percentage of building failures occur during construction.

Are standard construction methods or plans being used?

If the building official is not familiar with a proposed construction method, or if the building uses unconventional components, the official may require a detailed plan. Choosing components that can be designed using recognized design tables will simplify the process. Standard plans such as those provided by the Canada Plan Service, available for download, are often acceptable. Engineered plans are required if the building floor area is larger than 600 m2 (6,459 ft2). Manure storage tanks and other structures that use reinforced concrete also must be engineered.

Is the soil-bearing strength typical of other building sites in the vicinity?

Use proven footing and foundation systems that have performed well in similar soil conditions. Well-drained, compacted sand can support floating slab foundation systems. Contact the local building official when planning to use shallow foundation systems. Clay soils require deeper, below-frost foundation systems. For unusual soil types (soft or swelling clays, loose sand, etc.) or situations where standard design tables do not cover the situation, contact a geotechnical engineer. A geotechnical engineer will determine the bearing strength of the soil and provide recommendations for the type of foundation system to use. Project engineers use this information to design a proper foundation system. Before constructing a silo or other heavily loaded structure, obtain a report from a geotechnical engineering company.

Is the ground floor area of the new building greater than 600 m2 (6,459 ft2)?

Large buildings are more complicated. Wide buildings carry very large roof snow loads. This can be magnified if rainfall occurs while the snow is still on the roof. Large trusses are more difficult to install, even in very light wind conditions. It is important to have qualified persons install the trusses. Use proper truss and wall bracing techniques (temporary and permanent) for larger buildings. All farm buildings require an engineering design for the roof system.

Is the side wall height of the new building greater than 3.6 m (12 ft)?

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