Applications for a building permit must be submitted with the following documentation:
Please refer to residential sample drawings for more detailed information.
The fees are calculated by the Building Official or Technical Support staff at the counter and are based on the fee schedule as set out in the latest Building By-Law.
The building permit fee is to be paid at time of application.
Note: Accepted methods of payment are online EFT, credit via paymentus, cheque, bank draft and money order (made payable to the City of Ottawa).
Who to contact: Building Code Client Service Centre or 3-1-1
Where to apply: via the online customer portal or at a Building Code Client Service Centre for inquiries and those requiring assistance.
Application Form: Permit to Construct or Demolish (For Reference Only)
A phased approach to building permit applications for a project may be considered based on the following criteria for the proposed construction project:
To request partial permits for a project outside the above criteria or if further information is required contact the area Program Manager in Permit Approvals.
Partial (phased) building permit applications for construction projects meeting the above criteria may follow some or all partial applications listed below:
Building permit construction fees for new buildings are based on the gross floor area being constructed during that phase, and shall be calculated based on occupancy type and applicable Service Index per Gross Floor Area Fee Schedule (ottawa.ca). For more information refer to explanatory note 10 and examples provided.
The building permit fee for the entire building may be paid at the earliest application where floor area is being proposed or may be partially paid based on the floor area of the phase. Fees are subject to change, please refer to the most current information and construction permit fees, Forms, applications and fees | City of Ottawa.
When dealing with partial permits, it is important to recognize that the approval and issuance of each permit applies only to the construction of that phase. Changes or modifications to the building design should be evaluated to ensure they do not adversely affect previous permit applications, discuss these or other issues with the Building Official assigned to the project.
Your application will be reviewed to confirm that your project will comply with the Ontario Building Code and applicable laws. The review process may include:
If during the review, additional clarification is required or deficiencies are identified, you or your authorized agent will be notified by using the contact information on your application form.
It is important to ensure that the requested information is re-submitted clearly addressing each request. Depending on the type of deficiency, the issuance of the permit will be delayed until all the requested/required information is received and compliance is determined.
Processing times vary depending on available resources, volume of applications and the completeness of your application. Technical staff at the counter will advise you of the projected time for providing you with a first response to your application.
When the review of your application is complete and all requirements have been met, you or your authorized agent will be notified by via the online customer portal.
The approved permit is issued upon the payment of all outstanding fees and charges. The permit will be available via the online customer portal.
Only upon the issuance of the permit, are you legally permitted to commence construction, including any demolition of existing buildings.
You must ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site and that the approved drawings are made available at the construction site for the Building Inspector to undertake the mandated inspections.
Approximate timeline
Based on the streaming of applications and the category of building as set out in the Ontario Building Code (Refer to Table 1.3.1.3 in Division C), targets for the first review of a complete submission are:
Approximate timeline
For all building types, the target for completing the first review of a complete demolition permit submission is:
Approximate timeline
Who to contact: Building Code Client Service Centre or 3-1-1
Where to apply: via the online customer portal or at a Building Code Client Service Centre
The City is mandated by the Ontario Building Code to provide building inspections associated with construction authorized by a Building Permit. The first step is to make sure that your building plans, drawings and specifications follow the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to arrange inspections at key stages of construction.
Note: The building permit is required to be posted in a visible location at all times.
Where construction is outside the building, all construction sites, especially locations next to sidewalks, residences, occupied buildings, areas close to schools, parks, recreational or other public facilities must be fenced or boarded to prevent access. Before you start construction, contact the Building Inspector for specific requirements or consult the Building By-law.
If you are unsure of when to book an inspection, your building inspector would be pleased to discuss the required inspection program with you, either before or after the permit is issued.
You or your contractor is responsible for booking the Building Inspector — at least 48 hours in advance — to arrange for an inspection after each stage of construction has been completed. Inspections can be booked via the online customer portal or by contacting the Building Inspector to schedule your inspections. Your Building Inspector's name and telephone number are listed on your building permit.
To book a building inspection or contact the building inspector, via the online customer portal or by phone and please leave the following information:
If you need to cancel a scheduled inspection, contact the Building Inspector as soon as possible via the online customer portal or by phone.
A Refundable Inspection Fee (RIF) program was established under the Building By-law to address staffing implications and efficiencies relative to the mandated inspections under the Ontario Building Code(OBC). It applies to NEW Single, Semi-detached and Row Housing dwellings. In addition to the permit application fee, RIF is associated with operational costs of sending staff to sites where the inspection was not ready or requiring inspectors to carry out in excess of the maximum 15 site visits. A refund would be eligible less any additional re-inspection fees only if the project is completed within four years from the date the permit was issued.
It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact the assigned building official, whose name is printed on the building permit, to schedule all inspections, including the final inspection.
The Building Inspector will need to review your project at several stages during construction. These stages are listed in the Notice to Permit Holder, which is provided to you when the permit is issued. The following inspection stages may apply to your building project.
| Inspection stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Sewer Lateral | Prior to backfill of sanitary and storm sewers and water service. Your Building Official does not perform the lateral sewers and water service inspections. These inspections may be arranged by Development Bookings at 613-580-2424 Ext 33246 or developmentbookings@ottawa.ca |
| Excavation | Required prior to placement of concrete footings. The geotechnical soils report confirming soil-bearing capacity may be requested by the Building Official, if warranted by on-site soil conditions. |
| Plumbing Underground | Required prior to covering underground plumbing. (Test required) |
| Foundation | Before the foundation is backfilled. |
| Plumbing (Rough-in) | When plumbing is roughed in (includes drains, waste, vent and water piping system) (test required; direct to where available). |
| Framing and Mechanical Rough-in | When structural framing and stairs, including fire separation and fire stopping components, are completed and the electrical system, fireplace, and ductwork for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, are roughed in. Exterior of building must be weather-proofed. A copy of the as-built survey plan must be provided to the Building Inspector at this time. |
| Air Barrier/Insulation/vapour Barrier | When the insulation, air barrier and vapour barrier are installed. |
| Plumbing Final | When plumbing system, fixtures and appliances are completed (test required). |
| Occupancy | A person may occupy a dwelling that has not been fully completed, provided an Occupancy Permit has been issued by the Building Official. To be eligible there must be no outstanding Building Code Orders and certain building components and systems must be complete and inspected. |
| Final | When the building is complete, at which time the Building Inspector will issue a Final Occupancy Permit. |
In addition to the City, other agencies may be involved in inspecting your building during construction.
Who to contact: Building Code Client Service Centre or 3-1-1
Where to apply: Building Code Client Service Centre