Submitting Building Permit Applications and the Issuance of Building Permits
Building Code Service counters are open for personal services by appointment and walk-ins at the following four locations . This includes the submission of permit applications, payment of fees and the issuance of permits.
Ben Franklin Place – 101 Centrepointe Drive: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
City Hall – 110 Laurier Avenue West: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Kanata – 580 Terry Fox Drive: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Orleans – 255 Centrum Boulevard: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
The following Building Code Service Counters are open one day a week between 8:30 am to 4 pm (no appointment necessary):
Metcalfe - 8243 Victoria Street (open Tuesday)
West Carleton - 5670 Carp Road (open Wednesday)
North Gower - 2155 Roger Stevens Drive (open Thursday)
The following are various methods for submitting applications:
1. Electronic Building Permit Applications (in printable PDF format)
Smaller building permit applications, such as pool enclosures, sundecks, accessory structures, patio tents, finished basements, additions, plumbing only, and secondary dwelling units may be submitted electronically if they are submitted with a maximum drawing size of 11” x 17” (recommended scale of 1/4”=1’-0”). Building permit applications can be submitted electronically via buildingpermits@ottawa.ca. The payment for all electronic building permit applications will be arranged upon submission.
Building permit applications for houses, semi-detached, duplexes, and large construction projects will not be accepted electronically. See hard copy requirements above for submission requirements.
Requirements for electronic applications are to be submitted as one-package and include the following:
- A completed and signed building permit application form
- A completed and signed Schedule 1
- Electronic set of scaled drawings for the proposed construction project (minimum recommended scale of 1/4”=1’-0”).
Submission requirements and examples for residential building permit applications can be found at the following:
- Pool Enclosure
- Sundeck
- Accessory Building
- Addition
- Finished Basements
- Secondary Dwelling Unit
- Patio, Tents and Awnings
2. Hard Copy Applications - courier or mail
Clients can submit their complete permit application submission packages with payment (cheque) via courier to:
City of Ottawa - Building Code Services
101 Centrepointe Drive
Ottawa, ON K2G 5K7
Please note that only official couriers will be accepted.
Refer to submission requirements below.
Mail - Clients can mail their complete permit application submission packages with payment (cheque) to:
City of Ottawa - Building Code Services
101 Centrepointe Drive
Ottawa, ON K2G 5K7
Submission requirements: hard copy applications are to be submitted as a single package and include the following:
- A completed and signed building permit application
- A completed and signed Schedule 1
- Two complete copies of the drawing package for the proposed construction project. Hard copies must be drawn and printed to a legible scale (minimum recommended scale of 1/4”=1’-0”).
- Payment of application by cheque
All permit submissions will be reviewed for completeness upon receipt. Applications deemed incomplete will not be processed.
Applicants will be advised of the status of their submission within approximately two business days of receipt. This may include a request for additional information. Once an application is deemed complete, the applicant will be notified of their application number and processing will begin.
3. In-person appointments
Building Code Service counters are open for personal services by appointment and walk-ins. For clients wishing to submit applications, make payments or pick up permits a scheduled appointment is recommended. Select the link below to access the appointment scheduler. Submitting applications electronically is still the preferred method at this time.
- Laurier Client Service Centre, 110 Laurier Avenue West
- Nepean Client Service Centre, 101 Centrepointe Drive
- Kanata Client Service Centre, 580 Terry Fox Drive
- Orleans Client Service Centre, 255 Centrum Boulevard
The following Building Code Service Counters are open one day a week between 8:30 am to 4 pm (no appointment necessary):
- Metcalfe Client Service Centre, 8243 Victoria Street (open Tuesday)
- West Carleton Client Service Centre, 5670 Carp Road (open Wednesday)
- North Gower Client Service Centre, 2155 Roger Stevens Drive (open Thursday)
Masks are no longer mandatory at City facilities.
Helpful tips in completing the building permit application form as a homeowner
Building Permit Application form
Section F of the application form
As a homeowner, Tarion warranty requirements outlined in Section F are not applicable and can be checked as “No”.
Section G (Schedule 1) of the application form
The Ontario Building Code, under Part C article 3.2, allows for a homeowner to take design responsibility for design activities and drawings related to:
- The construction or alteration to the house owned by the person or
- An ancillary building (garage or shed) that serves the house owned by the person.
The Schedule 1 requirement for this exception must be acknowledged under Section D- Declaration of Designer, 3rd sentence, under the basis for exemption-insert “homeowner”.
Building Permit Application-Section H of the application form - Completeness and compliance with applicable law
Under Section H, any declaration labelled as “No” will not permit the application from being processed.
Application/Permit Fees and Payments
Currently the only method of payment for Building Code Services applications and permits is by cheque, Interac or etransfer.
Issuance of Permits
Permit applicants will be contacted when the permit is ready.
Clients may contact Building Code Services at 613-580-2424, ext. 29312 or email buildingpermits@ottawa.ca for questions regarding their permit application.
Building Inspections
For public and inspector safety, Building Code Inspections staff will not enter occupied areas of the following building types for the purposes of carrying out their duties:
- Long-term care facilities, seniors’ residences and retirement homes
- Hospitals
- Daycare facilities.
Permit holders are encouraged to speak directly with their assigned inspector regarding options for an in-person inspection. Inspectors are currently practicing enhanced health and safety protocols, including physical distancing, while on site.
Development Information Officers
In order to provide effective service to clients, the Development Information service is changing, as of August 1, 2023, in-person service will be available by appointment only. If you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 ext.23434 or email dioinquiry@ottawa.ca, include the subject address, proposed use, and other pertinent information relevant to the inquiry. Upon receipt of the inquiry, a phone call or an email response will be provided within 2 to 3 business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
For up-to-date information regarding building and renovating in Ottawa, please continue to visit Ottawa.ca.