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.
Book your building inspections
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. Your Building Inspector's name and telephone number are listed on your building permit.
To book a building inspection or contact the building inspector, please leave the following information:
- Your name
- Return phone number
- Address of the construction project
- Permit number
- Inspection required
- Date the inspection must be provided to ensure there are no delays
If you need to cancel a scheduled inspection, contact the Building Inspector as soon as possible.
Refundable Inspection Fee
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.
Inspection stages
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 Kathy Heath (Development Review Services) 613-580-2424 Ext 33246.
|
| 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. |
Other inspections
In addition to the City, other agencies may be involved in inspecting your building during construction.
- Septic: The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority approves and inspects septic systems in accordance with the Building Code. Approval and acceptance of the installed septic system is required prior to occupancy of the building. Applications, septic permits and the inspection are coordinated by the Ottawa Septic System Office on behalf of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
- Property: By-law provisions concerning zoning, business licences, and the maintenance and upkeep of existing buildings, including rental properties, are the responsibility of the City’s By-law and Regulatory Services Branch, Community and Protection Services Department.
- Food premises: The City of Ottawa Medical Officer of Health is responsible for inspecting premises where food is handled and prepared.
- Fire: The Fire Services Branch inspects existing buildings to ensure they comply with the Ontario Fire Code.
- Electrical: These inspections are under the jurisdiction of the Electrical Safety Authority.
- Oil and Gas: Appliances are under the authority of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.
- Potable Water Well Information: New wells are to be designed carefully to protect our water resources. Wells must be drilled by a licensed well driller, who submits a water well record to the homeowner and the Ministry of the Environment. A copy of the well certificate indicating the potability of the water is required prior to occupancy.
- Workplace Health and Safety: In the workplace, health and safety and the regulation of construction sites are under the authority of the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
- Utility: Ottawa Hydro as well as any other utility is in charge of their buried services. Remember to 'Call Before You Dig’ (1-800-400-2255) to locate buried cables. This FREE service for excavators and homeowners is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Who to contact: Building Code Client Service Centre or 3-1-1
Where to apply: Building Code Client Service Centre
Application Form: Permit to Construct or Demolish
