Construction of an accessory building (e.g., detached garage, gazebo, pool house/change room), including pre-fabricated buildings, occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet) requires a building permit. Construction of a one-storey detached storage shed that measures 15 square metres or less in gross area, is ancillary to the principal dwelling and without plumbing, does not require a building permit.
Before you begin
The Ontario Building Code(link is external) outlines the minimum requirements for various elements, such as framing and foundation, and can be viewed on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing(link is external) website.
Development Information Officers
In order to provide effective service to clients, the Development Information in-person service is available by appointment only(link is external). If you require the services of a Development Information Officer, please call 613-580-2424 extension 23434 or email dioinquiry@ottawa.ca(link opens email application), 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 two to three business days, in the event more information is required there will be options to allow for further discussion.
Cost and timeline
Approximate cost
Refer to Applicable Fees
Approximate timeline
Approximate Timeline based on City Council approved enhanced service level:
- First review - five business days
What you need
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish Opens in a new tab or window(link is external)
- Applicable Fee
- Two complete sets of plans that are legible and drawn to conventional scale (checklist and sample plan Opens in a new tab or window(link is external))
- A truss layout as supplied from the manufacturer may be required, depending on the complexity of pre-engineered roof trusses.
- The joist layout as supplied from the manufacturer is required when pre-engineered joists are used.
Required inspections
At key stages of building construction, your work must be inspected to ensure that the completed construction complies with the Ontario Building Code. The permit plans and specifications must be on site and made available to the Building Inspector at the time of inspection. To ensure the availability of a Building Inspector, you should book inspections 48 hours in advance. Failure to have the appropriate inspection performed may result in your having to uncover and expose the work for inspection, or other Orders issued, etc.
Inspections can be booked via the online customer portal or by contacting the Building Inspector to schedule your inspections. The Building Inspector's name and phone number are identified on the building permit. For a list of required inspections that may apply based on the proposed accessory building, please refer to the table on the next page.
| Inspection | Description |
|---|---|
| Sewer Lateral | Prior to backfill of sanitary and storm sewers and water service. These inspections can be arranged by contacting the following: developmentbookings@ottawa.ca(link opens email application). |
| The following inspections are undertaken by your Building Inspector | |
| Excavation | Required prior to placement of concrete footings. |
| Plumbing - Underground | Required prior to covering underground plumbing. (Test required) |
| Foundation | Required prior to backfill of foundation. |
| Plumbing – Rough-In | Required at completion of plumbing rough-in, which includes drains, waste, vent and water piping system. (Test Required) |
| Framing and Mechanical Rough-In | Required at completion of structural framing, and is satisfactory as required by the Ontario Building Code. |
| Insulation/Vapour Barrier | Required at completion of insulation, air barrier and vapour barrier installation. |
| Plumbing – Final | Required at completion of plumbing system, fixtures and appliances. (Test required) |
| Occupancy | Inspection to confirm minimum Ontario Building Code requirements prior to occupying the space. |
| Final | Required at completion of the building. Final Occupancy Permit for a fully completed building will be issued by the Building Official. |
Apply
Online submissions
Applications for detached garages and sheds can now be submitted online using the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting portal available through My Service Ottawa. The new Land Management System is a digital technology providing access to online permits and applications for Building Code Services.
Applying for applications and access to the customer portal requires a My ServiceOttawa (MySO) account set-up and registration with the new Building, Planning and Land Development system.
Do you currently have a My ServiceOttawa account?
- No - Please proceed to My ServiceOttawa (link is external) login page and select the green ‘create an account’ button. Assistance(link is external) is available for creating your account.
- Yes - Please login to your My ServiceOttawa (link is external) account and complete the system registration by selecting the Building, planning and land development service widget.
Please refer to the My ServiceOttawa’s help(link is external) page for assistance on how to manage your account. Several Customer Portal(link is external) user guides(link is external) have been developed to provide information on how to use the new system. You may find out more about the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting system by visiting the Engage Ottawa(link is external) page.
Please note that payment must accompany all applications. Additional costs for photocopies may apply.
In person
Building Code Service counters are open for personal services by appointment only. This includes the submission of permit applications, payment of fees and the issuance of permits.
There are various methods for submitting applications.
Application forms: Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish Opens in a new tab or window(link is external) (For reference only)
A Development Information Officer can advise on zoning regulations impacting your accessory building design such as setbacks to lot lines, building height and lot coverage.