Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a new building, an addition, or alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
Before you begin
The Ontario Building Code outlines the minimum requirements for various elements, such as framing and materials, and can be viewed on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website
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.
Cost and timeline
Cost and timeline
Approximate cost
Refer to Applicable Fees
Approximate timeline
Approximate Timeline based on City Council approved enhanced service level:
- First review - 5 business days
What you need
What you need
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
- Applicable Fee
- Two complete sets of plans that are legible and drawn to conventional scale (checklist and sample plan)
Required inspections
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 finished basement, please refer to the table below.
| Inspection | Description |
|---|---|
| Excavation | Where required - pier footings, underpinning |
| Plumbing - Underground | Required prior to covering underground plumbing. (Test required) |
| Plumbing – Rough-In | Required at completion of plumbing rough-in, which includes drains, waste, vent and water piping system. (Test Required) |
| Framing | Required at completion of structural framing. |
| Insulation/Vapour Barrier | Required at completion of insulation and vapour barrier installation. |
| Plumbing – Final | Required at completion of plumbing system, fixtures and appliances. |
| Final | Required at completion of the basement’s alterations. |
Apply
Apply
Online Submissions
Applications for finishing a basement 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 (LMS) 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 login page and select the green ‘create an account’ button. Assistance is available for creating your account.
- Yes - Please login to your My ServiceOttawa account and complete the system registration by selecting the Building, planning and land development service widget.
Please refer to the My ServiceOttawa’s help page for assistance on how to manage your account. Several Customer Portal user guides 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 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 (For reference only)