Under the Ontario Building Code Act, the City of Ottawa requires a permit for most structural, plumbing and electrical renovation work. Skipping a required permit can mean stop-work orders, denied insurance claims, and trouble when you sell.
Cosmetic-only work — paint, flooring, like-for-like cabinet swaps — generally does not require a permit. When in doubt, we confirm before we quote, so there are no surprises mid-project.
Ottawa has been expanding where secondary dwelling units (basement and in-law suites) are permitted, as part of broader zoning changes encouraging gentle density. The exact rules depend on your property and the current bylaw, so we check eligibility for your address rather than assume. Legal units need proper fire separation, egress, ceiling heights, a separate entrance and interconnected smoke alarms.
For projects that need them, we prepare the drawings, submit through the City online portal, and schedule every required inspection — including ESA electrical inspections, which go through the Electrical Safety Authority rather than the City. Permits handled, work inspected, value protected.
Book your free Ottawa planning session. We'll define scope and budget and map the build before any work begins.
