Offices in Ottawa and Perth
(613) 722-1500

CONTACT US (613) 722-1500

I Need a Permit For That?

I Need a Permit For That?

By:

Posted July 4, 2019

Now that summer is finally here, a lot of people will looking to do renovations. While most people recognize that they will need building permits for large projects, like an addition, many do not realize that permits are required for smaller, more common renovations. There is some variance among municipalities in terms of what requires a permit and what does not. In Ottawa, for example, the following are renovations that may require a permit:

  • Building or altering a structure with an area of more than ten square meters
  • Installing new windows where there were no windows before
  • Altering the plumbing system
  • Repairing the structural foundation
  • Adding a self-contained basement apartment
  • Installing a deck (depending on the height and area)
  • Widening or creating a new driveway
  • Finishing a basement
  • Fencing for a pool or hot tub

Whether a permit is required is important to understand because if someone does renovations without one and the municipality finds out, a work order can be issued requiring the property owner to rectify whatever deficiency exists (which could be costly). As a result, prior to starting any renovation, you should consult with your municipality to confirm whether a permit is required and, if so, what the process is to obtain one.

Generally, the process begins with submitting an application form, along with certain supporting documents (i.e. plans) and a fee to the municipality. Assuming the municipality approves what you have submitted, you can begin your renovation and the municipality will arrange for inspections over the course of construction. Once the work is complete, the municipality will attend the property for a final inspection and issue a certificate if the work has been completed in compliance with the permit issued and the relevant legislation (such as by-laws and the Ontario Building Code).

So, next time you are ready to start a project and think it is only a minor renovation, remember that a permit could be required, even for something as simple as installing a hot tub.

This blog post was written by Jason Peyman, a member of the Real Estate and Business Law teams.  He can be reached at 613-369-0376  or at jason.peyman@mannlawyers.com.

More Resources

Blog |
Wills, Trusts and Estates
By: 

Posted March 21, 2024

If someone wishes to make a Will or appoint a Power of Attorney, they must have the requisite capacity. The determination as to whether someone[...]
Blog |
Business Law
By: 

Posted March 13, 2024

A not-for-profit corporation incorporated pursuant to the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (Ontario) (”ONCA”) is required to maintain certain records regarding the corporation, its members, directors and[...]
Blog |
Business Law
By: 

Posted March 5, 2024

With India having touched down on the surface of the moon last year, an impressive achievement by all accounts, we are reminded of the dozens[...]
Blog |
Family Law
By: 
Co-parenting with your ex-partner can be challenging. It involves constant coordination and communication about various aspects of your children’s lives. Whether it is about schedules,[...]
Blog |
Wills, Trusts and Estates
By: 
Over time, individuals could acquire assets in different jurisdictions that are governed by different legal systems. Similar to the consideration of double wills in distinguishing[...]
Blog |
Family Law
By: 

Posted January 31, 2024

In the first part of this series, we reviewed the background, trial, and appeal to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal in Anderson v Anderson. This[...]
Jason Peyman

Jason Peyman

My practice focuses on residential real estate, as well as corporate/commercial law. I pride myself on providing clients with help throughout the various stages of a real estate transaction and making the process of buying or selling a home as simple as possible. In addition, I also enjoy assisting clients with other real estate issues, such as preparing co-tenancy agreements and advising clients regarding boundary disputes. For the firm’s corporate/commercial clients, I am involved in preparing and reviewing commercial agreements, such as asset and share purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, leases, and license agreements. Born in Kingston and raised in the Greater Toronto area, I obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University, where I was also President of the Sports Business Club. I am a graduate of the joint law degree program between the University of Ottawa and Michigan State University. During law... Read More

Read More About Jason Peyman

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Consent*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.