Can my carpenter apply for the Ottawa permit on my behalf?

Yes, a carpenter can apply for a building permit on your behalf in Ottawa. The City of Ottawa allows either the owner or an authorized contractor or designer to submit the application through My ServiceOttawa.

The City's permit FAQ says it is the owner's responsibility to make sure a permit is obtained when one is required, that you may authorize your contractor or designer to apply, and that the owner and the builder or contractor are equally liable under the Building Code Act. Getting that authorization in writing, as part of your contract, keeps the responsibility clear from the start.

A few things are worth confirming before the application goes in. The person who prepares and submits the design documents needs to meet the Building Code's designer qualifications and be registered, unless you as the homeowner take design responsibility for a house you own. If a beam or structural element is involved, ask your carpenter who is preparing the design, whether that person holds a BCIN registration, and whether an engineer or architect is involved. The City decides what it will accept.

The permit fee for alterations is set at $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum of $117. The City calculates the construction value as the total of all materials, labour, overhead and professional fees, and it sets that valuation. The application goes through My ServiceOttawa, and inspections are booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Before work starts, confirm in writing who is applying for the permit, who is responsible for booking inspections, and what happens if the City asks for additional documentation or a revised design.