Question 1

Does Ottawa require a permit to take out a non-load-bearing wall?

Accepted Answer

The City of Ottawa's "Building permit projects" list includes "adding or removing walls" as permit work, and it does not separate load-bearing walls from partition walls. So the short answer is: confirm with the City before any wall comes out, regardless of whether it carries load. The permit requirement is the same whether the wall is structural or not. Ottawa.ca lists interior structural alterations, including adding or removing walls, as work that requires a building permit.

Question 2

Closing in an open stairwell in my Ottawa house, permit needed?

Accepted Answer

Closing in an open stairwell touches both the stair structure and the framing around it, and the permit question depends on what work is actually involved. The City of Ottawa's permit list includes "interior and exterior structural alterations, such as adding or removing walls" and "structural repairs or alterations." If closing the stairwell means framing new walls, adding a header or altering the floor opening, that falls within what ottawa.ca describes as permit work.

Question 3

Rotted joists being replaced, does Ottawa treat that as permit work?

Accepted Answer

The City of Ottawa's permit list includes "structural repairs or alterations," and replacing rotted joists is the kind of work that list describes. Confirm with the City of Ottawa (Building Code Services) before any work begins, and ask whether your specific repair requires a permit application through My ServiceOttawa. The scope of the rot is what shapes the job.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Replacing the interior stairs in my Westboro house, permit needed?

Accepted Answer

Replacing an interior staircase in Westboro falls into a grey area on the City's permit lists. A new or rebuilt interior stair is not listed on either the City of Ottawa's permit-required list or its exempt list, so the right step is to ask Building Code Services at ottawa.ca before any work starts.

Permits & the City

Does Ottawa require a permit to take out a non-load-bearing wall?

Closing in an open stairwell in my Ottawa house, permit needed?

Rotted joists being replaced, does Ottawa treat that as permit work?

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

Replacing the interior stairs in my Westboro house, permit needed?