MY HOME HAS BEEN DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE WEATHER EVENT. WHO DO I CONTACT?
Please contact City of Ottawa’s Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 ext. 68855 or email buildingpermits@ottawa.ca if:
- Your home, building or structure on your property has experienced structural damage
- You want to arrange for a Building Inspector to visit your property
- You have any questions about renovating or rebuilding
- You are unsure whether you need a Building Permit to do this work
WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED FOR REPAIRS?
If your home has experienced any of the following, a Building Permit is required:
- Deformation or deflection of structure
- Removal, repair or replacement of structural framing, including trusses, rafters, support posts, piers, beams and joists
If you are unclear whether a Building Permit is required to address your specific scenario, please contact Building Code Services.
ARE THERE ANY SCENARIOS NOT REQUIRING A BUILDING PERMIT FOR THE ASSOCIATED REPAIRS?
A Building Permit is not required for the following repairs:
- Repairs to sheathing and shingles.
- Replacement of windows or doors one-for-one in the same location and size.
- Replacement of cladding (siding, brick, etc.), deck boards or shingles.
- Reinstalling displaced exterior stairs, landings or decks that are less than 1.2 metres (approx. 4 feet) in height from grade.
- Reinstalling displaced accessory buildings. Sheds less than 15 square metres do not require a permit and other accessory buildings less than 10 square metres do not require a permit.
- Replacement of flooring.
- Removal of drywall or other interior finish.
There are many other repairs that may be undertaken without requiring a Building Permit. If you are unclear whether a Building Permit is required to address your specific scenario, please contact Building Code Services.
WHAT TO DO IF THE FENCE AROUND YOUR POOL HAS BEEN DAMAGED OR DESTROYED
This could be a public safety issue. The pool enclosure may need to be repaired or replaced. Contact Building Code Services who can provide you with information on temporary fences and long-term requirements
DOES THE CITY OF OTTAWA HAVE COPIES OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR MY HOME?
Depending on the age of the home and its location, the City of Ottawa may have copies of the plans for the original construction and/or subsequent renovations. Copies of these plans may be viewed through the Access to Building Permit Records process. Please contact Building Code Services for more information or visit our website. Please note that some older Building Permit information may take several days to retrieve.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT TO RECONSTRUCT DETACHED STRUCTURES ON MY PROPERTY?
A Building Permit is required for construction of any structure occupying a space larger than 10 square metres (approx. 108 square feet) in area. This includes reconstructing an existing structure. Sheds greater than 15 square metres require a permit.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT IF MY FRONT PORCH WAS DAMAGED?
A Building Permit is required for the structural repair of buildings, including their associated porches, roofs, sunrooms, additions, and decks. Please contact Building Code Services if it is unclear whether a Building Permit is required for your project.
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR A BUILDING INSPECTOR TO ATTEND MY PROPERTY FOR AN INSPECTION?
Please contact Building Code Services to discuss your specific situation and arrange for your inspection.
HOW QUICKLY CAN AN INSPECTOR ATTEND MY HOME OR BUSINESS FOR AN INSPECTION?
Building Code Services will make every effort to attend to your home or business as promptly as possible. Priority will be given to properties where weather damage has compromised the structural integrity of dwellings.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION FENCING?
Construction Fencing must be provided to enclose the area where existing buildings have been significantly damaged, are unsecured and may cause a public safety risk. This includes open pools, hot tubs, and outbuildings.
LOCATION OF FENCING: The fence must be structurally sound and fully surround all the site’s activities.
HEIGHT OF FENCING: When the site is located 3.0 metres or less from a public pathway or where the public congregates, the fence must be at least 1.8 metres high measured from grade outside of the enclosure. The fence height may be reduced to a minimum of 1.2 metres high only if the activity involves a residential building of no more than 3 storeys and is also located more than 3.0 metres from an adjacent public walkway.
CONSTRUCTION SPECS: There are several acceptable options for the fencing that the property owner/permit holder may elect to construct. These are:
- 12.5mm thick exterior grade plywood, wafer board or OSB, close boarded
- PVC plastic mesh safety fence supported top and bottom galvanized chain link
- prefabricated modular fencing of welded metal frame with wire mesh infill
- combination of the above with equivalent performance level
- smooth exterior face to deter climbing
- no openings in the fence that will allow a spherical object of 100mm to pass through
- gated entry/exits must be clearly identified and securely closed and locked during off hours
- the fence must comply with the applicable OHSA provisions for “Public Way Protection” where applicable
Questions concerning the above should be directed to the Building Official noted on the inspection report, or by calling 613-580-2424, ext. 68855.
