Can I legally add a basement apartment in Ottawa?

Yes, you can legally add a basement apartment in Ottawa, but it must comply with strict zoning and building code requirements for what's called a "secondary dwelling unit."

The City of Ottawa allows secondary dwelling units in most residential zones, but your property must meet specific criteria. First, check if your neighborhood is zoned to permit secondary units - most R1, R2, R3, and R4 zones allow them, but some areas have restrictions. You can verify your zoning at ottawa.ca or call Planning Services at 613-580-2424.

Your basement apartment must meet Ontario Building Code requirements for legal habitation. This includes minimum ceiling heights of 6'5" (1.95m) for most areas and 6'1" (1.85m) for bathrooms and storage. You'll need proper egress windows in bedrooms - these must be at least 3.8 square feet with a minimum width and height of 15 inches, and the sill can't be more than 3'9" above the floor.

The unit requires separate electrical and plumbing systems with their own meters, proper ventilation, adequate natural light, and fire separation between units. Sound transmission must also be controlled between the main house and apartment. These requirements often mean significant structural work, electrical upgrades, and potentially lowering the basement floor.

You'll need both a building permit and zoning compliance. Building permits for secondary dwelling units in Ottawa typically cost $1,500-$3,000 and take 6-12 weeks to process. The application requires detailed drawings showing compliance with all building code requirements. Many homeowners find they need an architect or designer familiar with Ottawa's requirements.

Before starting, verify your contractor holds proper licenses. Electrical work requires an ESA-licensed contractor (check at esasafe.com), plumbing needs a licensed plumber, and gas work requires TSSA certification. Your general contractor should have WSIB coverage and proper insurance.

Watch for red flags like contractors who say "permits aren't needed" or offer to do the work without proper inspections. Unpermitted basement apartments can't be legally rented, may not be covered by insurance, and can create problems when selling your home.

The total project cost typically ranges from $80,000-$200,000 depending on existing conditions and finish level. This includes structural work, waterproofing, electrical/plumbing rough-ins, insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchen, and bathroom installation.

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or visit ottawa.ca/building to start the permit process. They offer pre-consultation meetings to review your plans before formal submission, which can save time and money by identifying issues early.

Remember, even with permits, you'll need to register as a landlord with the City of Ottawa if you plan to rent the unit, and ensure it meets all rental housing standards.