Do I need a final inspection to close my building permit?

Yes, you absolutely need a final inspection to close your building permit in Ottawa. The City of Ottawa requires a final inspection to verify that all work was completed according to the approved plans and meets Ontario Building Code requirements before they'll issue the final approval and close your permit.

Ottawa's Final Inspection Process

The final inspection is the last step in Ottawa's permit process. During this inspection, a City building inspector will verify that:

• All work matches your approved permit drawings
• Construction meets Ontario Building Code standards
• Any deficiencies from previous inspections have been corrected
• Required safety features are properly installed
• All applicable trades have completed their inspections (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)

You must request this final inspection through the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or through the ottawa.ca/building portal. The inspection typically costs around $150-200 and should be scheduled once all work is completely finished.

What Happens if You Don't Get Final Inspection

Leaving a permit open without final inspection can create serious problems down the road. An unclosed permit can:

• Complicate future permit applications for the same property
• Create issues when selling your home (lawyers often require proof of closed permits)
• Leave you without official confirmation that work meets code requirements
• Potentially affect insurance claims if problems arise later

The City of Ottawa maintains records of all open permits, and these can show up during property title searches.

Before Requesting Final Inspection

Make sure all required trade inspections are complete first. If your project involved electrical work, you'll need ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) approval. For gas work, TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) sign-off is required. The building inspector will often ask to see these clearances during the final inspection.

Also ensure any deficiencies noted in previous inspections have been fully addressed. The inspector will check these items specifically.

Timeline and Next Steps

Final inspections in Ottawa are typically scheduled within 5-10 business days of your request, depending on inspector availability. Once the inspection passes, the City will issue your final approval and officially close the permit. You'll receive documentation confirming the permit closure, which you should keep with your property records.

Contact Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 if you have questions about scheduling your final inspection or what specific items the inspector will be checking for your type of project.