How do I check if permits were closed on my property?

In Ottawa, you can check permit closure status through the City's online portal or by calling Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. This is crucial information when buying a home or verifying that previous work was properly completed and inspected.

Online Permit Search

The easiest way is through the City of Ottawa's online building permit search at ottawa.ca/building. You'll need your property address or roll number to search. The system will show all permits issued for your property, including their current status - whether they're active, closed, or have outstanding inspections.

The online portal displays permit details including the application date, permit type, description of work, and most importantly, the status. "Closed" means all required inspections were completed and the work was approved. "Active" or "Open" permits indicate incomplete work or missing inspections.

What Closed Permits Tell You

When permits show as "closed," it means the City has verified that the work was completed according to the Ontario Building Code and all required inspections were passed. This includes structural, electrical, plumbing, and final inspections depending on the scope of work.

For electrical work, you'll also want to verify ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) clearance through esasafe.com. Even if the City permit is closed, ESA maintains separate records for electrical inspections and connections.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be concerned if you find permits that were issued but never closed, especially for major work like additions, basement finishing, or electrical upgrades. Open permits can indicate:

• Work was started but never completed properly


• Required inspections were never done


• Code violations that were never addressed


• Potential safety issues or insurance complications

Getting Detailed Information

If the online search doesn't provide enough detail, call Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. City staff can provide more information about specific inspections, any outstanding requirements, or issues that prevented permit closure.

For properties in surrounding areas like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven, the same City of Ottawa system applies. However, if you're looking at properties in separate municipalities like Gatineau or Russell Township, you'll need to contact those municipalities directly.

When Buying a Home

Always check permit status before purchasing. Your real estate lawyer or home inspector should verify this, but you can do your own preliminary check. Unclosed permits can become your responsibility as the new owner and may require additional work or inspections to resolve.

Next Steps for Open Permits

If you discover open permits on your property, contact the City to understand what's required for closure. You may need to hire contractors to complete missing work, schedule outstanding inspections, or in some cases, apply for retroactive permits if work was done without proper authorization.

The City of Ottawa maintains these records permanently, so even permits from decades ago will show up in your search, giving you a complete history of permitted work on your property.