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

In Ottawa, you can check if permits were properly closed on your property by contacting the City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 or checking online through the ottawa.ca building portal.

The City of Ottawa maintains records of all building permits issued for your property, including their current status - whether they're open, closed, or have any outstanding issues. When a permit is "closed," it means the work has been completed, inspected, and approved according to the Ontario Building Code.

Here's exactly how to check your permit status in Ottawa:

Online Method:
Visit ottawa.ca and navigate to the building permits section. You can search by your property address to see all permits associated with your home. The system will show permit numbers, issue dates, and current status. However, the online system may not always show the most current information, so calling is often more reliable.

Phone Method:
Call Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. Have your property address ready, and they can pull up your complete permit history. The staff can tell you if permits are closed, what inspections were completed, and if there are any outstanding issues or conditions.

What You're Looking For:
A properly closed permit means all required inspections were completed and passed. For example, an electrical permit should show that ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) provided final approval, while structural work should show that City building inspectors signed off on the final inspection. If permits show as "open" or "pending," it could indicate incomplete work or missing inspections.

Why This Matters:
Unclosed permits can create serious problems when selling your home, as they may indicate work wasn't properly completed or inspected. Insurance claims could be denied, and you might face compliance orders requiring expensive corrections. Some mortgage lenders also flag properties with open permits.

Red Flags to Watch For:
If you discover permits that should have been closed years ago, this suggests the contractor may not have completed required inspections or final approvals. This is particularly concerning for electrical work (which requires ESA clearance) or structural modifications (which need City final inspection).

Next Steps if Permits Aren't Closed:
Contact the original contractor first - they're responsible for completing the permit process. If they're unresponsive or no longer in business, you may need to hire a licensed contractor to complete any outstanding work and arrange final inspections. The City can guide you through the specific requirements to close each permit.

For current permit fees and timelines in Ottawa, always check the most recent fee schedule on ottawa.ca, as costs and processing times can change annually.