How do I get previous unpermitted work inspected and approved?

In Ottawa, you can get unpermitted work inspected and approved through the City's "after-the-fact" permit process, though it's more complex and expensive than getting permits upfront.

The After-the-Fact Permit Process in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) does allow homeowners to legitimize unpermitted work, but you'll need to navigate additional requirements. This process is formally called applying for permits "after construction" and involves proving the work meets current building codes.

Start by calling 613-580-2424 or visiting ottawa.ca/building to discuss your specific situation. The building department will guide you through what documentation they need and whether the work can be approved as-is or requires modifications.

What You'll Need to Provide

You'll typically need to submit detailed drawings or plans showing exactly what was built, even for work completed years ago. For electrical work, you'll need ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) inspection and approval - visit esasafe.com or call them directly. For gas work, TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification is required.

The challenge is that unpermitted work must meet the building code standards that were in effect when the work was done, OR current standards - whichever the inspector determines applies. Sometimes this means bringing old work up to current code, which can be expensive.

Costs and Timeline Considerations

After-the-fact permits in Ottawa typically cost 2-3 times more than regular permits, so expect $400-1,500+ depending on the scope of work. The process takes longer too - often 4-8 weeks instead of the usual 2-4 weeks for standard permits.

What to Watch For

Be prepared that some work might not be approvable if it violates current zoning bylaws or safety codes. This is especially common with basement apartments, additions that exceed lot coverage, or electrical work that doesn't meet ESA standards. In these cases, you may need to modify or remove portions of the work.

Never try to hide unpermitted work during home sales - it creates liability issues and can derail transactions. Getting proper permits protects your investment and ensures insurance coverage.

Professional Help Recommended

Consider hiring a contractor familiar with Ottawa's permit process to help navigate this. They can assess whether your unpermitted work is likely to pass inspection and handle the paperwork. Look for contractors with current WSIB clearance and proper licensing through ESA (for electrical) or TSSA (for gas work).

Contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to start the process - they're generally helpful in explaining your options for legitimizing unpermitted work.