What is a permit closure and why is it important?

A permit closure in Ottawa is the final step where a City building inspector confirms your completed work meets the Ontario Building Code and approves the project as finished and safe to occupy.

When you pull a building permit through the City of Ottawa, it remains "open" on their system until all required inspections are completed and the work is officially approved. The permit closure is when the City issues a final approval, essentially saying "this work is done correctly and safely."

Why Permit Closure Matters for Ottawa Homeowners

Getting proper permit closure protects you in several critical ways. First, it's required for insurance coverage - if you have a claim related to unpermitted or improperly closed work, your insurance company can deny coverage. Second, when you sell your home, buyers and their lawyers will ask for proof that renovations were properly permitted and closed. Missing permit closures can delay or kill a sale.

From a safety perspective, the final inspection ensures electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC work meets current Ontario Building Code standards. This isn't just paperwork - it's verification that your family is safe.

The Ottawa Permit Closure Process

Once your contractor completes the work, they should contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to request final inspection. The inspector will visit your property and check that everything matches the approved plans and meets code requirements.

If everything passes, the City issues permit closure documentation. If there are deficiencies, you'll get a list of items to correct before they'll approve closure. Your contractor should handle this entire process - it's part of their job when they pull the permit.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be very wary of contractors who say "we don't need to close the permit" or "the permit automatically closes." This is false. In Ottawa, permits must be actively closed through inspection. Some unscrupulous contractors will pull permits to appear legitimate but never follow through with inspections, leaving you with open permits.

Always ask your contractor: "When will you schedule the final inspection for permit closure?" Get this in writing in your contract. If they seem unclear about the process or reluctant to discuss it, consider this a major red flag.

Checking Your Permit Status

You can verify permit closure status by calling City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 with your permit number. They can tell you if permits are open, closed, or if inspections are pending. Keep all permit closure documentation with your home records - you'll need it for insurance claims and when selling your property.

For electrical work, remember that ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) also requires separate inspection and closure through their system at esasafe.com, in addition to the City permit process.