Final Occupancy Permit

What is an Occupancy Permit?

An occupancy permit attests to the general conformance of the new construction and/or renovation with the Ontario Building Code based on the inspections undertaken at the completion of key stages of construction as required by the Building Code and the Building By-Law.

An occupancy permit does not certify or warrant the work or workmanship of a builder, only general conformance with the Ontario Building Code.

  • For the City, it confirms that the minimum requirements for occupancy as set out in the Building Code have been met and that all inspections have passed.
  • For the legal representatives acting on behalf of a purchaser of a home, it is a tool for assessing the status of the building/property being transferred.
  • For the property owner, it confirms that any identified Building Code deficiencies noted during any of the scheduled inspections by a Building Official, have been resolved.

When is it issued?

An "Occupancy Permit" is issued in accordance with the Building By-Law. The Building Code Act does not require a "permit" to be issued, only that occupancy not occur until the builder/permit holder has completed construction to the extent that the new construction or addition meets the minimum occupancy requirements set out in the Code.

For example: the "minimum occupancy requirements" for a single-family residence include:

  • Required exits, handrails and guards, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire separations must be complete, operational and inspected;
  • Water supply, sewage disposal, lighting and heating systems must be complete and operational.
  • Building water systems, building drains, building sewers, and drainage and venting systems must be complete, operational, inspected and tested.

Who gets the Occupancy Permit?

The Occupancy Permit is issued to the permit holder, who is the builder. The homeowner can obtain a copy either by requesting that the builder provide one prior to or at closing of the purchase transaction, or by applying to the City for a copy for a fee.

There are two kinds of Occupancy Permits: Partial Occupancy Permits and Final Occupancy Permits.

A Partial Occupancy Permit is issued when the permit holder wishes to allow occupancy to occur in an unfinished building. For a residential occupancy, the above minimum occupancy requirements apply.

A Final Occupancy Permit is issued when construction is complete and all outstanding Code deficiencies, as listed in Inspection Reports, have been addressed.

Water Meters

This Guide is intended to provide general information only. For more information please visit a Client Service Centre), or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1, 613-580-2400, Toll-Free: 866-261-9799 TTY: 613-580-2401
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