Finishing a basement


Finishing a basement


Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a new building, an addition, or alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).

Before you begin

The Ontario Building Code outlines the minimum requirements for various elements, such as framing and materials, and can be viewed on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing(link is external) website.


Online Submissions 

Applications for finishing a basement can now be submitted online using the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting portal available through My Service Ottawa. The new Land Management System (LMS) is a digital technology providing access to online permits and applications for Building Code Services. 

Applying for applications and access to the customer portal requires a My ServiceOttawa (MySO) account set-up and registration with the new Building, Planning and Land Development system. 

Do you currently have a My ServiceOttawa account? 

  • Yes - Please login to your My ServiceOttawa (link is external) account and complete the system registration by selecting the Building, planning and land development service widget. 

Please refer to the My ServiceOttawa’s help(link is external) page for assistance on how to manage your account. Several Customer Portal(link is external) user guides(link is external) have been developed to provide information on how to use the new system. You may find out more about the new Building, Planning and Land Development online application and permitting system by visiting the Engage Ottawa(link is external) page. 

Please note that payment must accompany all applications. Additional costs for photocopies may apply. 

In Person 

Building Code Service counters are open for personal services by appointment only. This includes the submission of permit applications, payment of fees and the issuance of permits.  

There are various methods for submitting applications.

Application Forms attached

Tips: download the form fill in your infomation then find the City Ottawa permit as decision maker and submit


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