How much should I set aside for permit fees on a home addition in Ottawa?

Building permit fees for a home addition in Ottawa are not a guess. The City publishes a fee schedule, and the 2026 schedule (dated January 1, 2026) sets the fee for alterations, renovations and additions to existing buildings at $12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, with a minimum fee of $117.

Construction value is defined broadly. It includes materials, labour, overhead and professional fees, so it is usually close to the full contract price rather than just the cost of lumber. Some example arithmetic:

• A $50,000 project works out to about $638.
• A $150,000 project works out to about $1,913.
• A $300,000 project works out to about $3,825.

Whether the City values your whole project, or only part of it, is for the City to confirm when you apply. Ask the City whether any other charges apply to your specific project before you finalize your budget.

The building permit is not the only soft cost:

• Drawings and engineering. You will need drawings for the permit application, and a structural engineer may be required for foundations, beams or second-storey work. These are separate from the permit fee and often cost more than the permit itself.
• Electrical. The City does not issue permits for work that is exclusively electrical. Electrical work needs an ESA notification or permit, handled by an ESA-licensed electrical contractor.
• Zoning relief. If your addition doesn't meet a zoning rule, you can apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance. In 2026 the urban fee is $3,759 in total ($2,852 Committee, $130 Conservation Authority, $777 City Planning); the rural total is $4,064.
• Heritage approval. For a designated heritage property or a property in a Heritage Conservation District, the City must approve alterations, including construction of additions.

It is the owner's responsibility to make sure a permit is obtained when required, and the City says both the owner and the builder are equally liable. Building without a permit can cause serious problems, including when you sell.

Approval times vary with workload and project complexity, so ask the City for current timelines rather than relying on a rule of thumb. If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, contact Building Code Services at buildingpermits@ottawa.ca. A contractor who prepares complete submission packages can help you avoid resubmissions. You can browse addition contractors in the Ottawa Construction Network directory at justynrookcontracting.com and compare itemized quotes.

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