When do you need a plumbing permit in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, plumbing permits are part of the building permit system run by the City's Building Code Services. The short answer: like-for-like replacements are often exempt, but new plumbing, moved fixtures and protective plumbing devices generally need a permit. Here is what the City says.
What the City says needs a permit
The City's building permit FAQ says that if your renovation includes the installation, erection, extension or material alteration or repair of a building system, a building permit is required (ottawa.ca, Building permits FAQ). For plumbing, that commonly includes:
- Adding a new bathroom, kitchen or laundry
- Moving fixtures to new locations
- Roughing in plumbing in a basement
- Installing a backwater valve or new sump pit (the City's protective plumbing FAQ confirms a permit is required for these)
- Replacing drain, waste or water piping as part of a larger alteration
What the City lists as exempt
The City's list of projects that do not require a building permit includes (ottawa.ca, Projects not requiring building permits):
- Replacing an existing hot water tank
- Replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets, provided plumbing fixtures stay in the same location
Exempt work still has to comply with the Ontario Building Code and other laws. Designated heritage buildings and properties in a Heritage District Overlay are not covered by these exemptions, so check with the City first.
Fees
The City's Building By-law (2014-220) fee schedule lists a flat fee for plumbing work only of $117 per application, as shown on ottawa.ca when checked on Oct. 11, 2026 (ottawa.ca, Building By-law). Fees are updated from time to time, so confirm the current amount. Larger projects that include plumbing are charged under the general fee schedule. For protective plumbing, the City's Residential Protective Plumbing program can rebate 100% of the plumbing-only permit fee.
What you submit
For interior alterations, the City asks for plumbing information "where applicable", such as the water and drain layout at each floor, plumbing risers, and fixture specifications. You can apply online through My ServiceOttawa. The City allows a homeowner to take design responsibility for their own house, but not where the building has more than two dwelling units (ottawa.ca, Submitting applications).
Inspections
Plumbing work under permit is inspected at key stages. The City lists underground plumbing (before it is covered), rough-in (drains, waste, vent and water piping), and final, each with a test required. Book inspections at least 48 hours ahead (ottawa.ca, Inspections).
Who is responsible?
The City states that it is the owner's responsibility to make sure a permit is obtained when required. A contractor can apply on your behalf, and both owner and contractor are responsible under the Building Code Act. If you are not sure, the City asks you to contact the Building Code Client Service Centre, 3-1-1, or buildingpermits@ottawa.ca.
Not sure if your job needs one?
Send us photos and a short description. In your quote, we'll tell you whether we expect the job to need a permit and how that affects timing. A licensed plumber reviews every request. No automatic estimates and no obligation. This is a small pilot, so we can't promise a response time.