The project being
approved (zoning, etc) and a
building permit being issued, are 2 different things.
My question is in regards to building permit for the project. On June 16th - 2025 the city of Ottawa had not issued one.
There are 4 stages of a building permit.
I am interested in the second and third stage. Specifically:
Stage 2: Approved, Issued, Conditional, Refused
Stage 3: Active, Suspended, Revoked
For example, within stage 2, the excavation may be permitted but not building of the structure.
Then there are additional permits for different trades to do their job.
Project Approval
- Meaning: This usually refers to the planning or zoning approval stage. A municipality or governing authority reviews the proposed project (design, location, use of land, compliance with zoning by-laws, environmental or heritage considerations, etc.) and decides whether the project is acceptable in principle.
- Focus: Land use, density, height, setbacks, and whether the proposed development is permitted under local planning rules.
- Outcome: If approved, it means the project is allowed to proceed to the detailed design and permit stage, but you still cannot start construction.
Building Permit
- Meaning: A legal document issued by the local building department (in Ontario, under the Ontario Building Code Act). It gives permission to begin actual construction or renovation.
- Focus: Compliance with the Ontario Building Code, fire and life safety, structural standards, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and health and safety regulations.
- Outcome: Once granted, you are legally allowed to start construction. Inspections will then be scheduled during the build.
Relationship Between the Two
- Project approval typically comes first (planning/zoning stage).
- The building permit comes after, and it is mandatory before any physical construction can begin.
- In some smaller projects (like interior renovations not affecting zoning), you may only need a building permit, not a separate planning approval.