Submission of Renovation Application

Complete and submit an application for a Renovation/ Change of Use permit (your installer/ Designer can aid with completion and submission). Please note that an official application in triplicate is required:

• one copy goes to the city building services
• one copy is kept at the Ottawa Septic System Office
• one copy is for the applicant

Review and Response by Area Inspector

Response time is 5 to 10 business days, pending initial review by area inspector & supply of any supplemental information requested at the discretion of the inspector such as but not limited to:

• Official survey
• Soil analysis
• 3rd party site assessment

Note: Renovation/Change of Use Applications and their associated Permits are Non-Transferable and expire 12 months from date of approval

Attachments required with Part 10, 11 application. Please include one copy of each of the following:

• Construction plans to scale (floor plan, front/side/back elevation),
• Existing septic records (click here for information on obtaining septic records)

Application Approval

If approved, the Renovation/ Change of Use permit is issued:

• one copy goes to the city building department
• one copy is kept at the OSSO
• one copy is for the applicant (include a copy of this permit with any building applications submitted to the City of Ottawa)

An approved Renovation/Change of Use Application is not a Permit to commence construction of your project. It is only a comment from this office concerning the capacity of the current septic system and its ability to accommodate the proposed Renovation/Change of Use.

Note: Approval of a Renovation/Change of Use Application may require additional information or alterations to existing systems and submission of related applications.

Application Refused

If refused, a copy of the Renovation/Change of Use Application will state the course of action required to obtain an approved application.

Note: Septic Systems can only be installed by a contractor licensed and registered with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) as an installer under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code or the property owner themselves. This excludes systems which include an advanced treatment unit which can only be installed by a licensed installer.

Common Reasons for Permit Refusal and Courses of Action

• Tank is Undersized
  Obtain permit to replace tank
• System is Undersized
  Obtain permit for new system
• Assessment by an Engineer required
  Contact a consulting engineer to conduct assessment
• Addition of Effluent Filter or Risers required
  Obtain permit to add effluent filter or risers
• Additional documentation required
  Building plans
  Original septic records