Building Inspections

Inspection stages will evidently differ, depending on the nature of a construction project. The inspection stages mandated by the Ontario Building Code are as follows: 

1. Footings (prior to placement of concrete)
2. Lateral Sewers & Water (prior to backfill)
3. Foundation
4. Under Slab Drains
5. Rough-In Plumbing
6. Framing - All rough-in plumbing, wiring, rough-in mechanical and other services must be complete.
7. Solid Fuel Burning Appliance (e.g., wood stoves, fireplaces)
8. Insulation & Vapour/Air Barrier
9. Fire Separations - Contact your Building Inspector for the timing of this inspection.
10. Fire Protection Systems - Stand pipe, sprinkler, fire alarm and emergency lighting systems are also inspected by the Owen Sound Fire Department. Contact the Fire Prevention Office at (519) 376-2512.
11. Final Plumbing
12. Final Interior - You must have a water meter installed by the City to receive the 'occupancy certificate'. A list of inspection items for occupancy is available from your Building Inspector or at the Building & By-law Division office.
13. Final Exterior

Once a construction project has been deemed, by a City Building Official, to be in basic compliance with the Ontario Building Code and all other City By-laws (such as the Zoning By-law), an occupancy permit will be issued for the permit. 

Until such time that an occupancy permit has been issued, no person shall occupy or use any part of a building, unless specific permission has been granted by the Chief Building Official. 

If the work is deemed "safe" but remains incomplete, the building permit will remain open in the City's records until a final inspection is undertaken.