Basement Apartments • Secondary Suites • In-Law Units
Permit drawings for legal secondary dwelling units under the Ontario Building Code
Ottawa • Renfrew County • Surrounding Areas
Leckie Drafting Services Inc. provides permit-focused drawings for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and secondary suites within existing houses across Eastern Ontario.
This service is intended for homeowners and property owners who require Ontario Building Code–compliant drawings for basement apartments or secondary units — prepared with a clear understanding of life-safety, fire separation, and municipal review expectations.
PROJECTS WE SUPPORT
We prepare permit drawings for:
- Basement apartments
- Secondary dwelling units
- In-law suites
- Accessory dwelling units within existing houses
Projects are designed in accordance with Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code and, where applicable, Part 11 (Renovation and Change of Use) for existing residential buildings. All drawings are prepared by a BCIN-certified designer (House category).
This service applies to existing detached, semi-detached, and townhouse dwellings where a secondary unit is permitted.
A PERMIT-FIRST APPROACH
(NOT BASEMENT RENOVATIONS)
Secondary units are not standard basement renovations.
They introduce additional requirements related to:
- Fire separations between dwelling units
- Exit and egress compliance
- Ceiling height limitations
- Interconnected smoke and CO alarms
- HVAC system separation or protection
Our process is structured to address these requirements up front, reducing redesign, delays, and inspection issues later.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
ADU projects follow a three-step process:
- Client Intake & Pre-Screening
A required ADU Client Intake Form is completed by the client to self-confirm baseline feasibility (including ceiling height and exit conditions) prior to scheduling any site visit or feasibility review. - Paid Feasibility Review
A technical review is completed to confirm zoning viability, code constraints, and major risks before drawings begin. - Permit Drawings
Once feasibility is confirmed, permit-ready drawings are prepared for submission.
This approach ensures that permit drawings are only prepared for projects that are realistically approvable.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Upon completion of permit drawings, you receive:
- A full PDF set of permit-ready drawings
- Ontario Building Code–compliant layouts and details
- Fire separation and life-safety documentation required for legal secondary units, including fire-rated assemblies, alarm locations, and exit/egress compliance.
- Schedule 1 – Designer Information (BCIN)
These documents are suitable for submission to your local building department as part of a complete permit application.
ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS
Engineering requirements vary depending on:
- Structural alterations
- New or enlarged openings
- Floor assembly changes
- Site-specific conditions
Where engineering is required, coordination or referral to a qualified professional can be provided. Engineering services are not included in drafting fees.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
This service does not include:
- Zoning variance applications
- Septic design or evaluation
- HVAC, plumbing, or electrical design
- Construction pricing or management
- Interior design or finish selection
Each consultant or trade remains responsible for their own regulated scope of work.
IS THIS SERVICE A GOOD FIT?
This service is well-suited for clients who:
- Want a legal secondary unit
- Understand that feasibility comes first
- Value code compliance over shortcuts
- Prefer a clear, permit-focused process over informal or unpermitted conversions
It may not be a good fit for projects seeking:
- Conceptual or aesthetic design services
- Informal or unpermitted conversions
- Extensive design exploration
NEXT STEPS
If you are considering an ADU or secondary suite in Eastern Ontario and require permit-ready drawings, the next step is to complete the ADU Client Intake Form.
This allows us to confirm whether your project is a good candidate before moving forward.