Pre-Permit Assessment for Secondary Units & Basement Apartments
Ottawa • Renfrew County • Surrounding Areas
Before permit drawings are prepared for a basement apartment or secondary dwelling unit, it is critical to confirm that the project is realistically approvable under the Ontario Building Code and local zoning requirements.
The ADU Feasibility Review is a paid, technical assessment designed to identify major constraints, risks, and requirements before time and money are invested in full permit drawings.
WHAT THIS REVIEW IS (AND IS NOT)
This review is a professional feasibility assessment, not a guarantee of permit approval.
It is intended to:
- Identify major code and zoning issues early
- Confirm whether a secondary unit is viable in principle
- Prevent redesign, delays, and unexpected costs later
It is not:
- A free consultation
- Permit drawings
- A zoning variance application
- A substitute for municipal approval
WHY A FEASIBILITY REVIEW IS REQUIRED
Secondary units are subject to additional requirements related to:
- Fire separations between dwelling units
- Exit and egress compliance
- Minimum ceiling heights
- Mechanical system separation or protection
- Zoning and servicing limitations
Many proposed basement apartments fail due to non-obvious constraints that cannot be corrected through drawings alone.
The feasibility review ensures that permit drawings are only prepared for projects with a reasonable path to approval and includes a paid site visit to verify existing conditions after initial client screening has been completed. Some projects may not proceed beyond initial screening.
WHAT IS REVIEWED
As part of the feasibility review, we assess:
- Zoning permissions for a secondary dwelling unit
- Municipal water and sewer servicing eligibility
- Existing basement ceiling heights and obstructions
- Bedroom egress feasibility
- Exit configuration and travel distances
- Fire separation implications between units
- High-level mechanical and life-safety considerations
- Likelihood of engineering requirements
The review is based on client-provided information and professional experience with residential permit approvals.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Upon completion of the feasibility review, you receive:
- A written feasibility determination:
- Proceed
- Proceed with Conditions
- Not Feasible
- A summary of major code or zoning constraints
- Identification of required upgrades or consultants
- Clear next steps if the project proceeds to permit drawings
This information allows you to make an informed decision before moving forward.
CLIENT REQUIREMENTS
Before a feasibility review can begin, the following are required:
- Completed ADU Client Intake Form (required before any site visit or feasibility review is scheduled)
- Interior photos of the basement and utility areas
- Confirmation of ceiling heights
- Acknowledgement that feasibility does not guarantee approval
Incomplete information may limit the accuracy of the review.
FEES & TIMELINE
Flat Fee: $495 + HST
Payment is required in advance.
The feasibility review is typically completed within 2–3 business days once all required information is received.
This fee is non-refundable and is not credited toward permit drawing fees.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Municipal interpretations vary by reviewer and jurisdiction
- Existing conditions may differ from provided information
- Additional requirements may be identified during permit review
The feasibility review significantly reduces risk but cannot eliminate it entirely.
NEXT STEPS
If your project is deemed feasible, the next step is to proceed with ADU Permit Drawings.
If the project is not feasible, the review provides clarity on why — before additional costs are incurred.