Ontario Design Studio provides BCIN-certified building permit drawings across the City of Oshawa, from the revitalizing downtown to the growing north-end communities near Ontario Tech University and Durham College. We work with Oshawa’s zoning by-law and Durham Region servicing requirements.
Building Permit Services in Oshawa
Whatever you are building in Oshawa, our BCIN-certified team prepares the complete, Ontario Building Code–compliant drawing package your project needs:
- Residential permits - new homes, additions, and renovations
- Legal basement apartment conversions
- Secondary suites and garden suites
- Deck and porch permits
- Load-bearing wall removals with structural engineering
- Commercial permits and tenant fit-outs
Oshawa Local Considerations
- Student-rental demand: areas near Ontario Tech and Durham College, including Windfields and north Oshawa, see strong demand for legal basement and accessory apartments.
- Central and heritage areas: established central neighbourhoods and heritage properties can carry additional review.
- Durham Region servicing: coordinated with Durham Region.
Ready to start your Oshawa project?
Ontario Design Studio delivers BCIN-certified, OBC-compliant permit drawings across Oshawa and the surrounding area. Call 416-558-9607 or request your free quote - most drawing packages are ready in 5–10 business days.
How the Oshawa Building Permit Process Works
Every building permit in Oshawa is reviewed against the Ontario Building Code and the City’s zoning by-law. Because Oshawa is part of Durham Region, some projects require coordination with the Region for water and sewer servicing. Ontario legislation targets a 10-business-day review for houses once a complete application is filed, so a complete, professional first submission is the fastest route to approval.
- Zoning check - we confirm setbacks, height, and lot coverage before drawing a single line.
- Drawing preparation - your complete, Oshawa-formatted package, typically in 5–10 business days.
- Submission - we file through the City’s online permit system and respond to examiner comments.
- Permit & inspections - you build, with City inspections through to final sign-off.
Second Units & Garden Suites in Oshawa
Under Ontario’s housing legislation, up to three residential units are permitted as-of-right on most Oshawa lots - a main dwelling plus two additional residential units, such as a basement apartment and a garden suite. A building permit and inspections are still required, and the drawings must show fire separation, egress, ceiling height, and independent ventilation. We prepare complete second-unit packages so your rental is fully legal and insurable.
What’s Included in Your Drawing Package
- Site plan based on your legal survey - setbacks, lot coverage, and parking
- Existing and proposed floor plans with dimensions
- Exterior elevations and building cross-sections
- Structural details and, where required, P.Eng-stamped drawings
- Energy compliance (SB-12) and Schedule 1 designer information
- Zoning summary confirming conformity with the Oshawa by-law
Permit Drawing Costs in Oshawa
Drawing fees depend on your project type and complexity, and are separate from the City’s municipal permit fee. See our 2026 building permit cost guide for full ranges, or call 416-558-9607 for a free quote on your Oshawa project.
Oshawa Neighbourhoods We Serve
We prepare permit drawings throughout Oshawa, including Downtown Oshawa, Windfields, Kedron, Samac, Lakeview, Donevan, McLaughlin, and O’Neill.
Why Homeowners in Oshawa Choose Ontario Design Studio
- BCIN-Certified - provincially registered, OBC-compliant drawings
- Complete submissions that reduce examiner back-and-forth and delays
- 5–10 day turnaround on most residential packages
- We manage the process - submission, examiner responses, and resubmissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a basement apartment in
Yes. Creating or legalizing a basement apartment (a second unit) in Oshawa requires a building permit with drawings showing fire separation, egress, ceiling height, and interconnected smoke and CO alarms. Ontario permits additional residential units province-wide, but the permit and inspections remain mandatory before the suite is legal.
How do I apply for a building permit in
Applications are filed through the City of Oshawa online building permit system. Ontario Design Studio prepares your complete drawing package, submits the application, and manages examiner comments and any resubmissions as part of our service.
How long does a building permit take in
Ontario legislation targets a 10-business-day review for houses once a complete application is received. Incomplete or non-compliant drawings reset that clock, which is why a complete, professionally prepared first submission matters.
Can I add a legal rental unit near Ontario Tech in Oshawa?
Yes. A legal basement or accessory apartment is a popular option near Ontario Tech and Durham College, and Ontario permits additional residential units province-wide. The unit still needs a building permit with compliant fire separation, egress, and ceiling height, which we prepare for you.
Related Services
- Legal Basement Apartment Permits
- Garden Suite & Laneway House Permits
- Our Permit Process, Step by Step
- Permit Rejected? We Fix and Resubmit
- Building Permit Drawing Cost Guide