Garden Suite & ADU Permit Drawings

Garden Suite & ADU Permit Drawings in Ottawa

Ottawa’s new zoning rules make it easier than ever to add a second home on your property, but you still need a building permit, and that means a complete set of code compliant drawings. We prepare the BCIN certified architectural drawings you need to get your garden suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) approved.

From the first sketch to a permit ready drawing package, we handle the technical work so your project moves through the City smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• A garden suite or ADU needs a building permit and a full set of code compliant drawings.
• Under Ottawa Zoning By-law 2026-50, a detached ADU is permitted as of right on most lots.
• Serviced N1 lots can have up to four units as of right, no rezoning required.
• Our drawings are BCIN certified and meet the Ontario Building Code.
• A complete set includes a site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.

What Drawings Do You Need for a Garden Suite?

The City reviews a full drawing set before issuing a building permit. For a garden suite or ADU, we typically prepare:

• Site plan: setbacks, lot coverage, and the position of the new unit
• Floor plans: layout, room sizes, and egress
• Elevations: exterior views on all sides
• Building sections and construction details that meet the code

Ottawa Zoning and As-of-Right Units (2026)

Ottawa Zoning By-law 2026-50 was enacted in early 2026. A detached accessory dwelling unit in the rear yard is now permitted as of right on most Ottawa lots, and fully serviced lots in N1 neighbourhood zones can hold up to four units without a rezoning application. Because these projects are as of right, you generally need a building permit rather than a zoning amendment. See our Ottawa building permits guide or our permit drawings service.

Our Process

• Consultation: we review your goals, your lot, and the zoning.
• Drafting: we prepare a complete, BCIN certified drawing set.
• Permit submission: we deliver permit ready drawings and support your application.
• Revisions: if the City has comments, we address them quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions