Types of Architectural Drawings for Building Permits
๐ Quick Answer
A complete set of architectural drawings for building permits typically includes 8 drawing types: the site plan (building on the lot), floor plans (interior layouts), elevations (exterior views), cross-sections (vertical cuts), foundation plan (below-grade structure), roof plan (roof layout), construction details (assembly close-ups), and structural drawings (engineered components). Not every project needs all eight โ a simple deck permit may only require a site plan and plan view, while a new custom home requires the full set.
Understanding the types of architectural drawings required for a building permit is the first step to a smooth approval. Each drawing type communicates different information โ where the building sits on the land, how the interior is organized, what the exterior looks like, and how the structure is assembled. Missing even one drawing type from your permit package can trigger a deficiency notice and delay your project by weeks.
At Architectural Drawing, we prepare complete architectural drawings for building permits across Ottawa โ from small renovations to custom homes. This guide explains each drawing type, what it must include, and which ones your project requires.
The 8 Types of Architectural Drawings Explained
๐ Site Plan
What it shows: A bird’s-eye view of your entire property โ the building footprint on the lot, property boundaries, setbacks to all lot lines, driveways, existing and proposed structures, easements, utility locations, and grade elevations.
Why it matters: Ottawa’s zoning examiners use the site plan to verify compliance with the zoning bylaw โ setbacks, lot coverage, and building height. A grading plan may also be required for projects that affect drainage.
Typical scale: 1:200 or 1:500 ยท Required for: Nearly every building permit ยท Full site plan guide โ
๐ Floor Plans
What it shows: A horizontal cross-section through each level of the building, showing room layouts, wall positions (existing, new, and demolished), door and window locations and sizes, plumbing fixtures, staircase locations, structural elements, and full dimensions.
Why it matters: Floor plans are the primary drawings building code examiners review. They verify room sizes, egress requirements, fire separations, accessibility, and compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
Typical scale: 1:50 ยท Required for: Every building permit except standalone demolition ยท Full floor plan guide โ
๐๏ธ Elevations
What it shows: Straight-on exterior views of the building from each side โ front, rear, left, and right. Elevations show building height, roof pitch, eave lines, window and door positions, cladding materials, grade lines, and finished floor heights.
Why it matters: Elevations are used to verify building height compliance with zoning, check limiting distance to property lines (which determines fire-resistance ratings for exterior walls), and confirm the overall appearance of the building.
Typical scale: 1:50 or 1:100 ยท Required for: Any project that alters the building exterior, new construction, additions
โ๏ธ Cross-Sections
What it shows: A vertical “slice” through the building, as if you cut the structure in half and looked at the cut face. Sections reveal foundation depth, wall construction layers, ceiling heights, floor-to-floor dimensions, roof structure, insulation values, and how all the building systems stack vertically.
Why it matters: Cross-sections let the plans examiner verify structural assembly, insulation compliance (SB-12 energy efficiency), vapour barrier continuity, and fire separation ratings. The location of the section cut is marked on the floor plan with a reference symbol.
Typical scale: 1:50 ยท Required for: New homes, additions, major renovations, basement conversions
๐งฑ Foundation Plan
What it shows: The below-grade structure โ basement wall types and thicknesses, strip footing sizes, column and pier footing locations and dimensions, beam sizes and spans, floor joist sizes and spacing, dampproofing, and weeping tile.
Why it matters: The foundation plan is critical for footing and foundation inspections. Inspectors verify the work matches these drawings before any backfill is allowed.
Typical scale: 1:50 ยท Required for: New homes, additions with foundations, basement underpinning
๐ Roof Plan
What it shows: An overhead view of the roof showing roof slopes (indicated by arrows and pitch ratios), ridge lines, valleys, hips, eaves, overhangs, skylights, chimneys, and plumbing vent locations. For truss roofs, a manufacturer’s truss layout is also required.
Why it matters: The roof plan confirms the roof can handle Ottawa’s snow loads, that drainage is properly directed, and that the overall height matches the elevations and zoning requirements.
Typical scale: 1:100 or 1:200 ยท Required for: New homes, additions that alter the roofline, second-storey additions
๐ง Construction Details
What it shows: Enlarged close-up drawings of specific building assemblies โ wall sections (showing stud size, insulation, vapour barrier, cladding), window and door headers, eave details, foundation-to-wall transitions, stair construction, guardrail connections, and fireplace installations.
Why it matters: Details tell the contractor exactly how to build each assembly and tell the inspector exactly what to look for. They demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency requirements (SB-12), fire separation ratings, and structural connections.
Typical scale: 1:5, 1:10, or 1:20 ยท Required for: Most projects (scope varies by project complexity)
โ๏ธ Structural Drawings (P.Eng. Stamped)
What it shows: Engineered beam sizes and types (steel or LVL), post locations, connection details, bearing plate specifications, load calculations, and load path from roof to foundation. These drawings must be stamped and signed by a licensed Professional Engineer.
Why it matters: Structural drawings are legally required whenever the project involves load-bearing wall modifications, custom beam designs, unusual spans, or anything beyond standard OBC Part 9 span tables. The engineer assumes legal responsibility for the structural design.
Typical scale: Varies ยท Required for: Wall removals, complex additions, custom homes with non-standard structure
Need Architectural Drawings for an Ottawa Permit?
We prepare the complete drawing package โ every type your project requires, coordinated with structural engineers when needed.
(613) 518-1387
Which Drawings Does Your Project Need?
The types of architectural drawings required depend on the scope of your project. This matrix shows which drawings Ottawa typically requires for common residential projects:
For projects that modify an existing building, both existing and proposed versions of affected drawings are required. If you do not have original drawings, as-built drawings are needed first. For permit fee calculations and timeline expectations, see our dedicated guides.
When Ottawa receives your drawing package, three separate reviews happen: Zoning Plan Examination checks the site plan and elevations against the zoning bylaw (setbacks, lot coverage, height). Building Code Examination reviews the floor plans, sections, and details against the Ontario Building Code. Grading Approval reviews the grading plan for drainage compliance. If any examination identifies deficiencies, you will receive a letter listing the corrections needed before the permit can be issued. Complete, professional architectural drawings for building permits dramatically reduce the chance of deficiency notices at any stage. See our renovation permit guide and renovation drawing services for project-specific details.
Who Prepares Architectural Drawings for Building Permits?
In Ontario, the person who can take design responsibility for architectural drawings for building permits depends on the project type. For most residential projects (Part 9 buildings under the OBC), a BCIN-qualified designer can prepare and take responsibility for the full drawing package. For structural components, a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) is required. For complex or large-scale projects, a licensed architect (OAA) may be needed.
Ontario’s homeowner exemption allows you to prepare your own drawings for work on a home you own โ but the drawings must still meet all City requirements for completeness, scale, and accuracy. For a detailed comparison of architects vs architectural technologists, see our guide. To learn about drawing costs, visit our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of architectural drawings do I need for a building permit?
It depends on your project. A simple interior renovation may only need 2โ3 drawing types (floor plans, key plan, and details). A new custom home typically requires all 8 types โ site plan, floor plans for every level, all four elevations, cross-sections, foundation plan, roof plan, construction details, and possibly structural drawings. Your designer will determine the exact scope based on your project and what Ottawa Building Code Services requires.
What is the most important architectural drawing for a permit?
The floor plan is the most essential drawing for any building permit because it shows the interior layout, dimensions, room uses, and code compliance details. The site plan is equally critical because without it, the City cannot verify zoning compliance. Both are required for virtually every permit application.
Do all drawings need to be drawn to scale?
Yes. Ottawa Building Code Services requires all architectural drawings for building permits to be drawn to a conventional architectural scale and be fully dimensioned. Freehand sketches, proportionally incorrect diagrams, and drawings without scale notations will be rejected. Common scales are 1:50 for floor plans and sections, 1:100 for elevations, and 1:200 for site plans.
What is the difference between architectural drawings and structural drawings?
Architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections) show the overall design, layout, and building code compliance. Structural drawings show the engineered support system โ beams, columns, connections, and load calculations. Architectural drawings can be prepared by a BCIN designer. Structural drawings must be prepared and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Both may be needed for the same permit application.
Do I need elevation drawings for a basement renovation?
Generally not, unless the basement renovation involves exterior changes โ such as enlarging window openings for egress compliance or adding a separate entrance for a secondary dwelling unit. If the work is entirely interior, floor plans and cross-sections are typically sufficient.
What format should drawings be submitted in?
Ottawa accepts digital submissions through the My Service Ottawa portal in PDF format. Drawings are prepared in AutoCAD and exported to PDF for submission. Hard copies can also be submitted at Building Code Client Service Centres at 110 Laurier Avenue West or 101 Centrepointe Drive.
How long does it take to prepare a full set of permit drawings?
Timelines vary by project complexity. A simple renovation package (floor plans + details) takes 1 to 2 weeks. A full drawing set for an addition takes 3 to 4 weeks. A new custom home typically takes 4 to 8 weeks including design development, client reviews, and engineering coordination. View our design process for a detailed breakdown.
What happens if my drawings are incomplete?
Ottawa Building Code Services will issue a deficiency letter listing every item that needs to be corrected or added. Your permit will not be issued until all deficiencies are resolved and the corrected drawings are resubmitted. Each cycle of deficiency and resubmission adds days or weeks to your timeline โ which is why having complete, professional drawings from the start saves significant time and cost.
Do I need a demolition permit drawing?
Yes. A demolition permit requires a site plan showing the building to be demolished, its location on the lot, and utility disconnect locations. For complex demolitions, structural drawings and a demolition method statement may also be required by a Professional Engineer.
Can one firm prepare all types of drawings?
Yes โ and it is the most efficient approach. At Architectural Drawing, we prepare all architectural drawings in-house and coordinate structural engineering with our P.Eng. partners. This ensures the entire package is consistent, complete, and ready for submission as a single coordinated set โ avoiding the errors and delays that can occur when multiple uncoordinated firms produce separate drawings.
Get Your Complete Drawing Package
Every type of architectural drawing your Ottawa building permit requires โ prepared by experienced designers who know what the City expects.
(613) 518-1387