Do You Need a Permit to Replace Your Roof in Ottawa?

Short answer: if you’re simply re-shingling an existing roof on a typical Ottawa home, you usually don’t need a building permit. But there are important exceptions—especially for structural changes and heritage properties. Here’s a clear homeowner guide with official City links so you can be 100% sure.

Do you need a permit to replace your roof in Ottawa?

For like-for-like asphalt shingle replacements with no structural changes, Ottawa lists “installing asphalt shingles on a roof” as permit-exempt. “No permit,” however, doesn’t mean “no code”—your installation must still meet the Ontario Building Code and manufacturer specs.

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When a permit is required

• Structural changes: Modifying rafters or trusses, raising the roofline, adding dormers, or installing skylights that require new framing generally moves the job into “alteration” territory and requires a building permit.
• Extensive sheathing/decking replacement: Localized patching is maintenance; widespread deck replacement may be considered structural—confirm with Building Code Services.
• Major system/material changes: Switching to a substantially heavier system or anything that impacts structure should be discussed with the City before you start.
• Heritage properties & districts: Exterior changes (including roofing material changes) on designated properties or within Heritage Conservation Districts typically require a heritage permit.

If you do need a permit, start here: forms, applications & fees and the City’s online permit portal.

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When a permit is not required

Re-shingling with asphalt shingles on an existing roof (no framing changes) is generally permit-exempt in Ottawa—see the City’s official “Do I need a building permit?” page.

Important: Even permit-exempt work must meet the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

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Code must-knows (even on permit-exempt jobs)

• Eave/ice-dam protection: On shingle, shake, or tile roofs, self-adhered eave protection must extend at least 900 mm up the slope and reach at least 300 mm inside the interior wall line (with exceptions like unheated garages). See a plain-language summary of OBC 9.26.5.1 here (official code text at e-Laws).
• Balanced ventilation: Adequate intake and exhaust protect your attic, improve shingle life, and are part of code-compliant assemblies.
• System components: Starters, underlayments, valley treatments, flashings, and correct fasteners are critical to performance and warranty coverage.

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What about metal roofs, skylights, or switching materials?

• Metal instead of shingles: The City’s exemption calls out asphalt shingles specifically. A one-for-one swap may be fine, but if weight or framing changes are involved, talk to Building Code Services first.
• New skylights or dormers: These typically involve framing changes—plan on a permit.
• Large-area deck replacement: Ask the City whether your scope is considered structural before you proceed.

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How to double-check quickly

1. Confirm exemptions on the City’s Do I need a building permit? page.
2. Not sure about heritage status? Start with Heritage Conservation and, if needed, the Heritage Permit Application.
3. If a permit is needed, review the approval process, check fees & forms, and apply online.

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FAQ

Do I need a permit to tear off and re-shingle?
Usually no, provided there are no structural changes. See the City’s official list of permit-exempt projects here.

What if I’m replacing rotten plywood (sheathing)?
Small patches are maintenance; extensive replacement may be considered structural—confirm with Building Code Services.

Our home is in a Heritage Conservation District—can we change roofing materials?
Likely not without a heritage permit. Contact Heritage Services first.

If no permit is needed, why does code matter?
You’re still required to meet the Ontario Building Code (e.g., eave protection distances) and manufacturer specs. This protects your home, warranty, and resale.

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Bottom line

Re-shingling with asphalt? Typically no permit in Ottawa.

Structural or heritage factors? Expect permits and approvals.

Either way, the work must meet the OBC and manufacturer requirements.

If you’d like a quick assessment for your specific address, request a free estimate and we’ll confirm whether permits or heritage approvals apply—then deliver a code-compliant installation with zero surprises.

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Need help deciding?

Firon Roofing can assess your roof, explain exactly what’s required (and what isn’t) for your address, and deliver an OBC-compliant installation—without surprises. If we think you need to talk to the City first, we’ll tell you upfront and point you to the right forms.

This article reflects public information available from the City of Ottawa and provincial code sources as of September 8, 2025. Always verify your specific case with the City before starting work.