Does replacing a ceiling joist under drywall in Ottawa need a permit?

Replacing a ceiling joist falls under structural repair, and the City of Ottawa's permit list includes "structural repairs or alterations" as work that requires a building permit. Get it before the work starts.

The City's Building Code Services flood-repair FAQ also states that a permit is required for "removal or replacement of structural framing, including support posts, piers, cribbing, beams and joists." That language covers a ceiling joist whether the damage came from water, age or anything else.

Because the permit covers structural work, the City's inspection stages apply. The City says inspections should be booked 48 hours in advance, and that missing an inspection may mean having to uncover and expose the work. The City's lists do not name replacing drywall as a separate permit item; for that part of the job, ask the City's Building Code Services whether the replacement board is covered under the structural permit or needs anything further.

Ask the quote to name the board thickness going back up and the finish level.

A few things worth having in writing before work starts:

• which party pulls the permit and books the inspections
• what board is going back up, including thickness and type
• the finish level wanted on the replaced ceiling
• whether sanding, priming and painting are included or quoted separately

If the house was built before 1990, Health Canada advises testing before anyone cuts or sands the existing ceiling; a positive result means abatement work, and ottawaabatement.com covers that side of the job.

Before you sign, ask who is pulling the permit and booking the framing inspection, and write that into the contract.