Submit Part 8 Application to OSSO

Complete and submit an application for a Certificate of Approval (Permit)

Please note that an official application in triplicate is required and must include one of the following with the property’s legal description:

• Tax Assessment
• Title Deed first page
• Survey/eMAP

Initial Inspection

An inspector from the Ottawa Septic System Office will review the application and conduct a visit. Response time is 5 to 10 business days if all required information has been provided. 

Application Approval

If approved, a permit is issued allowing construction of the Septic System to begin.

• one copy goes to the city building services
• one copy is kept at the Ottawa Septic System Office
• one copy is for the applicant

Note: Part 8 Applications and their associated Permits are Non-Transferable and expire 12 months from date of approval

Installation of System

After the initial site inspection and approval of your application, up to three more inspections are required (This does not include re-inspection for failed inspections). It is the installer and applicant’s responsibility to contact Ottawa Septic System Office to request inspections at appropriate stages of the project.

Note: Requests for inspection must be made in writing using prescribed request form via fax, email or in person. Re-Inspections requested for the same deficiency require a fee.

Subgrade (if required)
(allow 2 working days)

If you are building in clay soils or on bedrock, a site preparation inspection may be required. Subgrade inspection requirements are indicated on the approved application.

Scarification
For sites that contain clay soils a scarification inspection is required. This is to ensure the site has been properly prepared to accept effluent before the system is installed.

Clay Seal
Due to the nature of bedrock effluent can contaminate groundwater if a site is not properly prepared. A clay seal is used to ensure that effluent is treated within the system and prevents effluent from escaping into the bedrock.

Installation Inspection
(allow 3-5 working days)

Once the system is built with the components in place, but before it is covered by fill, an inspector must visit the site. To request an installation inspection, the following must be submitted in advance to the OSSO:

• “As-Built” drawing and components
• Engineer’s report, required if system is designed by a Professional Engineer
• Grain size analysis and weight bills for filter media beds are required to confirm the appropriate amount and specific type of sand media has been installed.

Final Grading Completed

Final grading Inspection
(allow 3-5 working days)

Prior to the final grading inspection and issuing of the Certificate of Completion, the following must be completed:

• Septic bed and tank must be covered with backfill and topsoil which has been properly graded. This means all run off is directed away from the bed and a sufficient amount of cover over the distribution system has been applied as per the Ontario Building code.
• To allow verification of the bed cover, three holes from an outside corner to another (in diagonal) must be provided. The openings must expose the geotextile or paper on top of the distribution pipes and the four corners of the bed must be staked.
• Mantle (if required) must be in place and all conditions of the approved Sewage System application must be met.
• Electrical and alarms must be operational and an ESA permit number is required (if applicable). Note: Where applicable it is best practice to install any electrical or alarms on the exterior of the dwelling or provide a disconnect to ensure the safety of those conducting maintenance on pumps or advanced treatment units. Once this inspection and the conditions are met, a Certificate of Completion will be issued. This certificate means that the completed installation has progressed through the inspection cycle and the septic system can now be used. This document is required to obtain an occupancy permit of a dwelling. Some systems may require an additional maintenance contract agreement.

Certificate of Completion is Issued

Once the final grading inspection is complete and approved, Ottawa Septic System Office will issue a Certificate of Completion.

Note: Septic Systems can only be installed by a contractor licensed and registered with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) as an installer under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code or the property owner themselves. This excludes systems which include an advanced treatment unit which can only be installed by a licensed installer.