BCIN certification and building permit requirements in Ontario

BCIN Certification Under the Ontario Building Code

The BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) certification is required for anyone preparing construction drawings for a building permit application in Ontario. Introduced under the Ontario Building Code (OBC), this certification ensures that designers responsible for construction drawings have the qualifications and knowledge required to produce plans that meet provincial safety, structural, and regulatory standards.

If you are planning to build a new home or addition in Ontario, municipalities will require a complete permit application including construction drawings that comply with the Ontario Building Code.

At Drummond House Plans, we regularly assist homeowners and builders in preparing house plans and construction drawings that meet municipal permit requirements. Understanding these requirements in advance can help simplify the process and reduce delays during permit review.

To help you prepare your project, we have summarized the most common documents and construction drawings required by municipalities across Ontario.

On this page, you will find information about:

documents required for an Ontario building permit application
construction drawings required under the Ontario Building Code
technical information municipalities typically request
requirements related to grading plans, septic systems, and mechanical design
the key elements municipal reviewers verify before issuing a building permit

Preparing these documents in advance will help ensure a smoother permit approval process for your residential construction project.

Ontario building permit drawings prepared by BCIN designer

BCIN designer requirements in Ontario

Under the Ontario Building Code, most construction drawings submitted for a permit application must be prepared by a qualified designer. This designer must either hold a BCIN certification, be a licenced architect or professional engineer, or qualify under a limited exemption.

Working with a qualified designer helps ensure that your construction drawings meet provincial regulations and municipal requirements.

Documents required for a building permit application

When submitting a building permit application in Ontario, municipalities typically require the following documentation:

completed building permit application form
complete set of construction drawings drawn to scale and fully dimensioned
Schedule 1 - Designer Information Form identifying the BCIN designer, architect, engineer, or exempt owner
Energy Efficiency Design Summary (SB-12) where required
septic system approval from the Building Sewage System Official (BSSO) when applicable
mechanical design information for HVAC systems if required
engineered drawings for roof trusses and floor joists where applicable
documentation for alternative materials supported by CCMC or CEMC reports

Providing accurate documentation helps municipalities review permit applications more efficiently.

Construction drawings required for Ontario building permits

Municipalities typically require several types of construction drawings when reviewing a permit application.

Site plan

The site plan must indicate:

building location relative to property boundaries
existing and proposed structures on the property
driveway access and adjacent streets
lot dimensions and zoning information
location of wells and septic systems when applicable

Foundation plan

The foundation plan must include:

foundation type and dimensions
footing size and location
structural framing information including beams and joists
soil gas protection measures where required

Floor plans

Floor plans must show:

a fully dimensioned layout of each level
the use of each room
location of doors and windows
plumbing fixtures
smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Elevations and building sections

Building elevations and sections must indicate:

exterior appearance and building height
door and window locations
exterior cladding materials
roof overhang dimensions
wall, floor, and roof assemblies

Ontario house plans designed for building permits

Choosing house plans that already meet Ontario Building Code requirements can simplify the permit approval process.

Drummond House Plans offers a large collection of customizable home designs created to comply with Canadian building standards. Our plans can also be adapted to meet municipal requirements across Ontario.

This helps homeowners, builders, and developers move forward with their construction projects more efficiently.

Why choose Drummond House Plans in Ontario?

Choosing the right house plan is one of the most important steps when planning a new home. At Drummond House Plans, we provide thoughtfully designed home plans that can be adapted to meet Ontario Building Code requirements and municipal permit standards.

For more than 50 years, our team has helped thousands of homeowners and builders bring their construction projects to life across Canada and North America.

When you choose Drummond House Plans, you benefit from:

over 1500 customizable house plans for every lifestyle and budget
house designs adaptable to Ontario building permit requirements
support from experienced professionals in residential architecture and design
a trusted company with over 225,000 homes built from our plans

Whether you are building your first home, a cottage, or a multi-generational residence, our team can help you find the right plan and prepare for the building permit process.

FAQ – BCIN Certification and Building Permits in Ontario

What is BCIN certification?

A BCIN number identifies designers qualified under the Ontario Building Code to prepare building permit drawings.

Who needs a BCIN number in Ontario?

Anyone preparing construction drawings for a permit application must have a BCIN certification, be a licenced architect or engineer, or qualify under an exemption.

What drawings are required for a building permit in Ontario?

Most permit applications require a site plan, foundation plan, floor plans, elevations, and building sections.

How long does it take to obtain a building permit in Ontario?

Permit approval timelines vary by municipality but typically range from 10 to 30 business days.

BCIN certification for Drummond House Plans

Since January 1, 2006, Ontario regulations require that construction drawings submitted for a building permit include a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) identifying the qualified designer responsible for the plans.

Drummond House Plans can provide BCIN-certified construction drawings for many of our house plans to help homeowners obtain a building permit in Ontario. This service is available for an additional fee when purchasing a house plan through our website.

In addition, since January 1, 2012, permit drawings must also comply with Ontario energy efficiency requirements. When a BCIN service is requested, we include the required Energy Efficiency Design Summary (SB-12) and the Schedule 1 – Designer Information Form with the construction drawings.

Please note that BCIN certification does not include structural engineering. Depending on the project or municipal requirements, you may still need to have certain elements of the plan reviewed or certified by a local professional engineer at your expense.

For house plans available with both 2x4 and 2x6 exterior wall versions, BCIN certification is provided only for the 2x6 wall construction version, which meets Ontario energy efficiency requirements.

For more information about BCIN certification and building permit requirements in Ontario, you can visit the official website of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

If you have any questions about BCIN-certified drawings or preparing your building permit application, feel free to contact our team at 1-800-567-5267. We will be happy to assist you with your project.

Ready to build in Ontario?

If you are planning to build a home in Ontario, choosing house plans that meet Ontario Building Code requirements can simplify your permit process.

Find the perfect design for your future home