7 Easy Steps to Resolve an Order to Comply in Ontario

What is an Order to Comply in Ontario?

An Order to Comply is a formal notice issued by a municipality when construction or renovations do not comply with Ontario’s Building Code Act or have been completed without the required building permits. It is not a criminal charge, and it does not automatically mean your project must be demolished. In most cases, it simply means the municipality needs the work brought into compliance.

Many property owners receiving an Order to Comply immediately assume they’re facing major fines, legal action, or even the possibility of losing their home. The reality is usually much less dramatic—but it does require prompt action.

In this blog post, we’ll cover:

What the order means
What your options are
How to resolve the issue
What can happen if the Order is ignored

The order typically includes:

The property address
A description of the violation
The sections of the Building Code Act that apply
A deadline for compliance
The actions required to resolve the issue

Municipalities issue Orders to Comply to ensure buildings are safe and meet minimum construction standards.

3 Reasons to Receive an Order to Comply

There are several reasons a municipality may issue an Order to Comply. The 3 most common are:

Construction Without a Building Permit

Property Owners often complete renovations without realizing a permit was required.

Examples:

Basement apartments (secondary suites)
Structural changes (load bearing wall removal, structural beam modifications)
Home additions
Decks above certain heights
Pool Fences
Garage conversions (change of use to habitable space)
Commercial or industrial changes (alterations including change of use)
Plumbing or HVAC alterations – commercial or residential properties apply

Even if a contractor completed the work, the property owner remains responsible for ensuring permits were obtained.

Work That Doesn’t Meet Building Code

Sometimes permits were obtained, but inspections revealed deficiencies that must be corrected before the project can be approved.

Some examples include:

Work that was covered up and required an inspection, such as plumbing, structural framing, insulation, excavation, and/or foundation walls.
Requirement of an update during construction – specific to new builds
Completed work not conforming to the issued permit drawings

Previous Owner Completed Unauthorized Work

Many homeowners discover unauthorized renovations only after purchasing a property or preparing to sell it. Unfortunately, responsibility remains with the current property owner.

First thing to do when you receive an order to comply, now what?

Don’t ignore it!

Ignoring an Order to Comply rarely makes the situation disappear or less stressful. Municipalities have additional enforcement powers if deadlines are missed, including further legal action under the Building Code Act.

Most Orders are resolved by working with the municipality, obtaining the necessary permits, providing the required drawings, and completing inspections.

The process may seem straightforward, but it is often riddled with unforeseen complexities and hiccups that we at OTC Resolved have learned over the years, giving you unparalleled expertise, service, and guidance in navigating a convoluted process.

Can You Fight an Order to Comply?

In some situations, the municipality may have made an incorrect assumption, or there may be additional information that changes the circumstances.

Rather than viewing the municipality as an opponent, it’s more productive to focus on demonstrating how the property will be brought into compliance.

The OTC Resolved Specialists can help by communicating directly with municipal officials, preparing the required documentation, and developing a realistic compliance strategy.

How Do You Resolve an Order to Comply?

Every property is different, but most projects follow a similar process.

Step 1: Book a Free Consult with OTC Resolved

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation for a free estimate and initial assessment.

OTC Resolved manages the complete Order to Comply resolution process: reviewing the order, coordinating licensed professionals to prepare permit drawings, submitting the permit application, liaising with the City’s Building Department, coordinating inspections, and confirming final resolution.

Step 2: Review the Order

Carefully review every item listed in the Order to Comply.

Understanding exactly what the municipality is requesting prevents unnecessary delays later.

Step 3: Assess the Existing Construction

An inspection of the existing work is often required to determine:

What has already been built
Whether structural components are compliant
Whether portions of the work need to be exposed
What documentation will be required

Step 4: Prepare Permit Drawings

Most municipalities require professional drawings that show the existing conditions and the proposed compliance work.

Depending on the project, this may include:

Architectural drawings
Structural engineering
Site plans
Mechanical or plumbing drawings and review

Step 5: Submit a Building Permit Application

The municipality reviews the permit submission much like any other building permit application.

Additional information or revisions may be requested during the review process.

Step 6: Complete Required Inspections

Once permits are issued, inspections verify that the work complies with the Ontario Building Code.

Some previously finished areas may need to be opened so inspectors can verify hidden construction.

Step 7: Receive Final Approval

Once all required inspections are complete and deficiencies are addressed, the municipality closes the file and the Order to Comply is resolved.

Length of time to resolve an order

The timeline depends on:

The municipality
The complexity of the construction and use of building type
Whether structural changes are involved
Permit review times
Inspection scheduling
How quickly documentation is prepared

Simple residential projects may be resolved within a few weeks, while larger or more complex situations can take several months.

Don’t delay! Resolve your order today. Book a free consultation.

Reasons NOT to ignore your order

Ignoring an Order to Comply can create significant problems.

Potential consequences include:

Additional enforcement notices
Provincial offences proceedings
Court action
Difficulty refinancing or selling the property
Increased costs as the situation becomes more complicated

Many property owners delay because they’re unsure where to start. That is why OTC Resolve was started. With over 40 years of experience in the building industry specializing in resolving complex building violations, we’re here to help you.

Can You Sell a House With an Outstanding Order to Comply?

Yes—but it can be difficult.

An outstanding Order to Comply often raises concerns for buyers, lenders, and lawyers. It may delay closing, reduce the property’s value, or require the issue to be resolved before financing can proceed.

Addressing the Order before listing your property generally creates a smoother transaction and provides greater confidence for potential buyers.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Resolving an Order to Comply usually involves much more than simply submitting a permit application.

Success often depends on understanding municipal requirements, preparing accurate drawings, coordinating consultants when necessary, and communicating effectively with building officials.

Because every municipality has slightly different procedures, experience with Ontario building departments can significantly reduce delays and help avoid costly mistakes.

The Bottom Line

If there’s one thing you take away from this, letit be: Take action before the deadline to avoid any issues.

Whether the work involves an addition, basement apartment, garage conversion, structural renovation, or construction completed without permits, there is a clear path toward compliance.

Need Help Resolving an Order to Comply?

If you’ve received an Order to Comply anywhere in Ontario, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

At OTC Resolved, we’ve helped over 200 property owners resolve building permit and Building Code issues across Southern Ontario. As architects, builders, and developers, we understand both the technical requirements and how municipalities review compliance applications.

Contact us for a consultation, and we’ll review your Order, explain exactly what needs to happen next, and develop a practical plan to bring your property into compliance—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.