Electrical & Lighting Layout Coordination

What layout coordination can include

Depending on the permit scope, coordination can include:

• lighting and power locations relevant to the building design
• exit/emergency lighting or detection-related information where applicable to the accepted Building Code scope
• equipment power-location coordination with mechanical and plumbing drawings
• coordination around reflected ceiling plans, room layouts and accessibility requirements
• locations of electrical rooms/panels or major equipment for permit coordination
• responses to municipal building-permit comments within the accepted design scope

Building permit and ESA approval are separate

The Electrical Safety Authority states that a building permit does not cover electrical work and that almost all electrical work requires a separate ESA notification. When an electrical contractor is hired, the Licensed Electrical Contractor is responsible for the required ESA notification for the work they perform.

What 828 Design is not providing

This service is not an offer to perform electrical installation, act as a Licensed Electrical Contractor, replace an ESA plan review, or provide professional electrical engineering unless an independent appropriately licensed engineer is separately retained for that scope.

Why coordination still matters

Even though the approval streams are separate, the building drawings and electrical layout interact with exits, accessibility, millwork, mechanical equipment, ceiling systems and life-safety features. Coordinating the layouts before construction reduces clashes and inconsistent permit information.

Common questions

Does the city building permit approve my electrical installation?

No. ESA’s electrical notification and inspection process is separate from the municipal building permit.

Can 828 Design take out the ESA permit for my electrician?

The person performing the electrical work is responsible for the required ESA notification process. When you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor, that contractor handles the notification for its work.

Can you show lights, switches and receptacles on the permit drawings?

Yes where those locations are part of the accepted building-design/coordination scope, but the installation must still comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and ESA requirements.

What if the project requires electrical engineering?

Then the appropriately licensed professional must take responsibility for that engineering scope. 828 Design can coordinate the drawings if included.

Do commercial projects need ESA plan review?

Some projects or installations may trigger additional ESA requirements. The electrical contractor/engineer should confirm the current ESA process for the actual work.

Can electrical layouts be coordinated with HVAC and plumbing?

Yes. Integrated MEP coordination is useful where equipment, ceilings, shafts and service routes overlap.

What to send for a quote

• property address and municipality
• building type and proposed use
• floor plans and reflected ceiling plan if available
• mechanical/plumbing equipment requiring power coordination
• existing electrical information if relevant
• any municipal or ESA comments already received

Related technical / coordination services

MEP Drawing Coordination · HVAC & Mechanical Permit Drawings · Plumbing Permit Drawings · BCIN Permit Drawings

828 Design Inc. — BCIN building design & permit services. Technical content reviewed against current Ontario Building Code, ESA and professional-responsibility context: August 2026. Requirements are confirmed for the actual building, municipality, qualification category and written scope. Qualifications & responsibility →