Building Structural Permit Drawings
Building-structural permit drawings for qualifying Ontario projects within the applicable BCIN Building Structural scope, coordinated with the architectural/building-design package. Where professional engineering is legally or technically required, that work remains with the responsible licensed professional.
Structural permit work can include
Depending on the project and accepted scope, drawings may address:
- beams, lintels, joists and local framing changes
- load-bearing wall alterations and new structural openings
- foundations, footings and support details within applicable responsibility
- structural coordination for additions, decks, garages or accessory structures
- connection and framing information required for the building-permit package
- coordination with an independent professional engineer for work outside BCIN scope or requiring engineering responsibility
When professional engineering enters the project
Building complexity, structural system, unusual loading, existing-condition uncertainty, underpinning, retaining conditions, large openings or municipal requirements can make professional engineering necessary. A professional engineer who seals engineering documents assumes responsibility for that engineering work; 828 Design does not control or substitute for that professional judgment.
Existing structure must be understood before final design
Renovation projects often involve concealed joists, beams, posts, foundations or prior alterations. Existing drawings and a site visit help, but the final structural design may depend on conditions discovered during opening-up or construction. Unexpected conditions must be reviewed before the affected work continues.
Structural drawings do not control construction means and methods
The contractor remains responsible for safe sequencing, temporary support, shoring, protection of the existing building and carrying out construction in accordance with the approved documents and required inspections. Design drawings are not a substitute for competent construction procedures.
Common questions
Can you design a beam for removing a load-bearing wall?
Often this can be assessed within the applicable structural design scope, but the actual building and loading must be reviewed first. Some conditions require a professional engineer.
Does a structural drawing always need an engineer’s seal?
No single answer applies to every project. The required design professional depends on the building, structural work, Building Code provisions and municipality.
Can you coordinate an engineer if one is required?
Yes when included in the agreement. The independent engineer remains responsible for their calculations, opinions, drawings, seal and any required field review.
Can structural design be done from photos only?
Photos can help with early scoping, but final responsibility may require reliable dimensions, existing drawings, site verification or further investigation.
What happens if construction uncovers different framing?
The condition should be documented and reviewed before proceeding with the affected work. Revised design or permit information may be required.
Is underpinning included on this page?
Underpinning has its own permit-design page because basement lowering adds construction-sequence, foundation and professional-coordination issues beyond a typical local structural alteration.
What to send for a quote
- property address and municipality
- photos of the affected structural area
- existing and proposed floor plans
- span/dimensions and known framing direction where available
- existing structural drawings or permit records if available
- any municipal comments and whether construction has already started
Related technical / coordination services
Load-Bearing Wall & Structural Opening · Underpinning Permit Design · As-Built & Measured Drawings · Third-Party Permit Drawing Review
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 →
Need structural permit drawings for an alteration or new work?
Send the address, photos and proposed layout. We can determine whether the work fits the applicable BCIN structural scope or needs independent professional engineering.