Platform & Porch Lifts
Vertical platform and porch lifts for a house, with the regulation, permit and funding questions set out before anyone quotes.
Too few published prices to show a range.
Find a ContractorAbout Platform & Porch Lifts
The regulation defines a vertical platform lift as a lift for persons with physical disabilities with a platform that moves vertically. Ontario's elevating-devices regulation lists enclosed and unenclosed vertical platform lifts, but it does not apply to devices in a private dwelling house used only by the occupants and their guests, unless the owner asks in writing. It also excludes lifts for persons with physical disabilities that rise 600 mm or less and are not open to the public.
Platform lifts are not on either of the City of Ottawa's permit lists. A lift that needs a new opening in a floor or wall is structural work, and structural alterations are on the permit list, so ask Building Code Services before you commit.
Zoning: Ottawa's newer zoning by-law (2026-50) gives accessibility structures and devices no limit on setback or projection. It does not define the term, so confirm an outdoor porch lift with the City.
Funding to check: the March of Dimes program lists vertical platform lifts (not eligible in rental situations), and applications for outdoor lifts and ramps with concrete work are accepted only from April 1 to October 31. Ontario Renovates lists chair and bath lifts. Each program decides eligibility.
We found too few published prices for platform lifts to show a range. Ask for a written quote that lists the unit, the base or pit, electrical work and any permit.
What This Work Covers
- Indoor and outdoor vertical platform lifts
- The 600 mm and private-dwelling exemptions explained
- Structural and permit questions asked early
- Funding season for outdoor lifts noted
- Written quote that lists every part
Popular For
What this work costs
Common questions about platform & porch lifts
- How much does a porch lift cost for an Ottawa house?
- Stair lift in an Ottawa home: do I need a City permit?
- Which zoning by-law applies to my Ottawa ramp, the old or new one?
- Can a wheelchair ramp go in my front yard in Barrhaven?
- Do Ottawa stair lift companies need TSSA licensing for home installs?
- Which Ottawa accessibility renovations call for a building permit?
- Curved rails in Ottawa homes: why does the price jump?
- Is a stair lift in a rented Ottawa house regulated differently?
Other Accessibility Services
Entrance Ramps
Entrance ramps for a house, built to the Building Code's house rules: a slope no steeper than 1 in 10 outside, at least 860 mm wide, with landings top and bottom.
Stair Lifts
Stair lifts for the stairs inside your home: straight and curved rails, with the building, regulation and funding questions answered before you buy.
Doorway Widening
Wider doorways inside and at the entrance, with the City's permit rule for enlarging a door, the load-bearing question and published per-door prices.
Grab Bars & Wall Blocking
Grab bars fixed into solid backing, with the Building Code's 1.3 kN load rule and published per-bar prices.
Main-Floor Bedroom Conversions
Turning a dining room, den or family room into a main-floor bedroom, with the permit wording and the funding rules that do and do not apply.
Thresholds & Level Floors
Removing trip edges at doors and between rooms: lower thresholds, level floor transitions and slip-resistant surfaces.
Accessible Kitchen Changes
Lower counters, reachable cabinets and room to move in the kitchen, with the permit exemption and the programs that list kitchen changes.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us about your platform & porch lifts project and we'll send it to local Ottawa contractors who do accessibility work. They can reply by email.