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Building Permits & Approvals |
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A Building Permit is your formal permission from the City of Toronto to begin construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property. Toronto Building staff must review your plans to ensure that they comply with the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning By-laws, and other applicable regulations.
Contents
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Building Permit Applications
Building Permits regulate various types of building construction that are allowed in the community and ensure that they meet all building standards. The building permit process protects both the owner's interests and those of the community at large. It also helps to ensure that any structural change is safe. Failure to obtain proper Building Permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.
In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. Remember, as the building owner, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.
Help us protect your privacy
Please DO NOT include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner's name or phone number). Building Plans submitted for Permit are subject to disclosure in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Disclosure Objection - IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Ontario Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act gives the public a right of access to records held by the City of Toronto. Toronto Building has a policy regarding the routine disclosure of building plans associated with permit applications. The policy allows anyone access (including viewing and copying) to residential building plans associated with permit applications. Access to the plans will be granted from the 22nd day following the permit application date to three months following the closing of the relevant permit file by the building inspector.
If as the owner, the management company responsible for the building, or the permit applicant, you feel there may be a security risk by allowing the public access to your plans and you do not want your building plans to be disclosed by Toronto Building through the Routine Disclosure Policy described above, please submit a letter outlining the reasons for your objections by Registered Mail within 21 days of the application date. Please direct the letter to the district office in the district where your property is located:
Toronto
and East York District
Manager, Customer Service
Toronto Building
Toronto City Hall
100
Queen Street West
416-392-7539 |
North
York District
Manager, Customer Service
Toronto Building
North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge
Street
416-395-7000 |
Etobicoke York District
Manager, Customer Service
Toronto Building
Etobicoke
2
Civic Centre Court
416-394-8002 |
Scarborough District
Manager, Customer Service
Toronto Building
Scarborough Civic
Centre
150 Borough Drive
416-396-7526 |
Note:
- Letters of objection will only be accepted if received by Registered Mail.
- Requests for building plans where a letter of objection to disclosure has been received by Toronto Building will be referred to the Corporate Access and Privacy Office where access to the building plans may still be granted.
Designer Information Required
Since January 1, 2006, the Ontario Building Code has required designers to provide information about their registration, qualification, and design responsibility on every document submitted for a building permit. We recommend this template or something similar to be incorporated into the drawing title blocks. This information is required on every sheet of a set of drawings as well as on at least one page of every submitted document such as specifications, field review reports etc.
Submission Requirements
By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Toronto Building staff. Often Plans Examiners and Inspectors can offer suggestions to help you solve or avoid construction problems.
Other Types of Permits
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Permit
A permit is generally required for heating, ventilation and air conditioning work proposed for new buildings and additions/renovations to existing buildings.
Plumbing Permit
A permit is generally required for proposed plumbing work in new buildings and additions/renovations to existing buildings.
Demolition Permit
If your project also involves the demolition or conversion of residential rental units, a separate application to and approval of City Planning may be required. For more information please refer to their website.
Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit
A permit is required to ensure that the proposed pool meets applicable zoning and fencing requirements.
Sign Permit
A permit is required for fascia and/or ground/pylon signs located on buildings and/or private property.
Sign Variance Permit
A sign variance application is necessary in the event that the proposed/desired sign(s) does not meet the City's by-law requirements.
Other Potential Approvals
City Planning Approvals
If your proposed plans do not comply with the Zoning Bylaws or Official Plan, you may be required to apply for a minor variance, zoning and/or Official Plan amendment. Permit applications that are considered development may require Site Plan approval.
Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion Control By-law
It is now an offence to demolish or convert rental units without a permit under the recently adopted By-law 885-2007. Further information about the by-law can be found at housing. The Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion: Declaration of Use and Screening Form ( ) helps to determine whether a permit is needed. If a permit is needed the applicant is asked to complete a Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion: Application Form ().
Heritage Preservation Services
If your property is a listed or designated heritage site, you may require approval from Heritage Preservation Services.
Parks, Forestry and Recreation - Urban Forestry
Your project must comply with the City of Toronto Tree By-laws. If your project is in a protected area it must comply with the Ravine Protection By-law.
Public Health Division, Community Services
You should contact Toronto Public Health if your project involves handling food or beverages.
You should also contact Toronto Public Health if there may be hazardous materials in your demolition project.
Works and Emergency Services
When you apply for a building permit, you may have to pay a damage deposit which includes a processing fee. You may receive a refund after a final inspection is made of your completed project. You may also have to pay fees for other services provided, such as curb cuts, culverts, water use during construction, etc.
Toronto Transportation
If your project abuts a major arterial road, you will need approval for setbacks and access.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
You must apply to the Conservation Authority if your property is located in a Flood Plain Zone or is adjacent to a major watercourse.
Provincial Ministries and Other Agencies
You may be required to contact various provincial ministries and other agencies to check for compliance to their regulations. For example, if your property is within 45 metres of a provincial highway, you will need approval from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.
Local Utilities
You should contact your local utilities (telephone, gas, hydro and cable companies) for their specific approval and inspection requirements. Before you dig, contact your local utilities for the location of any underground services.
Who to contact?
Toronto Building Customer Service office locations:
Click for larger image.
Toronto
and East York District
Toronto City Hall
100
Queen Street West
416-392-7539
Wards:
14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 |
North
York District
North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge
Street
416-395-7000
Wards:
8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34 |
Etobicoke York District
Etobicoke
2
Civic Centre Court
416-394-8002
Wards:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17 |
Scarborough District
Scarborough Civic
Centre
150 Borough Drive
416-396-7526
Wards:
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 |
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