A building permit is your formal permission to begin the construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property. As part of the building permit process, Toronto Building staff must review your plans to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code, local Zoning Bylaws, and other Applicable Law.
Building permits regulate the type of construction allowed in a community and ensure that minimum building standards are met. The permit process protects the owner's interests, the community, and helps to ensure that any new construction is appropriate and safe.
When Do I Need a Building Permit?
The owner or the authorized agent of the property where the proposed construction or demolition is taking place is required to apply for the Building Permit.
View the detailed email and electronic submission guidelines and the application types eligible for email submission requirements. Applications can also be made in-person at any of the district Customer Service counters in the district office the project is located in. View these guidelines for payment information.
Toronto Building has two application streams, a “complete” application stream or an “incomplete” application stream.
If you require an accelerated application process, refer to the Residential FASTRACK or Commercial Xpress service.
The permit application guides provide general information and list the required documentation, forms and fees required for submitting an application for a Building Permit.
For general information, documentation and other details, please visit the City of Toronto website.
Homeowners who have applied for a building permit may be eligible for a property tax reduction, if their property was demolished, damaged or renovated during the year.
Follow the progress of a permit through the review and/or inspection stage, search Permit Status.
Re-submission of a new permit application is required. Re-opening of an expired building permit application is not possible.
A grading plan will be required for all single family infill (new) houses. You may be required to submit additional drawing showing existing and proposed finished grades, prepared by a qualified person.
According to municipal code 363 Building construction and Demolition's fee payment structure, you cannot delay paying your permit fees. For most permits, permit fees must be paid in full at the time of permit application.
Building Permit fees may be paid by cash, cheque, debit card, Visa or MasterCard. No permit will be issued until all fees are paid. However, for projects with fees greater than $20,000, a partial permit for excavation and shoring may be issued if the required deposit is made on the building permit fee
Call the Toronto Building Fee Payment Line to make your payment by phone, before you make your call, review the requirements.
Building permits are valid for the duration of construction provided construction is on-going. Where work has not started or has stopped, the permit is valid for up to 6 months (as per the Ontario Building Code). However, a Building Inspector may decide to provide you with an extension to your permit.
Upon issuance of your building permit, you may pick up the permit at the District Toronto Building Customer Service Office or call and request that it may be mailed. Building permits applied for after November 12, 2012 will be issued electronically.
The building permit document will include information setting out the requirement to print and post the permit card in a prominent area on your property. This requirement is also printed on the front of the permit card itself (directly above the permit number). This requirement is under the Ontario Building Code, Division C, Part 1, Code Reference 1.3.2.1(1) and states:
"Where a permit has been issued pursuant to the Act, the person to whom it is issued shall have the permit or a copy of it posted at all times during construction or demolition in a conspicuous place on the property in respect of which the permit was issued."
A Building Permit may be transferred to a new owner of the property. A new application must be completed for the new owner together with a proof of ownership and a fee. View the fee schedule on the City of Toronto website.
After a Building Permit has been issued:
You need to submit a written cancellation request to the appropriate Toronto Building district office.
You must submit your refund request to the Toronto Building Customer Service Manager within 1 year of withdrawal or abandonment. Depending on the stage of your application, the amount refund will vary. You can view the refund schedule in Municipal Code Chapter 363.
Note: Documents must be prepared by either the homeowner or a "Designer" qualified under The Ontario Building Code. Contact district office for further information.
The following is a list of information available about a building permit to any individual upon request to the Toronto Building district permit office:
Related Information: