Below is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about mandatory electronic submission of applications, electronic review of applications and the issuance of building permits, as well as electronic signatures and stamps.
Toronto Building has an electronic plan review process. As a result, permit applications are processed electronically. If an application is approved, the permit will be issued in PDF format and sent to the applicant in an electronic format.
The applicant must print the documents and drawings which form the Building Permit and keep them on the construction site.
Yes, all applications are submitted online or via email.
No, we do not accept paper drawings.
The reference set of drawings is a full-scale set.
Your permit will be issued in PDF format via email. If the permit package is less then 10MB, it will be attached to the email sent to the Applicant, provided all the fees have been paid. If the permit package is greater than 10MB, a secure link will be included in the email to the applicant to allow the permit package to be downloaded.
The permit placard, drawings and supporting documents must be printed (full-sized and in colour) and kept on site for the Inspector. The permit placard must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the construction site.
Yes, they are acceptable, as long as they are scanned at a sufficient resolution (300 dpi in general, 600 dpi where necessary for fine details), are drawn to scale, and meet all other submission requirements.
A digital signature (standard electronic signature) takes the concept of traditional paper-based signing and turns it into an electronic “fingerprint.” This “fingerprint” is unique to both the document and the signer, and binds both of them together.
The digital signature ensures the authenticity of the signer. Any changes made to the document after it is signed invalidate the signature, thereby protecting against forgery and information tampering.
The owner can print and sign the form, and then scan it. Please ensure that the information on the form is accurate and the description is acceptable so that the scanned form can be submitted.
Unless drawings are manually drafted, scanning should be avoided as quality suffers and the size of the file increases.
For these reasons, it is preferable that the BCIN stamp and signature be incorporated into the electronic drawings. Adobe PDF-creation software can be used to create custom stamps.