Partial Occupancy of an Unfinished Building – Authority to Occupy

Submit an Authority to Occupy permit application by email. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 10 business days before your proposed occupancy date.
Submit Application

 

Before any part of an unfinished building can be occupied, the structure must meet Ontario Building Code (Division C, Part 1, Subsection 1.3.3.) standards. An Authority to Occupy application is a request for a permit to allow a portion of an unfinished building to be occupied, and is applied for after consulting with the Building Inspector that the building is ready for such a permit.

When making an application for partial occupancy:

  • Keep in contact with other inspection agencies (such as Fire Services and the Electrical Safety Authority) so that you can obtain other required approvals in time for occupancy.
  • Meeting Ontario Building Code provisions prior to inspection will reduce any extra charges.

If you occupy an unfinished building without one, you may be ordered to vacate and other legal action taken against you.

  • Contact your building inspector to make an appointment for an occupancy permit inspection.
  • Required when applying for a permit to occupy an unfinished Part 3 building and after consulting the building inspector that the building is ready for such permit.
  • Provide specific description of the area to be occupied. Note, proposed occupancy date requires 10 business day advance notice.
  • A separate occupancy permit is required for each stage of occupancy.
  • Occupancy Permit requirements are set out in Division C, Part 1, Article 1.3.3.1 of the Ontario Building Code

Professionals of record for your project (architects/ engineers) must submit reports before the occupancy inspection to indicate their satisfaction with work relating to areas of the building to be occupied.

Occupancy Permit (Authority to occupy before completion) –  Minimum $428.95/permit

The occupancy permit fee covers the first five hours of inspection time (building, plumbing and HVAC inspection). Additional time will be charged at the rate of $85.79 an hour. (Rates are in effect as of January 1, 2024)