The City of Toronto is transforming and modernizing how it delivers services to the public. For building and sign permit applicants, this client-centric transformation is intended to provide a clear, consistent and predictable experience and timely processing of applications by the City.
On January 9, 2023, the City will begin a phased rollout of its new service delivery model, with the launch of the first phase of a new Express Services Program city-wide. Toronto Building staff will work directly with permit applicants who are proposing smaller, less complex projects, meeting a set criteria, in order to move their applications swiftly through the approvals process, reducing the amount of time for a permit to be issued.
Express Services will replace the existing Residential FASTRACK, Commercial Xpress and Sign Bylaw Unit services. The new Express Services program will be implemented in two phases. The Residential FASTRACK and Sign Bylaw Unit services will be the first to be integrated into this new model. Commercial Xpress projects will be phased into the Express Services stream in the spring of 2023.
Through Express Services, applications will move through the approval process more quickly as staff will work with permit applicants to tailor services to their specific needs and project scope and resolve application issues minimizing the overall time it takes to receive a permit. Permit applicants will also have access to clear guidelines and information to strengthen transparency, reduce guesswork, and improve submission quality. The new service is intended to help experienced applicants who are familiar with the process acquire the permit quickly, and new permit applicants who will benefit from the one-on-one consultation with City staff.
* Please note that permit applications for additions to residential dwellings, will now proceed through the permit stream for housing, as well as permit applications for laneway suites and garden suites.
Permit Applications accepted prior to January 9, 2023 under the Residential FASTRACK and the Sign Bylaw Unit services areas will be transferred to the Express Services group, where they will continue to be reviewed without disruption.
Commercial Xpress projects will be phased into the Express Services stream in spring of 2023. Those Commercial Xpress projects currently in the system will be reviewed without disruption.
For further information, please contact ExpressServices@toronto.ca