Plan Review Process

Once you submit your permit application to Toronto Building, the following process takes place:

1. Zoning Review

The Zoning By-law sets out rules governing land use and the placement of buildings on a lot. It states exactly:

  • Land and building uses
  • Building size or density
  • Location of buildings and other structures on a lot
  • Minimum lot sizes and dimensions, parking requirements and building height

The Zoning Examiner will also confirm that your application complies with Applicable Law. These include:

  • Conservation Authorities Act
  • Planning Act
  • Environmental Protection Act
  • Ontario Heritage Act

If you are unable to comply with the provisions of the Zoning By-law, you may submit an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance. If the Committee of Adjustment approves the variance, you may submit a Building Permit application, subject to the terms established by the Committee of Adjustment.

2. Building Code Review

A Building Code Examiner will review your building plans, in order to determine compliance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

The Ontario Building Code is a set of minimum provisions regarding the safety of buildings:

  • Health and Safety
  • Fire protection
  • Structural sufficiency
  • Construction materials
  • Plumbing and Mechanical system

3. Mechanical Plans Examination

If applicable, your plans and drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, drainage and private sewage system requirements of the Ontario Building Code.

4. Fire Prevention Examination

In the case of some multi-family residential, commercial, industrial and institutional applications with fire protection systems, these will be reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.

5. Receive results of the review process

If compliance with the building code, zoning and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit is issued. If compliance is a problem, you will be issued a notice documenting why your project does not comply.

6. Responding to an Examiner’s Notice

Examination of your permit documents may identify that additional information is required to complete the review. To submit additional information, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Drawings/Plans: To submit additional drawings or revised drawings please use the Toronto Building Online Services – File Submission Hub. You will receive an email from your assigned examiner which will contain your application number and access code for you to use when you resubmit your drawings.
    1. Only one submission will be accepted at a time. Please ensure all drawings are combined into a single PDF file and adhere to the submission guidelines found here: Electronic Submission Guidelines.
    2. Revision bubbles should be included on drawings to indicate where changes are made. Only revised pages are required to be submitted.  Drawings that are not affected do not need to be resubmitted.
      1. Note: Once the resubmission drawings are uploaded, no further drawings can be uploaded unless the Hub link is reopened by the assigned examiner. File size is currently limited to 250 MB. For files exceeding 250 MB, contact your assigned examiner to submit the file.
  2. Supporting documentation: Please email the assigned Examiner and include the permit application number and address in the subject line of your email and attach any supporting documentation.