Green Roof on a New or Existing Building

General Information

A building permit is required for the construction of a new green roof, or the material alteration of an existing green roof, both where the green roof is constructed as part of a new development and where it is constructed on an existing building.

As part of the building permit process, Toronto Building staff will review your plans to verify that they comply with the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard (contained in the Green Roof Bylaw), the Ontario Building Code, City Zoning Bylaws, and other applicable laws.

Visit the City of Toronto Green Roof Bylaw webpage for further information on when green roofs are required, the size of green roofs, mandatory provisions for green roof design and construction, best practices in green roof design, guidelines for biodiverse green roofs, exemptions under the Green Roof Bylaw, requirements for Site Plan Control applications, and reports and decisions related to green roof requirements in Toronto.

How to Read this Guide

The tabs below provide information on the core requirements for a green roof constructed on an existing building, while making note of where there may be additional requirements when the green roof is being constructed as part of a new development.

Required Documentation

Core requirements: For the construction of a green roof on an existing building, see the below list of documents and required documentation to include with your green roof permit application.

Note, for a green roof as part of a new development: Where the green roof is constructed as part of a new development, additional documents may be required in addition to those listed below. For a complete list of required documentation to include with your submission, please review both the below requirements, including the Wind Uplift Report, and the required documentation listed in the applicable guide for your proposed project type, which can be found by navigating to the Building Permit Application Guides page.

Document Name	Description
Site Plan	Survey or site plan showing property lines, lot area, right-of-way or easements (referenced to a current survey) Location of existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions and include setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings. Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions to include lot area, building area (GFA), coverage.
Architectural Plans	Dimensioned floor plans for each level showing existing and proposed uses of all spaces.
Roof Plan	Existing and proposed roof layout showing roof structure, skylights, roof slopes, hips/valleys/peaks and ventilation and including any screening requirements for mechanical roof top equipment.
Elevations	Provide overall building height dimension.
Sections	Cross section(s) to show existing/proposed building construction and specifications of all floor, wall, & roof assemblies.
Wind Uplift Report	A report from a professional engineer on wind uplift pressures including a description of how the pressures were determined and how the design addresses these pressures. Specify the testing methods and standards used to confirm compliance.
Construction Details and Notes	Building materials & specifications of all wall, floor, and roof assemblies with typical wall section and typical roof detail. Provide guard details including connection detail.

Required Forms

Required for all permit applications to construct a green roof.

Core requirements: For the construction of a green roof on an existing building, see the below list of forms to include with your green roof permit application.

Note, for a green roof as part of a new development: Where the green roof is constructed as part of a new development, additional forms may be required in addition to those listed below. For a complete list of required forms to include with your submission, please review both the below requirements, and the required forms listed in the applicable guide for your proposed project type, which can be found by navigating to the Building Permit Application Guides page.

Form Name	Description
Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish	Building permit application form required for all submissions.
Green Roof Declaration Form	Required for all new buildings or building additions applications with a gross floor Area exceeding 2000 m², or where a green roof is proposed to be constructed.
Commitment to General Reviews by Architect and Engineer	Required for all buildings where professional design and field review is required by the Ontario Building Code. This Commitment form must be signed by the owner or agent and the professional architect, engineer, or consultant.

 

Required prior to the installation of the green roof

Prior to the installation of the green roof system, a report signed by a qualified architect or engineer must be submitted to the inspector listed on the approved permit and must  document the successful completion of one of the following leakage testing protocols as required by the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard for waterproofing:

• Flood Test
• Electric Field Vector Mapping
• Impedance Test
• Infrared (IR) Thermal Imaging
• Low Voltage Testing
• High Voltage Testing
• Moisture Sensors

This testing is required to confirm the integrity of the waterproofing system before the green roof assembly is installed.

Required after the installation of the green roof

Form Name	Description
Green Roof Inspection Report Checklist	Required upon completion of the installation of the green roof.
Backflow Prevention Device Test Report	Required upon completion of the installation of the green roof.

 

Optional Form (not part of the building permit application process)

If you are applying for funding under the City’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program, you will be asked to provide your issued building permit number on the application form:

Eco-Roof Incentive Program Application Form (Online)

Note: Applications for funding for a green roof or cool roof under the Eco-Roof Incentive Program must be approved prior to commencing any work on the roof. Projects that have started, or are complete, may not be eligible for funding.

Steps to a Obtaining a Building Permit to Construct a Green Roof

The guide below provides a step-by-step outline of the process to obtain a building permit to construct a green roof for both existing buildings (stand-alone permit) and where a green roof is part of a new development. The outline of steps is intended to help first time applicants prepare their application and move through the application process smoothly to be able to enjoy the benefits of a green roof. This step-by-step guide is available for informational purposes only and does not provide design or construction guidance.

Part 1: Applying for the Permit

1. Review the Green Roof Bylaw

• Review the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Bylaw and the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard (Article IV in the Green Roof Bylaw).
• Understand the mandatory provisions for the design and construction of your green roof, which relate to: Green roof assembly, Gravity loads, Slope stability, Parapet height and/or overflow scupper locations, Wind uplift, Fire safety, Occupancy and safety, Waterproofing, Drainage, Water retention, Vegetation performance, Plant selection, Irrigation, and Maintenance plan.
• Note that a maintenance plan is required to be submitted with the permit application.
• Familiarize yourself with the Green Roof Inspection Report Checklist, which is required after installation of the green roof.

2. Consult Professionals (Recommended)

• It is recommended that you engage a professional with expertise in green roof design, engineering, and construction, who can assist in the preparation of your building permit application to comply with the relevant regulations. Note: Certain documentation will require engaging a professional, for example, the wind uplift report
• Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is a non-profit professional industry association which provides resources on green roofs including a list of Green Roof Professionals.

3. Prepare the Permit Application

• Prepare the required documentation (see “Required Documentation” tab above).
• Complete the required forms for your project (see “Required Forms” tab above).
• Make sure that the Green Roof Declaration Form includes declarations from a professional engineer, a green roof designer, and the applicant.
• Speak to your green roof designer, installer, or manufacturer to ensure that you understand the maintenance plan that will be submitted with the permit application. The maintenance plan must address programs of routine maintenance and inspection, growth media and vegetation management, and re-planting in the event it becomes necessary to maintain complete coverage during three growing seasons.
• If you have a question about application requirements, contact Toronto Building Customer Experience.

4. Submit the Permit Application and Fees

• You or your green roof designer will submit your permit application including all required documentation, forms, and fees, to the City of Toronto Building Division: Detailed Email Submission Process – City of Toronto.

5. City Staff will Review the Application

• City staff will review your application for compliance with the Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard, the Ontario Building Code, City Zoning Bylaws, and other applicable laws. You may be contacted if additional information is needed.

6. Obtain Approval

• If your application is approved, you will receive a building permit providing you with approval to begin construction.

7. (Optional/If Eligible) Submit an Application for Funding under the Eco-Roof Incentive Program

• If you plan to apply for funding under the City’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program, check if you are eligible and review the program’s requirements at the Eco-Roof Incentive Program
• Eco-Roof Incentive Program applications must be submitted and approved prior to commencing any work on the roof. Additional funding may be available through the Structural Assessment Grant.
• For more information or if you have a question about the Eco-Roof Incentive Program, contact Program staff at ecoroof@toronto.ca.

Part 2: Construction, Inspection, and Closing the Permit

8. Installation/Construction can Begin

• Construction can commence in accordance with the approved permit.
• Immediately prior to installation of the green roof, a leakage test must be conducted in accordance with Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard (Article IV in the Green Roof Bylaw)
• Following the leakage test, a report signed by an architect or engineer must be submitted to the inspector listed on the approved permit. The report must confirm that one of the leakage tests listed in the construction standard was conducted and successful.
• Following installation, it is a good idea to review the approved maintenance plan for the green roof.

9. Submit the Required Post-Installation Forms

• Once construction is complete, the following two forms must be submitted to the inspector listed on the approved permit:
  • A Green Roof Inspection Report Checklist – signed by the green roof designer (architect/engineer).
  • A backflow prevention device test report – confirming that a backflow prevention device test has been completed. The test result must be submitted by a Certified Cross Connection Control Specialist using the online test report form. In addition, a test tag must be attached to the backflow prevention device.

10. Final Inspection

• Once the City Inspector receives and verifies the Green Roof Inspection Report Checklist and backflow prevention device test certificate and test tag, City staff will obtain final inspection sign-off for the green roof from the green roof designer.
• After successful final inspection sign-off, City staff will review your green roof permit and determine whether it can be closed.

11. Confirm the Permit is Closed (Submit Final Eco-Roof Documentation to Receive Rebate if you Applied for Funding in Step 7 above)

• To confirm your permit is closed, contact the inspector listed on the permit. If you need further assistance, contact Toronto Building Customer Experience.
• Note: If you applied for funding under the Eco-Roof Incentive Program, after installation is complete and before your rebate can be issued, you must submit required documentation and confirmation that the building permit has been closed by email to ecoroof@toronto.ca. A site visit may also take place before you receive your rebate. Visit the Eco-Roof Incentive Program webpage and see Step 12 of  “Green Roof Steps” for more information.

12. Enjoy and Maintain Your Green Roof!

• Once your permit has been closed, enjoy and maintain your green roof!
• Maintain your green roof in accordance with your approved maintenance plan that was submitted with the permit application. This is essential to support the continued delivery of a wide range of benefits that healthy green roofs provide, including reducing energy use, extending roof life, cleaning and cooling the air, managing stormwater, enhancing biodiversity, reducing noise, beautifying urban spaces, and reducing stress.

Apply by Email

To submit an application by email please use the ‘Email’ button on top of the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.

Detailed steps for the email submission process are also available to assist in making your application.

Process Flow Chart for Obtaining a Building Permit to Construct a Green Roof

Fees

There are no additional fees if a green roof is part of a permit application for a new building, or where a green roof is included as part of an addition to an existing building.

A separate fee is charged for a permit to construct a stand-alone green roof, as follows:

Fee name	Fee, per m², unless otherwise stated (Effective January 1, 2025)
Repairs or Re-cladding of Walls, Re-roofing (non-structural)	$0.73
Re-roofing with structural work, raise roof structure	$5.96

 

The permit fees shown above are shown as Service Index per square metre of proposed work, unless otherwise specified. For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Building Permit Fees page.