BuildSafeTO: Learn About Building Permits

The Ontario Building Code celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year!

This regulation under the Building Code Act, 1992 establishes detailed technical and administrative requirements and minimum standards for building construction.

The Ontario Building Code promotes public health and safety, fire protection, resource conservation, environmental integrity, and accessibility. Its purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of uniform building standards.

The Building Code Act and regulations can be viewed on the Province of Ontario’s website: Building Code Act, 1992 and Building Code, Ontario. The Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is responsible for the development of, and the amendments to the Building Code Act and the Code.

Many types of construction or renovation projects require a building permit. To find out whether yours does, visit our when a building permit is required and when it’s not page.

1. Prepare your application using the Building Permit Application Guides
2. Submit your application and all required documents and forms to bldapplications@toronto.ca or online using the Toronto Building Intake Portal. Please refer to the Building Permit Application Guide to confirm how to submit your application.
3. City staff will review the submission within one business day to determine whether it is sufficient to make an application. Once the review is complete, you will receive a Submission Status Letter by email that either:
   • Finds the application is sufficient. The letter will request payment of initial fees, which you can pay over the telephone via credit card. City staff will then assign a Plan Examiner to conduct a full review for compliance with the Ontario Building Code or
   • Finds the application is insufficient. The letter will contain the additional items required for an acceptable application. You will be required to submit those items before a review can start.
4. Once a sufficient application is received, staff will undertake a thorough Plan Review for Zoning and Building Code compliance.
5. Once your application has been reviewed and found to comply with building regulations, and you have paid all the required fees, your permit will be issued electronically. If additional permit fees are required, you will be notified via email and be required to make payment before the issuance of the permit. You can check the status of your application using our Building Permit Application and Inspection Status
6. Once you have received your permit, you may begin work on your project. Depending on the nature of the project, may require City inspectors to conduct inspections at several checkpoints along the way. You will be required to schedule a final inspection upon completion of the project to close the permit. Inspections may be requested online using the Toronto Building Inspection Requests web app.

• Apply for your building permit as early as possible – sometimes, back-and-forth might be required to ensure all documents satisfy the requirements.

• Before preparing your application, read the Building Permit Application Guides. These resources outline required documentation, forms and fees.

• Make sure your application is complete. Missing submission requirements are the most common cause of delays in permit issuance.

• Be sure to include the zoning declaration and tree declaration forms – these are frequently overlooked.

• Confirm that all required forms and documents are signed and ensure that your project is designed by a qualified professional when required. This includes projects involving new construction, structural changes or additions.

• Submit high-quality, properly formatted drawings – sketches are not accepted. All drawings must be flattened, combined in a single PDF, and include all necessary details.

Toronto Building maintains an open registry of building permit applications and inspections. You can access this through our web tool.

Once you submit your permit application to Toronto Building, it undergoes a Plan Review. For details about this process and what is examined, please visit this page.

Permit drawings are the most important part of a building permit application. Good drawings speed up the review process and reduce the likelihood of delays.

The Province of Ontario sets specific rules on who can prepare and submit building permit drawings:

• The property owner may prepare the drawings if they have the required drafting skills and knowledge of the Ontario Building Code.
• Otherwise, Qualified Designers must prepare the drawings. A qualified designer has obtained a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) or holds a professional designation. The professional designation can be with either the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) or Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

Several resources are available to find a qualified designer or registered firm, including local online classified listings and internet searches. The following associations and organizations also have listings and contact information for local designers:

• Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO)
• Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO)
• Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)
• Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)

The City of Toronto does not endorse any individual designer or organization. This list has been assembled for general information purposes only.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website.

Once your permit is issued, you can start work on your project. Depending on the nature of the project, inspectors may have to visit your building site several times to conduct inspections (i.e. when you complete the completion foundations, structural framing, fire separation, insulation etc.).

You are required to schedule a final inspection upon completion of your project to close the permit.

You may request inspections online, using the Toronto Building Inspection Requests web portal.

Planning a construction project, or living close to a construction project? Here are some helpful tips for what to do, or expect, to minimize the effects of neighbourhood construction projects. For a more comprehensive resource, read our Good Neighbour Guide.

Consult our Complain about Construction Issues page to learn who to reach out to if issues arise.