City of Toronto Building Permit Guide for Home Renovations

Renovating a home in Toronto can add major comfort, value, and long-term savings — but before you start, it’s important to know when a City of Toronto building permit is required. This guide explains the basics in clear language: who needs a permit, how to apply, timelines, costs, and useful links.

What Is a Toronto Building Permit?

A building permit is an official approval from the City that confirms your renovation plans follow Ontario Building Code (OBC) standards, zoning rules, and local safety requirements. It protects homeowners from structural issues, unsafe work, and future insurance or resale problems.

Do You Need a Permit for Your Renovation?

You do need a permit when your renovation involves:

• Structural changes (removing or adding load-bearing walls)

• Basement underpinning, foundation work, or lowering the basement

• Adding or resizing windows or doors

• Building an addition, extension, or second floor

• Plumbing changes behind walls or below concrete

• HVAC installation or major modifications

• Decks higher than 24 inches

• New entrances (front, back, or side)

• Major electrical work (Electrical Safety Authority permit separately)

You do not need a permit for:

• Cosmetic upgrades like flooring, painting, cabinets

• Replacing fixtures like sinks or toilets (same location)

• Minor repairs with no structural impacts

If you’re unsure, the City recommends asking Building Services — many homeowners get caught off-guard with “hidden permit requirements.”

How to Apply for a Toronto Building Permit

Toronto's permit system is now fully online through Toronto Building – ePlans.

1. Prepare Your Drawings

You will need:

• Architectural drawings

• Structural drawings (if structural work is involved)

• Mechanical, electrical or HVAC drawings (if applicable)

• Survey (sometimes needed)

These drawings must follow the Ontario Building Code and city standards.

2. Submit Online

Apply through the official City portal:

Apply for a Building Permit (ePlans Portal):
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permits/

Scroll down to “Apply for a Building Permit” and select Residential Renovations.

3. Pay the Permit Fees

Fees depend on project size and construction value.
Most renovations fall between $200 – $2,000+.

4. City Review

Typical timeline:

• Small renovations: 10 business days

• Structural renovations: 15–20 business days

• Complex projects: 30+ days

5. Start Construction After Approval

You must post the permit card on site and follow all inspection schedules.

Required Inspections During Renovation

The City will inspect key stages, including:

• Framing

• Plumbing rough-in

• HVAC rough-in

• Structural changes

• Insulation and vapour barrier

• Final inspection

Booking inspections is also done online.

Common Toronto Renovations That Require Permits

Basement Renovations

If you are adding rooms, altering structure, adding plumbing, or lowering the basement — a permit is required.

Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

Permit is needed for:

• Structural work

• Plumbing relocation

• Wall removals

Load-Bearing Wall Removal

Always requires structural drawings and a permit.

Adding a Legal Basement Apartment

Requires a full building permit and zoning review.

Why Getting a Proper Permit Matters

• Avoid fines or stop-work orders

• Ensure insurance coverage

• Protect resale value — unpermitted work can block a sale

• Ensure safety and compliance

• Peace of mind knowing the work meets building code

Many Toronto homeowners later regret skipping the permit process because corrections become more expensive than doing it right the first time.

Useful City of Toronto Links

Apply for a Building Permit (Or let Grand Design Build handle everything for you from Design to Permit to Build)

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permits/

Building Permit Fee Schedule

https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/building-renovating/building-fees/

Zoning & Property Information

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/zoning-by-law-preliminary-zoning-reviews/

Book Inspections

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/inspections/

Final Tips for Homeowners

• Always work with qualified designers, engineers, or contractors in Toronto.

• Submit complete drawings to avoid delays.

• Ask the City early if your project needs zoning review.

• Keep all permit documents for future resale.