Obtaining a building permit in Toronto is a mandatory step for any construction project, as outlined in the Ontario Building Code Act. While the process can be complex, understanding the requirements and procedures can streamline your project.
Legal Requirements
It’s essential to have your plans reviewed and stamped by a registered structural engineer or architect. Early planning ensures ample time for design development and cost assessment.
Types of Projects and Permits
Different construction projects necessitate specific permit applications. New builds often have more stringent requirements compared to interior renovations or home additions. This may involve applications to the Committee of Adjustment for zoning variances or arborist reports for tree removals and replacements.
Reviewing Building Regulations
For new constructions, it’s advisable to thoroughly review the City’s building regulations or consult with a qualified architect or draftsman to determine the necessary planning steps for your project. South Park works with a qualified pool of architects, engineers, drafts-people, and designers. Ask us about a good fit for your project—we often collaborate with our clients’ design teams as well.
The good news is, after you understand the planning process to acquire a Toronto building permit, you will be well on your way to realizing your dream vision.
Toronto Building Permit Requirements
The Ontario Building Code comprises multiple subsections, each with specific application requirements. For instance, the ‘Garages and Carports’ subsection mandates a site plan, floor plans, elevations, zoning information, and more.
Mandatory Forms
Depending on your project’s specifics, the following forms may be required:
Tree Declaration Form: Necessary if the project may impact private or City-owned trees.
Application to Construct or Demolish Form: Mandatory for all building permit applications.
Designer Information Form: Required if the drawings are prepared by a designer who is not an engineer or architect.
Zoning Your Property
A valid Zoning Certificate must accompany every building permit application. This certificate verifies that your proposal complies with the Zoning By-Law. To obtain one, you’ll need to submit:
- A property survey (if available)
- A detailed site plan showing adjacent properties and buildings, including setbacks
- Fully dimensioned floor plans indicating the use of all spaces
- Elevations and cross-sections
For Committee of Adjustment applications, it is highly recommended to include a Preliminary Project Review, which also shows that a proposal complies with the Zoning By-Law.
Construction Requirements & Guidelines
It’s recommended to familiarize yourself with the City’s Construction Requirements & Guidelines, which cover topics such as building site maintenance regulations and communicating with neighbors about your construction project.
If your project extends beyond your property line, such as placing a dumpster on the street, you’ll need to obtain a Street Occupation Permit. Be aware that construction noise is prohibited on Sundays and statutory holidays.
Without adhering to these guidelines, you risk being blindsided by fines later on in the process.
Mandatory: Building Inspections
The City of Toronto enforces compliance with the Ontario Building Code through mandatory inspections for building permits and demolitions. Conducting work without a valid permit can result in a “work without permit” administrative fee, which is an additional fee equal to 50% of the permit fees for the project, with a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $27,234.64
We strongly encourage our clients to always secure building permits to ensure compliance with city regulations. Clients can hire their own representative, or we are happy to connect you with one of our trusted partners to guide you through the process.
If you have already applied for inspection, you can check the status of your inspection here.
Submitting Building Permit Applications in Toronto
After completing the necessary forms, you can submit your building permit application either via email or in person.
In-Person Submission: Visit any Toronto Building Customer Service counter. When submitting in person, ensure you provide digital copies on a re-writable DVD or USB, as paper copies are not required.
Email Submission: Use the ‘Email’ button at the top of any application form to submit via email. You will receive an automatic response upon the issuance of your permit.
Here’s a requirement that often gets missed in initial in person submissions:
“Customers will be asked to present a re-writable DVD or USB containing all the necessary materials. No paper copies will be required.”
That’s right. When you’re submitting Toronto building permits in person make sure they are digital copies and not physical paperwork.
How Long Does It Take To Get Building Permits In Toronto?
It can typically take:
- 15 days for a small building
- 20 days for a large building
- Up to 30 days for complex buildings
Providing the application meets construction requirements and submitted drawings provide the necessary information, it will be approved. Toronto Building has two application streams: a “complete” application stream and an “incomplete” application stream. If you don’t meet the requirements, you will join the incomplete stream and will need to resubmit the plans aligned with the City’s objections.
Keep in mind that timelines are always subject to change depending on various factors, including the number of current applications in process and the complexity of your particular application. Additional steps, such as applications to the Committee of Adjustment or even appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), can further extend the timeline.
Expedited Processing Options
The City of Toronto offers expedited processing for certain types of building permit applications through its Express Services stream. This service is designed to make the permit approval process faster and more efficient for smaller, less complex projects within a predefined scope.
Eligible Projects for Express Services:
- Small residential projects like decks, sheds, porches, garages, carports, interior alterations, basement walkouts, and underpinning.
- Small commercial projects including interior alterations up to 600 square meters, minor fire damage repairs, and stand-alone plumbing permits.
- Sign permits for first-party and third-party signs.
Projects Not Included in Express Services:
- Additions to residential dwellings, laneway suites, and garden suites.
- Projects requiring heritage approval or involving complex zoning issues.
- Revisions to permits for projects that include work outside the scope of Express Services.
For projects outside the scope of Express Services, Toronto Building offers three review streams to expedite applications:
- House Stream: For detached, semi-detached, or row houses with no more than two dwelling units. Complete applications are reviewed within 10 business days.
- Small Building Stream: For buildings within Part 9 of the Building Code (excluding houses). Complete applications are reviewed within 15 business days.
- Large/Complex Building Stream: For buildings within Part 3 of the Building Code. Complete applications are reviewed within 20 business days for large buildings and 30 business days for complex buildings.
To qualify for these expedited review streams, applications must be complete, including all necessary forms, plans, a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (if required), confirmation of compliance with applicable laws, and payment of all fees.
How Long Are Toronto Building Permits Valid?
Building permits are valid for the duration of the construction period provided work is ongoing. If construction halts or has not started, the permit remains valid for up to 6 months. To avoid reapplying for a new permit, you may request an extension from the Chief Building Official. If the permit expires and work has not been completed, a new application will be required.
After the City has issued your permit, you can pick it up at the District Toronto Building Customer Service Office or call and request that it be mailed. Note that the City of Toronto does not impose additional conditions to compel property owners to finish construction within a prescribed time frame, but continuous progress is encouraged to avoid delays.
After The Permit Has Been Issued
You’re not done with Toronto Building once they’ve issued your permit. There are steps to follow throughout your construction process to stay in the City’s good books.
Review your approved drawings before starting the work, printing the drawings in colour, and keep them on the project site. Post the permit card in a conspicuous place on site prior to starting.
These steps help keep the approval visible if an inspector drops in to check up.
Additional recommendations include:
- Meet the 6-month deadline for starting the project
- Contact any additional authority approvals for utilities
- Arrange for inspections at appropriate construction stages
Conclusion
There are many details that need to be considered. From zoning regulations to submitting the application, building permits take time, energy, and collaboration between stakeholders.
Admittedly, it’s a little tricky at first. But once you have some experience with the City of Toronto, you’ll become familiar with the process and how to avoid common pitfalls.
By following this guide when applying for building permits in Toronto, you’ll be better equipped to breeze through the process and start your construction project in no time.
If you’ve got your permit in hand, we’d love to chat about building your construction budget. If you’re just starting the process, reach out and we can help get you moving in the right direction with a design team.