When you embark on a home construction or renovation, the first thing you need to obtain is a building permit. Ever wonder how to obtain a building permit? It can definitely be a confusing process. With the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly what’s required and how to get started when it comes to obtaining a Toronto building permit.

Getting a Building Permit

Getting a building permit can seem like an overwhelming process, but it isn’t overly complicated. The first thing you need to do is take your building plans to your municipal office for review in order to ensure that your plans comply with building codes. This review process comes with a fee, and if approved, you can start your building project. It could take up to 10 to 15 business days to process your application so you want to make sure it’s complete and correct.

Costs for Building Permit

When it comes to costs surrounding Toronto permits, the City charges $4.93/m2 for interior renos and $17.16/m2 for new additions. In Toronto, a 500 sq ft basement renovation would cost $231.71 while a 1000 sq ft addition to your home would cost roughly $1,595.88.

Permit Approval Process

The approval process can differ depending on the scope of your project. For example, small additions and changes to a pre-existing structure are typically approved faster than more robust plans. If you apply for a permit and are not approved, your application will be returned to you with an explanation as to why it was rejected. Should this be the case, you can correct the issue and appeal the application. Once approved and construction has started, an in-person inspection is necessary. It’s up to the applicant to schedule the inspection or you could face your permit potentially being revoked.

How Long is a Building Permit Valid in Ontario?

Ontario building permits state that you must begin construction of your project within six months of getting your approval. If you can’t make this timeline, you can always apply for an extension. If your building permit expires and your work is not complete, you need to apply for a new one.

Why Do You Need a Building Permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to protect you. They ensure quality craftsmanship and public safety is met with every step of your renovation or new build.

There are instances where designs have significant flaws and can be missed by architects, however, an inspector will catch any flaws before the project progresses to that state.

What If I Complete Work Without a Permit?

Conducting any renovation or new build without a permit can land you serious fines. There is also a chance that the completed work may be ordered to be torn down. Not only can you jeopardize the structural integrity of the home when you complete work without a permit, but you can also be blocked when it’s time to sell the property. In addition, if your home gets damaged during the build and you don’t have a permit, you won’t qualify for an insurance claim. In the City of Toronto, a work without permit penalty is a fee equal to fifty percent of the project’s permit fees.

Zoning Approval

When you apply for building permits, the municipal government that handles your application will confirm that the project you’re proposing meets the area’s zoning bylaws. You may also need to obtain a zoning approval certificate to include with your application. This is needed if you’re embarking upon a new build, changing the physical footprint of the existing structure, or occupancy use changes (this could be converting from commercial to residential). In Toronto, the fee to obtain a zoning certificate is 25 percent of the building permit fee.

Additional Tips

You protect yourself, your investment, and your property when you obtain a building permit. Give yourself roughly three to six months of a timeline to go through the building permit application process so you can get your project started on time. You can even consider consulting a certificated technologist with a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) as opposed to an architect.

Additional Tips

You protect yourself, your investment, and your property when you obtain a building permit. Give yourself roughly three to six months of a timeline to go through the building permit application process so you can get your project started on time. You can even consider consulting a certificated technologist with a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) as opposed to an architect.


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