Starting a new construction project or renovation in Toronto generally means getting a building permit. Many homeowners think the process is complex and overwhelming. This guide clarifies the process, providing a clear roadmap for obtaining a building permit in Toronto.
Whether planning a home addition, a major renovation, or a completely new build custom home, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the Ontario Building Code and your area’s zoning by-laws. A well-prepared permit application, which often requires a detailed proposal and planning documents, forms the foundation for a successful project. Working with a qualified design & build professional can simplify this process and ensure your project complies with all regulations, including obtaining zoning approval when necessary.
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.
When Do You Need A Building Permit?
Knowing when to apply for a building permit is important before starting any construction or renovation in Toronto. You’ll typically need a permit for projects that:
It’s important to understand when you need a permit application to stay in line with the Ontario Building Code and local zoning by-laws. You might be surprised that even small projects can require permits. Don’t hesitate to contact the City of Toronto’s building department for specific requirements for your planned work.
Which Projects Don’t Need a Permit
It’s also important to understand which projects don’t require a building permit in Toronto. This includes:
- Cosmetic upgrades, like painting, flooring, and replacing fixtures (cabinets, sinks, etc.) without plumbing work
- Waterproofing the basement
- Replacing or adding insulation
- Replacing a boiler or furnace
- Replacing or repairing the roof without structural work
What Type of Architectural Drawings are Required For Building Permits in Toronto?
There are a variety of different architectural drawings that are required to be submitted with a building permit application in Toronto. The following are four of the most essential drawings that tend to be needed for a majority of projects:
- Site Plan — A site plan will show the lot area, property lines, and the location of existing and proposed structures, alongside zoning provisions.
- Floor Plan — A floor plan will detail the full layout of every level of the property, outlining existing and proposed uses for each and every space. This includes structural framing, plumbing, and smoke alarms.
- Cross Sections — A cross section drawing will contain a cutaway view that shows existing and proposed construction details for all roof, wall, and floor assemblies, alongside foundation and footing details.
- Elevations — An elevations drawing will showcase the property’s exterior, including window and door locations and sizes, decks, roof slopes, and total height dimensions.
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 building permit 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 building 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 building permit potentially being revoked.
How Long Does It Take In Ontario To Obtain A Building Permit?
The timeline for obtaining a building permit in the Province of Ontario varies based on the complexity of the project and the completeness of your permit application. Typically, you should expect a processing period from several weeks to a few months. Simple renovation projects may receive faster approvals, while complex home additions in Toronto or new construction projects often need more time for review.
Factors that influence the timeline include the clarity of your proposal, compliance with zoning by-laws, and adherence to the Ontario Building Code. Working with a knowledgeable professional can ensure your application is complete and accurate, minimizing potential delays. Additionally, you’ll need to consider possible wait times for zoning approval, which can contribute to the overall duration. Proper planning and timely submission of your application are essential for expediting the process and preventing costly delays to your project.
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.
How to Navigate Through the Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment reviews building permit applications that have minor variances pertaining to local zoning by-laws. For example, if you are adding a second story to your home that exceeds height restrictions or if you are building an addition that is closer than allowed to your property line, you will have to submit an application to the Committee.
There are additional costs associated with going to the Committee of Adjustment, as well as extra time spent waiting, which could take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. The process also involves a public hearing in which your contractor or architect can represent you and your neighbours can support or oppose your project.
After the hearing, the Committee will either decline, approve, or partially approve your application. A partial approval means that you will have to make changes to your plans in order to conform to certain minor variances before you can get your building permit.
What If I Complete Work Without a Building Permit?
Conducting any home renovation in Toronto 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 building 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 building 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.
What I Need To Do If My Proposal Doesn’t Meet With Current Zoning By-Laws?
If your proposal doesn’t meet current zoning by-laws in Toronto, you will likely need to seek a zoning variance or amendment. This process involves submitting a detailed application to the city that outlines why your project deviates from the by-laws and how it benefits the community.
You may also need to attend public hearings to present your case and address concerns from neighbours. Working with a professional experienced in navigating zoning approval processes is strongly advised. This ensures your project is presented in the best possible light, improving your chances of success.
Additional Tips about Building Permit
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.
FAQs
A building permit protects you. It makes sure that your renovation or new build meets Ontario Building Code and Safety Code standards and that there aren’t any significant flaws in your design.
You will need to apply for a building permit if your project alters a building’s structure, such as a home addition, involves significant interior work, like adding or removing walls, modifies plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems, or changes the building’s footprint or use.
If your project only entails cosmetic upgrades, like painting, flooring, and replacing fixtures (e.g. cabinets and/or sinks) without plumbing work, waterproofing the basement, replacing or adding insulation, replacing a boiler or furnace, or replacing or repairing the roof without structural work, then you do not need a building permit.
The timeline for obtaining a building permit varies depending on factors including the complexity of the project, clarity of your proposal, and compliance with the Ontario Building Code and local zoning by-laws. Ultimately, it can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to receive a building permit.
If you conduct renovations or a new build without a building permit, you will be charged a large fine. There is also the possibility that the completed work will be ordered to be torn down.
Completing work without a permit doesn’t just jeopardize the structural integrity and safety of the build; it also means that you can be blocked from selling the property down the line and you won’t be able to qualify for an insurance claim if your home gets damaged during construction.
There are four main types of architectural drawings that need to be included in your building permit application: site plans, floor plans, cross sections, and elevations.
Each drawing showcases a different aspect of the project for a complete picture, with site plans focused on the lot area and property lines, floor plans focused on the layout of the property, cross sections outlining the construction details, and elevations detailing the exterior of the property.
A minor variance is an exception that can be made for you if your project slightly exceeds zoning by-law requirements.
To get a minor variance approved, you will have to submit an application to the Committee of Adjustment, after which a public hearing will be held and your application will either be declined, approved, or partially approved. This does result in additional costs and time.
A building permit is valid for as long as construction is ongoing, but it will expire if construction does not start within six months of getting approved. You can apply for an extension, though, if you can’t make this timeline.
Yes, your contractor or architect can absolutely take care of the building permit application for you and if you go to the Committee of Adjustment, they can represent you at the hearing as well.
Here at Aria Build, part of our services includes submitting your permit application and managing it on your behalf.