Renovating Your Home? Read First! Toronto Building Permits

Any time you want to make certain changes to an existing structure or build a new one, you will need to get permission from your local municipality in the form of a building permit. This is to ensure that buildings are safe and built in compliance with the Ontario Building Code, zoning bylaws, and other laws. We’ve detailed everything you need to know about Toronto building permits.

Inspection Requirements During And After Renovation

At certain stages of construction, mandatory inspection must be done in compliance with the Ontario Building Code to ensure that the construction is in compliance with the building code and your permit. As a permit holder, it is your responsibility to get in touch with your municipality to arrange an inspection at the appropriate stages. After the final inspection, your municipality will issue an occupancy permit showing that the building is safe for habitation.

What Happens If You Build Without a Permit in Ontario?

Non-compliance with the building code has major consequences that can derail your project and result in long-term losses.

Violating the Building Code Act may lead to:

• Fines – You may be fined $50,000 for the first offense and $100,000 if it is a repeat offense.
• Loss of time – You will have to halt all work because inspections will not be granted without a permit, and you’ll not be able to proceed with the project until a permit is approved.
• Legal implications – If you sell a home that did not have approved permits, you may open yourself up to a lawsuit if a future homeowner who bought your property discovers that permits were not granted.·        
• Financial loss – Your municipality may require you to undo the work done before you can apply for a permit. You may have to sell it at a significantly lower price due to the lack of a building permit, and you run the risk of voiding your insurance.

Compliance With Ontario Regulations And Codes

Part of the Ontario Building Code is the Ontario Fire Code, which requires buildings to be constructed to ensure smoke and fire safety. It is imperative that homeowners abide by the Building Code Act to ensure their health and safety. In addition to these, municipalities establish the Official Plan and zoning bylaws.

How To Check The Status Of Your Permit Application

To check the status of your building permit application, go to the City of Toronto’s website and find the building permit section. Once there, enter your permit number or the address of the property. This should take you to a page where you can review the status of your application.

When Is A Building Permit Required In Ontario

One of the greatest misunderstandings about building permits is which projects require them and which ones don’t. Here is a list of work that requires a building permit in Toronto.

• Constructing a new building
• An addition to an existing home i.e. second or third story addition, garage addition, sunrooms, porch, or deck
• Adding or removing walls
• Adding windows or doors in new location
• Building a shed that is larger than 161 ft.² 
• Building an accessory dwelling unit that is greater than 107 ft.²
• Finishing a basement and making structural alterations, updating or installing new heating or plumbing systems, excavation or foundation work, basement underpinning, or adding a second suite 
• Building a deck that is greater than 24 inches above ground
• Demolishing a part or all of a building
• Installing a chimney or fireplace
• Installing a wood-burning stove or a fireplace
• Installing a backwater valve
• Installing backflow prevention device
• Changing the use of a building.

A building permit in Toronto is not required for:

• An uncovered platform less than 24 inches above the ground
• Skylights in an existing building as long as the home is not more than three stories high
• Adding or removing insulation
• Replacing windows or doors, as long as they’re in the same location
• Replacing a furnace or boiler
• Replacing plumbing fixtures
• Replacing roofing
• Renovating a basement as long as only cosmetic changes are made
• Waterproofing repairs to a basement
• Installing cabinetry and millwork
• Building a retaining wall on private property
• Installing a sump pump
• A shed less than 15 m²