Ontario Building Permit Guide 2026

Building permit fees vary significantly across Ontario municipalities, with most using a tiered structure based on project value or square footage. The fees listed below represent base permit costs for typical projects in 2026, though actual costs may increase with additional inspections, plan review complexity, or development charges. Toronto and Mississauga have implemented digital submission discounts of 8-12% for fully electronic applications. Processing times reflect standard applications with complete documentation; incomplete submissions can add 2-4 weeks to these timelines.

All municipalities now require separate permits for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work valued over $5,000, which typically add $385-$925 per trade permit.

A complete building permit application in Ontario requires comprehensive documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Ontario Building Code 2026 edition and municipal zoning bylaws. Incomplete applications are the primary cause of processing delays, with 41% of first-time submissions requiring additional documentation. All drawings must be prepared or stamped by qualified professionals—architects for buildings over 600 m² or three storeys, and professional engineers for structural elements.

Digital submissions are now mandatory in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Brampton, while other municipalities accept either digital or physical copies.

The following documents form the standard submission package:

1. Completed building permit application form with property owner authorization and builder information
2. Two complete sets of architectural drawings including site plan, floor plans, elevations, and building sections at 1:50 or 1:100 scale
3. Structural drawings stamped by a P.Eng., showing foundation details, beam schedules, and load calculations
4. Energy efficiency compliance report (OBC 9.36 or SB-10 for large buildings) demonstrating EnerGuide rating or performance path compliance
5. HVAC design drawings and equipment schedules showing heating/cooling load calculations
6. Plumbing drawings indicating fixture locations, drainage systems, and water service sizing
7. Electrical drawings with panel schedules, lighting plans, and service entrance details
8. Site grading and drainage plan prepared by a professional engineer
9. Septic system design approval (if applicable) from the local health unit
10. Committee of Adjustment approval or minor variance decision (if required)
11. Conservation Authority permits for properties within regulated areas
12. Tarion warranty enrollment documentation for new home construction
13. Designated Substances Survey (for renovations of buildings built before 1985)
14. Arborist report and tree preservation plan if removing or impacting trees over 30 cm diameter.

Projects over $500,000 typically require additional geotechnical reports and professional construction review commitments.

The building permit approval process in Ontario follows a standardized sequence mandated by the Building Code Act, though timelines vary by municipality and project complexity. Understanding each phase helps contractors plan project schedules and identify potential bottlenecks. The OBC requires municipalities to issue or refuse permits within prescribed timeframes—typically 10 business days for houses and small buildings (Part 9), and 15 business days for large buildings (Part 3).

However, these clocks only start when applications are deemed complete, and most initial submissions require revisions.

The typical timeline proceeds as follows: Week 0-1: Submit complete application package with all required documents and fee payment; application receives intake number and is assigned to plans examiner. Week 1-2: Initial completeness review; 65% of applications receive deficiency notice requesting additional information or clarified details. Week 2-4: Resubmission of revised documents addressing deficiencies; applications may cycle through 2-3 revision rounds.

Week 4-6: Detailed technical review by building department, with concurrent circulation to other departments (fire, planning, engineering) and external agencies (hydro, gas utilities, conservation authority). Week 6-8: Plan review comments issued; applicant must provide written responses and revised drawings addressing all technical comments. Week 8-10: Final review of revisions and comment responses; conditional approval may be issued for outstanding minor items.

Week 10-12: Building permit issued with approved drawing set stamped and returned; permit card must be posted on site before work begins. Week 12+: Construction proceeds with mandatory inspections at prescribed stages; permit remains active for duration specified (typically 12-36 months depending on project scope). Final inspection and occupancy permit issued after all deficiencies cleared and building demonstrated to be in full OBC compliance.

Ontario's building code mandates specific inspection points throughout construction to verify compliance before subsequent work conceals critical building elements. Missing required inspections can result in costly exposure of completed work, stop-work orders, or permit revocation. Inspectors verify that construction matches approved drawings and meets OBC requirements, with particular attention to life safety systems, structural integrity, and building envelope performance. Most municipalities now offer online inspection booking and automated notification systems, though 48-hour notice is typically required.

Failed inspections require correction and re-inspection, with re-inspection fees ranging from $200-$460 depending on the municipality.

The Ontario Building Code exempts certain minor construction activities from permit requirements, though municipalities may impose additional restrictions through local bylaws. These exemptions, outlined in OBC Division C Section 2.1, are intended to reduce administrative burden for low-risk work while maintaining oversight of projects that affect building safety or structural integrity. However, even exempt work must comply with OBC requirements, and property owners remain responsible for code-compliant construction.

Performing non-exempt work without a permit can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations under the Building Code Act, plus mandatory work stoppage and potential requirement to remove and rebuild non-compliant work.

Common permit exemptions in Ontario include:

• Decks under 0.6 metres (24 inches) in height and not attached to the building structure
• Sheds and accessory buildings under 10 square metres (108 sq ft) floor area
• Retaining walls under 1.0 metre in height not supporting a surcharge
• Interior non-structural renovations such as painting, flooring installation, or cabinet replacement that don't affect plumbing, electrical, or structural elements
• Finish roofing replacement (shingles, metal) where structural elements are not altered
• Window or door replacement in existing openings without frame modification
• Fences under 2 metres in height (municipal bylaws may have lower limits)
• Sidewalks and driveways not requiring structural support
• Swimming pools that are storable/portable types not requiring structural support
• Minor plumbing repairs using existing fixtures and drain connections
• Air conditioning installation under 5 tonnes capacity that doesn't require structural modifications

Notable work that DOES require permits despite common misconceptions includes: any structural modifications regardless of size; basement finishing including new walls or fixtures; deck repairs involving structural members; fence installation in many municipalities despite being below 2m; solar panel installation (electrical permit required); generator installation requiring gas or electrical connections; water heater replacement (plumbing permit typically required). When in doubt, contact your municipal building department—permit staff can provide project-specific guidance and confirm whether your work requires authorization.

Many municipalities now offer free pre-consultation meetings to discuss permit requirements and review preliminary plans before formal submission.