Planning a home addition in Toronto? Before you swing that first hammer, ensure you understand Toronto’s home addition permit process. Getting a permit isn’t just a legal step—it protects your investment and avoids major headaches later.
Step 1: Prepare Your Drawings
When applying for a permit, you’ll need:
- Elevations
- Structural Details (e.g., for decks or garages)
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary
- Infill Public Notice Declaration (if addition is over 100m²)
Hire a qualified drafter or designer to avoid delays due to rejected or incomplete plans. Contact us at Renotec if you need any help .
Step 2: Do a Zoning Check for the home addition permit process in Toronto
Make sure your design complies with the following:
- Maximum height
- Setbacks (distance from property lines)
- Lot coverage & floor space index
If your plan doesn’t meet zoning rules for home additions in Toronto, you must apply to the Committee of Adjustment, which adds 8–12 weeks to your timeline.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Online for the home addition permit process in Toronto
Toronto has a digital permit system. You can apply for the building permit online .
Double-check everything is complete—incomplete submissions will not be reviewed until corrected.
Step 4: Wait for Review
Your application will fall into one of these review streams:
StreamApplies ToReview Time
House Stream Most home additions are 10 business days
Small Building Stream Part 9 buildings (non-residential) 15 business days
Large/Complex Part 3 buildings 20–30 business days
Delays happen if:
- Drawings are incomplete or not up to code
- A zoning variance is needed
- Supporting documents are missing
Step 5: Pay Your Permit Fees
No permit is issued without payment. Online payments (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted for fees under $20,000. Larger projects require EFT or wire transfer.
Permit Cost Formula:
Permit Fee = SI × A
(SI = Service Index; A = floor area in m²)
Service Index Rates for 2025:
Type of WorkSI Rate (per m²)
New homes, additions $17.85
Interior renovations $5.73
Basement finishing $5.73
Example for the home addition permit process in Toronto:
Adding a 50m² second story:
Permit Fee = 50 × $17.85 = $892.50
Add base fee = $206.53
Total ≈ $1,099.03
Note: A $54.16/unit fee applies if you create a new dwelling unit (like a basement suite).
Step 6: Understand Permit Timelines
Timelines depend on your project scope and whether your application is complete:
Project Type Estimated Timeline
Simple Addition (House Stream) 10 business days
Small Buildings 15 business days
Large/Complex Projects 20–30 business days
With Zoning Variance (CofA), Add 8–12 weeks
Faster Option:
Some small jobs (decks, sheds) qualify for Express Services and are approved in 3 business days once reviewed.
FAQ: home addition permit process in Toronto
Many Toronto homeowners in areas like East York and The Beaches often ask
Q: Do I need a permit for my home addition?
Yes, Whether you’re planning an addition in Scarborough, North York, or Etobicoke—if it affects structure, plumbing, or size. Most home additions in the GTA need permits.
Q: How long does the permit take?
2–4 weeks minimum. Add 2–3 months if Committee of Adjustment approval is needed.
Q: What documents do I need?
Detailed drawings (site plan, floor plans, elevations), zoning check, Energy Summary, and Infill Declaration.
Q: What happens if I skip the permit?
Huge fines (up to $100,000), stop-work orders, and demolition.
Q: Can I build a shed without a permit?
Yes—if it’s under 15m² and has no plumbing.
Q: Who can help me with this?
Hire a qualified drafter, designer, or contractor. They’ll save you time, stress, and money.
Final Thoughts
A home addition is a significant investment—but skipping the permit is an even bigger risk. If you’re building in Toronto or the GTA, getting the proper paperwork is just part of doing it right. Plan early, hire smart, and follow Toronto building codes.