ARE YOU LOOKING FOR BUILDING PERMIT DRAWINGS?

  1. When you construct an accessory structure larger than 10 square metres* (108 square feet) in area, such as  

• Detached Garage
• Workshop
• Garden shed
• Carport
• Pool house or cabana

 2. Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following:  

• Structural or material alterations
• Installing or modifying heating and or plumbing systems
• Excavating and/or constructing foundations
• Basement underpinning
• Constructing a basement entrance
• Adding a second suite
• Energy and environmental building improvements, such as
• Roof top storm water retention systems
• Green roofs
• Structures used in the support of a wind turbine generator with a rated output of more than 3kW
• Solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems

3.  Construct a deck more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground 

4.  Construct a retaining wall more than one metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height provided the retaining wall is on or adjacent to public property (including streets), building entrances, and on private property accessible to the public 

5.  Change a building’s use (i.e. from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required

Learn more about the Building permit process in Ontario and some the different services that we offer. 

Our Mechanical Engineering services provide innovative solutions for your product design, development, and manufacturing needs. Our team of experts has extensive experience in creating designs that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

 There is an abundance of information available online regarding the zoning bylaws applicable to properties in the City of Toronto. A crucial tool to be aware of is the Toronto Interactive Zoning Bylaw Map, which allows you to identify your property's zoning and understand the specific regulations it is subject to. If navigating the map seems overwhelming, any reputable General Contractor or permit designer/architect should be able to provide you with information on what is feasible, what is not, and potential options for your property (further details on the latter are discussed below). 

If you determine your property is or might-be able to complete the work you want to complete, then you can proceed to step 2. 

 Once you have a preliminary understanding of the feasible options for your property, it's time to solicit fee proposals from permit designers and/or architects. These proposals will provide pricing details for the creation of necessary drawings that must undergo City of Toronto review for the issuance of your building permit. To assist you in making an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive guide outlining key considerations when selecting a permit designer or architect for your residential construction permit.

Simultaneously, at this stage, it is advisable to engage with a General Contractor experienced in similar residential construction projects. They can assess your proposed project and furnish a preliminary cost estimate. This step ensures that you can assess the financial feasibility of the project before finalizing your choice of designer or architect. Notably, when working with BVM Contracting, this service is offered at no additional cost and is a standard part of our procedure for anyone considering collaboration with us.

Pro Tip: Emphasize the importance of having your permit designer or architect provide a detailed breakdown of permit fees. This information will enable you to budget effectively for the overall cost of obtaining your permit. 

Once you've confirmed the financial viability of your intended renovation or home building project and have committed to a permit designer or architect, the next phase involves actively developing plans for your proposed work.

The specific process may vary based on your chosen project, but the ultimate objective remains consistent – to compile a comprehensive application for your project, ready for the City of Toronto Building Department's assessment for compliance with local zoning by-laws and exceptions. It's important to note that fees for the zoning review (25%) are applicable, but these contribute toward the total permit cost, with no additional charge for this specific review.

Emphasizing the significance of submitting your preliminary set of drawings promptly for zoning review is crucial. This step is instrumental in determining your subsequent actions (as outlined below), and timely submission is vital for obtaining the necessary feedback. The duration of this phase typically ranges from 2 to 4 months, contingent on factors such as effective collaboration with your designer, responsiveness to requested plan changes, the need for an updated property survey to support the application, and the speed at which the City provides feedback on your proposed plans.

If your zoning application for your proposed project aligns with all local Toronto zoning by-laws, you will receive a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate, confirming the eligibility of your application for submission of a building permit.

Upon obtaining the certificate, your permit designer or architect will proceed to incorporate the necessary building code information pertinent to your proposed project. This prepares the plans for a subsequent review by the City, focusing on their building code examination.

In addition to the work carried out by the permit designer or architect, your project will likely undergo scrutiny by a structural engineer to undertake the engineering design required for the proposed endeavor. 

If you are constructing a new home, ancillary structure, or home addition, an HVAC permit will be necessary. This entails engaging an HVAC designer or engineer to conduct the essential heat loss calculations and HVAC design. It's worth noting that the HVAC permit is distinct from the building permit, and while it's not obligatory to submit both simultaneously, it is common practice to do so for comprehensive project information. Additionally, the permit designer or architect will initiate a separate application for a plumbing permit.

The creation of Ontario Building Code (OBC) overlay drawings, HVAC design/permitting, and structural design occurs post-approval of the Toronto zoning review and certificate acquisition. Initiating work before this stage poses the risk of having to redo structural and HVAC designs, incurring additional costs.

Compiling the "Building Permit Drawings" typically spans 1 month, with an additional month for the permit issuance once submitted to the City. At this juncture, you will also be required to settle the remaining permit fees for your project. The City of Toronto transparently outlines its building permit fees on their website, emphasizing that non-flat fees are calculated per square meter. It's crucial to be aware of this, as apparent low numbers can be misleading.

If your zoning application has been flagged for minor variances to the local zoning bylaws of your neighborhood, you'll encounter two options:

1. Make the necessary changes to ensure your project complies.
2. Submit an application to the Committee of Adjustment to seek approval for the minor variances.

It's essential to note that your permit designer or architect can assist in assessing potential risks associated with the Committee of Adjustment process, gauging the likelihood of obtaining approval. While there is always a risk of rejection, in cases of uncertainty, consulting a private planning consultant is an option, and we can provide referrals if needed.

If you choose to go to the Committee of Adjustment, anticipate the following:

• Additional costs for submitting the application and being represented by your permit designer, architect, or planning consultant (recommended for 99% of applications).
• Additional waiting time for a Committee of Adjustment hearing, which can range from 2 to 6 months.
• Community involvement, as neighbors can submit letters of support or opposition, potentially expressing their views during the hearing. Securing neighbor support is crucial, especially for more complex applications.

Once your Committee of Adjustment Hearing is scheduled, conducted, and approval is obtained, you can return to step 4A to complete your permit application. In case of rejection, proceed to step 5.

It's worth noting that the Committee of Adjustment may grant partial approval with conditions, requiring changes or concessions to your plans to conform to specific minor variances. While this allows you to move forward to the permit submission phase, adjustments will be needed. If the Committee of Adjustment presents this option, it's advisable to consider it, as proceeding to step 5 involves additional costs and more time.