Permits exist to confirm your renovation meets the Ontario Building Code for structure, fire safety, and life safety. Here's how to handle them from the start.

Do I Need a Permit for My Renovation?

The Ontario Building Code requires building permits for most structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Understanding what requires a permit — and what doesn't — is the first step in planning any renovation. As a rule of thumb, if you're changing the structure of the home, altering how it's heated or wired, or moving water, you almost certainly need a permit. If you're only changing finishes, you usually don't.

Work That Requires a Permit in Ontario

  • Adding or removing walls (especially load-bearing)
  • Adding or relocating electrical circuits
  • New or relocated plumbing rough-in
  • HVAC modifications or additions
  • Finishing a basement
  • Building a deck over 24 inches from grade
  • Adding a bathroom
  • Home additions and structural changes
  • Creating a secondary suite

Most full-scope projects — like a home renovation that touches multiple systems — will require a permit, and often more than one.

Work That Typically Does Not Require a Permit

  • Cosmetic updates — painting, flooring, trim
  • Replacing like-for-like fixtures (same location)
  • Cabinet replacement without moving plumbing
  • Low-level decks under 24 inches from grade
  • Replacing windows in existing openings (same size)

When in doubt, confirm with your municipality or contractor before you start — it's far cheaper to ask than to undo finished work.

10–30 Business days a typical Toronto residential permit takes to approve — plan it into your project timeline, not after demolition.

How to Apply for a Building Permit in Toronto

Permit applications in Toronto are submitted through the city's online portal with construction drawings and project descriptions. Residential permit applications typically take 10–30 business days for approval. aMaximum Construction manages this process on behalf of clients for all projects that require it, including preparing drawings, submitting the application, and scheduling the required inspections.

What Happens If You Skip a Permit?

Unpermitted work discovered during a home sale can derail transactions, require remediation at seller's expense, or reduce sale price. Insurance claims for damage in unpermitted areas may be denied. Municipalities can order unpermitted work removed. The cost of permits is always worth it.

Planning a renovation?

Work with a contractor who handles permits and inspections from day one. Book a free consultation and we'll map out exactly what your project needs.

Book Your Renovation Consultation

About the author: Written by the project team at aMaximum Construction, a licensed and insured general contractor serving Toronto and the GTA. We manage permits and inspections on every project that requires them.

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