Building Permit Application: General Notes
City of Toronto: Toronto Building · version September 13, 2021, Rev. 2
These general notes apply to every Toronto Building permit checklist (full, part, site services, plumbing, HVAC, demolition, designated structures, backflow preventer, alternative solutions, temporary structures, occupancy, sign, fire/security upgrades and interior alteration). Confirm the current submission channel and contacts with Toronto Building before submitting.
Application submission and fee notes
| 1 | Submit applications electronically through Toronto Building's current application process (see toronto.ca → Apply for a building permit). Confirm the submission address and who to copy at the pre-application meeting. |
| 2 | Contact Toronto Building's cashier / payments staff to confirm payment options. |
| 3 | Building permit fees: see toronto.ca → Building permit fees. Fees are subject to change without notice. |
| 4 | All permit application fees must be paid for the application to be processed and for review to commence. Applicants can send permit fee calculations to their Toronto Building contact for review in advance of submission to expedite fees; final fee confirmation depends on the final design submitted with the application. |
| 5 | Confirm the payment method (e.g. EFT, credit card, cheque) with the cashier before paying. |
| 6 | Electronic submission via third-party applications such as Dropbox, Google Drive or similar is not permitted. For applications larger than 25 MB, request a "link". |
| 7 | Municipal Road Damage form (required for the intake of Building applications for new buildings; the requirement for payment is waived if Site Plan approval is required). |
| 8 | Early application for an Alternative Design Solution (ADS) is required to reduce review delays of building permits. An application for an Alternative Solution must be associated with a Building Permit application that is under review. |
Part permit application: non-conditional
| 9 | A Part Permit may be applied for when all applicable laws have been met or are not required. A Part Permit can be applied for to meet the construction schedule. Acceptance depends on the size of the project and consultation with Toronto Building. A Part Permit can be submitted at the same time as the main Building Permit, or after the main Building Permit has been submitted; consultation with the Manager of Plan Review is recommended. |
| 10 | Part permit applications are made in the same order as the construction sequence:- Main Building Permit (BLD): this application is required to open the file
- Shoring permit (SHO)
- Services under foundation (DRN)
- Foundation (FND)
- Exterior Site Services (STS)
- Structure (STR)
- Plumbing (PLB)
- HVAC (HVA)
- FSU
|
| 11 | All drawings/reports shall be sealed and dated by a Professional Architect or Engineer licensed in the Province of Ontario and be issued for "Building Permit Application" or "For Construction". |
Conditional permit application
| 12 | If all applicable law has not been fulfilled (usually SPA is the last applicable law to be fulfilled), a Conditional part permit may be issued. The applicant must request this permit through the Plan Review Manager: a request letter addressed to the responsible Director indicating the reasons a conditional permit is required, including construction target start date, the construction schedule and a confirmation letter from the contractor of readiness to commence construction. Once the Manager/Director lead deems it reasonable to grant a conditional permit, an application can be made. |
| 13 | Conditional Part permit applications are made in the same order as the construction sequence: BLD, SHO, DRN, FND, STS, STR, PLB, HVA, FSU. |
| 14 | A construction schedule or dates are required in advance, as agreed with the District Manager, to ensure construction is ready to commence. |
| 15 | Application for Conditional Permit and pay applicable fees: Application for Permit to Construct or Demolish Form, indicating the Building Permit file number and including reference to a Conditional Permit. |
| 16 | A conditional permit agreement must be signed by the Land Owner (and, where applicable, by other parties such as the project owner and the builder). Once this is done, the conditional permit will be issued. |
| 17 | Engage with Toronto Water for a Dewatering Sewer Discharge Agreement at early stages of design and prior to Building Permit Application. Toronto Building will require Toronto Water confirmation that they have no objections to Toronto Building issuing the CP permit with a dewatering discharge clause. |
Full building permit application
| 18 | For a Full Building Permit submission, applicants need to submit separate and complete applications for the Plumbing, HVAC and Site Services permits. |
Submission requirements for building permit application are governed by Article 3 of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 363. This checklist identifies the scope of information typically required to support processing of this type of application in accordance with Chapter 363. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the applicant to consult with the approval authority prior to application submission to confirm the submission requirements for more complex applications. This checklist is not intended to be exhaustive. Other information necessary for the complete review of the building permit submission may be required by the Chief Building Official and in accordance with § 363.
Permits this checklist is for
Official pages
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