Getting to know the building permit cost in Ontario is important. Building permits ensure that your plans comply with regulations and building codes, for safety, quality, and integrity. But you want to carefully watch how it affects the overall cost of your project.
Whether planning a renovation, constructing a new building, or adding a shed to your property, prepare for your building permit fees. Like hiring a builder, land transfer fees, and purchasing land, building permits are a vital hidden cost that inflates your construction expenses.
At the core, building permit costs depend on a couple of factors. The first and most obvious is the size of your project. So, you already know a mammoth-sized skyscraper would require more paperwork and inspections than a backyard shed. But then there are provincial fees, which change from one region to the next.
This blog post explores the factors influencing building permit costs in Ontario. You will also gain insights into the factors affecting building permit fees. We also provide all the details on how much it costs from one region to the next.
How much does a building permit cost in Ontario?
Now let’s consider a ballpark calculation of the building permit fees you pay. For example, the city of Toronto’s building permit fees for a basic project are $200 to $1,000. An example of such a basic project is constructing a deck or renovating a tiny place in your home. In contrast, substantial construction, such as a full-blown secondary suite may range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
That said, almost every municipality uses a building permit calculator with the formula:
Permit Fee (rounded to the nearest dollar) = SI X A
Where SI is the Service Index. This is the classification for the work proposed and
A floor area in metre square (m2) of the work involved.
The Service Index classification refers to the different groups of buildings across any region in Ontario. For instance, we can group public spaces under Group A. Examples include worship centres, restaurants, outdoor patios, theatres, and portable classrooms.
Other groups include residential buildings, industrial buildings, mercantile, and business and personal services.
Beyond that, every municipality has a minimum fee for a permit. This means no matter how small your construction is, no permit fees go beneath that number. You may also have to pay an additional non-refundable fee for your application. This usually happens when building permits are online.
Four common permit types and their respective costs across the GTA, Peel, Durham, and Hamilton regions.
| City/municipality | Detached, semi, townhouse, secondary suite, duplex (new construction) | Heating/boiler replacement | Basement finishing | Plumbing/Draining components |
| Mississauga | $18.44/m2 | $237 per unit | $5.48/m2 | $41 per fixture |
| Toronto | $17.16/m2 | $198.59 – $250.22 flat fee | $4.93/m2 | $21.45 per fixture |
| Vaughan | $19.99/m2 | $320 flat fee | $6.69/m2 | $20 per fixture |
| Oshawa | $4.56/m2 | $155 – $235 flat fee | $155 flat fee | $7.56/m2 |
| Ajax | $12.96/m2 | $134 flat fee | $4.00/m2 | $1.40 per fixture |
| Niagara Falls | $17.00/m2 | $225 flat fee per unit | $10.00/m2 | $225 |
| Oakville | $23.25/m2 | $220 flat fee | $4.90/m2 | $102 flat fee |
| Halton | $18.39/m2 | $350 per unit | $8.86/m2 | $349.00 |
| Burlington | $21.36/m2 | $348.00 per unit | $8.06/m2 | 5.58/m2 |
| Brampton | $16.24/m2 | $182 per unit | $108.24 | $16.09 per fixture |
| Pickering | $1,100 flat fee | $15.40/m2 | $6.30/m2 | $15.40 |
| Scarborough | $0.25m2 | $50 | $12.50 per $1,000 of est. construction | $10.00 per fixture |
| Bowmanville | $14.89 | $276 flat fee | $6. 91/m2 | $19.59 per fixture |
This information is subject to change and property pathways do not confirm its accuracy. Visit the local building department to view fee schedule
Factors Affecting Building Permit Costs
There are no fixed building permit fees. They depend on many different factors and can change from one season to the next.
Project size
The size of a project, such as the square footage and number of floors, will influence the building permit cost.
Complexity
Construction projects with unique features, and intricate designs that may require specialized construction techniques will need more reviews and inspections. In turn, it leads to higher building permit fees.
Differences in fee structures and categories of building permit fees
Every region across Ontario has a different building permit cost calculator. So, your building permit fees aren’t straightforward. Many different subcategories can influence how much you pay in the end. Here are the numerous fee categories charged by the Ontario Building Department.
New Construction vs Alterations
Are you adding a secondary suite or transforming your real estate property into a multiplex? New construction has different building permit fees for alterations. Alterations and additions may include plumbing work, mechanical additions, and more.
Sewer Assessment
If you consider adding a holding tank or septic system, this will influence your building permit cost.
Mechanical permit fees
This may range from heating to ventilation, and air conditioning documentation is required for new construction and new home additions. In some special cases finishing the basement apartment may require HVAC designs to support. A thorough permit review. Knowing when to include or not to include these drawings and supporting documents are important.
Demolition
Demolition is also a critical aspect of your building permit application and is often reviewed separately depending on the municipality. It also depends on whether you want to demolish a building or interior demolition floor. But a rule of thumb that applies always is if the demolition involves structural alteration a demolition permit will be required.
Plumbing and drainage permit fees
Plumbing and drainage systems also have different permits. These permits center around fixtures, equipment, roof drains and could include sanitary and storm piping, replacing or adding buried plumbing and drainage piping, and more.
Fast track service
Some municipalities offer fast-track permits If the extent of the permit design scope is not complex as is the case for a single family home remodel in Toronto. These Building permit application can be reviewed and processed within the matter of a couple of weeks.
Development charges
This can make or break a property development. All municipalities have additional development charges for new construction. While there is a trend of deferring or discounting the fees they often require before a permit can be issued. These charges cover the cost of public infrastructure improvements related to the project. And it can increase your project soft cost by a whopping 20%, so be sure to include this as part of your budget.
Zoning and planning approvals
You might pay additional fees for zoning and planning pre consultation. These fees cover the costs of circulating document through the various departments. This cost often unnecessary unless you are planning a larger development.
Miscellaneous fees
Other fees may also apply. They include additional fees for numerous re-inspection, stop work orders and in cases a chief building official letter to revoke an issued building permit which can cost much in legal fee and time disputing the city claims.
Do also note that if construction begins before building permit issuance, you incur levies of about 50% on your permit. Some municipalities even make you pay double the permit fees.
Conclusion
Knowing your building permit cost in Ontario aids your construction budgeting. You need to evaluate what building permit fees affect your project. Consider how you can make that work while complying with regulations and building codes. The cost of permits varies depending on many factor, so speak with a professional or your local building department
Reduce the risks of delays, revisions, and re-inspections, by ensuring your building permit application is complete and accurate. This also helps you avoid any surprises and properly plan your project budget.
