Decks
Depends on scopeToronto requires a building permit for a deck more than 0.60 m above grade; attached/enclosed deck work and other material alterations can also trigger a permit. Low uncovered platforms can qualify for the published exemption.
Toronto, ON
Building permits in Toronto
Toronto says a building permit is required under the Building Code Act for most construction, demolition, additions and major renovations.
Official sources checked Sep. 28, 2026
Permit rules by project
Pick the project that matches your work. These are starting rules for Toronto; property-specific zoning, heritage and trade approvals can still apply.
Sheds & accessory buildings
Check size / scopeToronto’s current page contains conflicting boundary wording at exactly 15 m²: one section lists 15 m² or more among permit examples while the exemption section says a qualifying shed not more than 15 m² can be exempt.
More detail
Because the City’s wording conflicts at exactly 15 m², confirm that boundary case with the City. A smaller shed can fit the exemption only when it is one storey, detached, storage-only and has no plumbing.
Basement renovations
Depends on scopeToronto allows a narrow no-building-permit path for finishing a house basement only when there is no structural/material alteration, no additional dwelling unit and no new plumbing; otherwise a permit can be required.
Secondary suites & ADUs
Permit requiredToronto identifies adding a second suite and changing a single dwelling to a multi-dwelling house as work requiring a building permit.
Home additions
Permit requiredToronto lists construction of an addition to an existing building among projects that require a building permit.
Interior alterations
Depends on scopeToronto requires a permit for material interior alterations such as adding or removing walls or changing openings, while cabinetry, millwork and other listed cosmetic work can be exempt.
Walls / structural work
Permit requiredToronto lists structural or material alterations such as adding/removing walls or creating, enlarging or relocating openings among work requiring a building permit.
Pools / hot tubs
Depends on scopeToronto uses a separate Pool Fence Enclosure permit route for outdoor pools. The enclosure application requires a zoning certificate first; the pool structure may have additional requirements.
Garages / carports
Depends on scopeToronto requires a building permit for an accessory structure such as a detached garage, workshop, carport or pool house when it is over 10 m², and for an attached or plumbed accessory structure regardless of size.
Plumbing / HVAC
Depends on scopeToronto lists installing or modifying heating and plumbing systems among work that requires permits; the exact building, plumbing, HVAC or other trade path depends on the work.
Fences
Confirm with cityToronto regulates fence height, location and construction through its Fence By-law. The City has a current official fence route, but its published material does not give one building-permit answer for every fence. Pool enclosures follow a separate permit process.
Retaining walls
Depends on scopeToronto publishes a no-building-permit condition for a retaining wall on private property, not accessible to the public and less than 1 m high at every location; public-facing or taller walls can require a permit.
Demolition
Permit requiredToronto lists demolition or removal of all or part of a building among projects that require a permit.
Apply or ask Toronto
Use the municipality’s permit office for current forms, fees, drawings and questions about your property.
Toronto Building Customer Experience
- Phone
- 416-397-5330
- Hours
- Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Your application route
Online application instructions ↗Choose the guide for your project, then use its Apply Online option.
Good to know in Toronto
- Permit review checks proposed work against the Ontario Building Code, zoning and other applicable law.
- Toronto lists structural or material alterations—such as adding or removing walls, creating new openings, or enlarging or relocating doors and windows—as work that requires a building permit.
- A one-storey storage shed can be exempt when it is no more than 15 m², is detached, is used only for storage and has no plumbing.
- Toronto says finishing a house basement can be permit-exempt only when there are no structural or material alterations, no new dwelling unit and no new plumbing.
Official sources
Use these official links to confirm the current rule for your Toronto property.
View 8 official sources
Sources checked Sep. 28, 2026. Requirements can change; the municipality makes the final permit decision.
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