Ontario Building Permit Guide 2026: What You Need and What It Costs

Ontario Building Permit Guide 2026

When Do You Need a Permit?

Permit Required:

No Permit Needed:

Permit Costs in Ontario

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Typical permit costs:

Timeline

Common Mistakes

For a detailed cost estimate including permit fees, try our free estimator.

• Structural changes (wall removal, additions)
• New plumbing or plumbing relocations
• Electrical panel upgrades
• New windows/doors in load-bearing walls
• Basement finishing (if adding bedrooms)
• Deck over 24" above grade
• Roof structural changes

• Cosmetic renovations (paint, flooring, fixtures)
• Cabinet replacement (same layout)
• Fence under 6.5 feet
• Replacing windows (same size, same location)
• Minor repairs

• Kitchen renovation: $300–$600
• Basement finish: $500–$1,200
• Addition: $1,500–$5,000
• New build: $5,000–$15,000+

1. Application: 1-2 weeks to prepare drawings
2. Review: 10-30 business days (varies by municipality)
3. Inspections: At each stage (framing, rough-in, insulation, final)
4. Final inspection: Required before occupancy

1. Starting work before the permit is issued
2. Not scheduling inspections at each stage
3. Making changes without updating the permit
4. Letting the permit expire (usually valid 6 months to 1 year)