Non-residential Interior Alterations

All drawings submitted for building permit applications are required to be prepared and reviewed by a qualified designer, architect or professional engineer or as outlined in the Ontario Building Code.

All drawings prepared by an architect or professional engineer must be sealed, signed and dated. A general review, where required by the Ontario Building Code, is to be conducted during construction by an architect or professional engineer.

The Ontario Building Code requires qualified and registered designers, other than architects or professional engineers, who review and take responsibility for design activities to include the following information on all documents submitted:

• The name and Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) of the registered firm
• A statement that the qualified person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities
• The name and BCIN of the qualified person
• The signature of the qualified person

Building Permit Application Form

This is the standard building permit application form for all building permits.

Owner Authorization Form

This form is to be used only where the Owner is not the Applicant.

Applicable Law Checklist

This checklist summarizes the most common approvals required

OBC Data Matrix Form

This form summarizes the Architect and/or Professional Engineer's Building Code design assumptions.

Consultant's General Review & Commitment Form

Owner commitment to have general review undertaken by Architects and/or Professional Engineers.

• Site & Key Plan
• Floor Plan(s)
• Floor, Framing and Roof Plans, where applicable
• Building Elevations, where applicable
• Building Section(s), where applicable
• Door and Hardware Schedule
• Details
• Mechanical Plans (plumbing & HVAC)
• Electrical Plans (general lighting, emergency/exit lighting, and fire alarm system)
• Automatic Sprinkler and Standpipe Drawings, where applicable

Unless otherwise specified by the Chief Building Official plans or working drawings showing and detailing the following information shall accompany all building permit applications: A building permit application is not complete until such plans are attached to it.

The Site and Key Plan:

• Indicate the suite, unit or project area in relation to the main building
• Provide the use or the occupancy type for all adjacent units

Architectural Drawings shall include:

• All room and space dimensions
• Clearly identify the use of all rooms and spaces. Example: staff washroom, eating area, storage area
• Existing and proposed construction
• Location of all plumbing fixtures
• Details on all existing and proposed fire-rated assemblies and demising walls
• Reflected ceiling plans and associated details
• Wall sections and details. Stair sections, plan and details
• Door, window and room finish schedules

Structural Drawings shall include:

• Design information including design criteria, construction details and specifications for all structural modifciations

Mechanical and Electrical Drawings shall include:

• Mechanical drawings are to show the plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning including legends and schedules for compliance with the Building Code. For Part 9 buildings, if room allows this information can be shown on the same plan as the architectural;
• Electrical drawings are to show lighting, emergency lighting, exit signs, fire alarm systems and their legends and schedules for compliance with the Building Code. For Part 9 buildings, if room allows this information can be shown on the same plan as the architectural;
• Sprinkler and Standpipe drawings are to include floor plans and riser diagrams to locate the entire system including connections, sprinkler heads and water entry schematic to ensure compliance with NFPA 13.

Building Permit Fees

1. Submit the complete permit application and all supporting documents using the Public Portal. 
2. You must register prior to using the Public Portal.
3. Follow the steps when completing your application.
4. You are not required to pay the required permit fees & charges at the time when you submit your dwelling permit application. Payment by cheque or Electronic Transfers may be accepted.
5. When your application is successfully submitted through the Public Portal, Staff will complete a pre-screen of your application to review for completeness, compliance with the Building Code and Applicable Law. A status update will be sent via email within mandated timelines. 
6. You may also view the status under "My Items" on the Public Portal.
7. Application review comments are provided during review to identify any outstanding requirements and to summarize permit fees.
8. Permit issued when review is complete and all fees are paid.

Permit Application Time-Frames (Business Days)

We cannot process incomplete applications. We may abandon your application if it is inactive for 6 months or more.

Factors Delaying Permit Processing Time

• Zoning review is completed by the Planning Services Division which is a required Applicable Law. This generally adds an additional 3-5 business days to permit processing time.
• Additional review may be necessary if revisions are requested by your Building Inspector due to incomplete, non-compliant, or unclear drawings.
• Incomplete drawings typically cause the majority of all delays in receiving your building permit. When planning your project, you should consider allocating additional time that may be required for yourself or your designer to revise drawings, and the Building Inspector to review your revised drawings for compliance. This could add several weeks or more depending on availability and complexity.