This checklist has been provided to assist in summarizing the typical requirements to obtain a building permit if you plan on to change an existing business use to a different business use and no construction is proposed.
For example, changing an existing office space to a retail space. Additional information may be required as needed depending on the application type and individual circumstances.
A Zoning Certificate may be required for Change of Use permits. You can learn more about the Zoning Certificate process and how to to apply for a Zoning Certificate by visiting the Planning Services webpage.
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.
This form is to be used only where the Owner is not the Applicant.
This checklist summarizes the most common approvals required
- A detailed floor plan, elevations, cross sections and details.
- Show the current and proposed occupancy of all parts of the building, and which contain sufficient information to establish compliance with the requirements of the Building Code including, floor plans, details of wall, floor and roof assemblies identifying required fire resistance ratings and load bearing capacities.
- In a building of multiple suites or units provide a key plan in relation to the entire building.
- A detailed summary describing the nature of the operation or business and the number of employees.
- A report from a qualified person as prescribed by the Building Code confirming that the change of use will safely occur within the existing building or portion thereof without the need to upgrade any construction, as permitted under Part 10 of the Building Code.
In many instances before a building permit application can be processed and a permit issued, there are approvals from other agencies that may be required. These approvals are not administered by Building Services. Please ensure all required approvals are complete prior to submitting your application using the Applicable Law Checklist:
Building Permit Fee: $117.73 flat fee
- Submit the complete permit application and all supporting documents using the Public Portal.
- You must register prior to using the Public Portal.
- Follow the steps when completing your application.
- Credit card payment will be required to pay your fees.
- When your application is successfully submitted through the Public Portal, Staff will complete a pre-screen of your application to review for completeness and compliance with the Building Code and Applicable Law. A status update will be sent via email within mandated timelines.
- You may also view the status under "My Items" on the Public Portal.
- Application review comments are provided during the review to identify any outstanding requirements and to summarize permit fees.
- Permit issued when review is complete and all fees are paid.
The Ontario Building Code turnaround timeframes for the first review of a complete application:
Complete Applications: 10 Business Days
Incomplete Applications: >15 Business Days
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.