Toronto secondary suite permit fees & timelines

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario
Toronto, Ontario homeowners and landlords must follow municipal rules when creating or legalizing secondary suites. This guide explains typical permit steps, timelines, and where to find official Toronto forms and enforcement contacts so you can plan applications, inspections and appeals.

Overview

Secondary suites (accessory dwelling units) often need a building permit and must meet Ontario Building Code and City of Toronto zoning and property standards. Applications go to Toronto Building; enforcement and complaints are handled by Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Building depending on the issue. For official permit application details, see the City of Toronto building permits page Apply for a permit[1].

Apply early and confirm whether your property zoning permits a secondary suite before paying fees.

Permits, Fees & Timelines

Typical steps include: preliminary zoning/eligibility check, building permit application, plan review, issuance, inspections and final occupancy. Timelines vary by complexity, plan completeness and current application volumes.

  • Pre-application: zoning and eligibility check with City planning or zoning services.
  • Permit application: submit building permit application to Toronto Building for review.
  • Review time: plan review times are variable; check online service estimates on the City site.
  • Fees: permit fees are set by Toronto Building and based on valuation or fee schedules; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspections: staged inspections required during construction and prior to occupancy.

Applications & Forms

The primary form is the Toronto Building permit application; other required documents may include drawings, HVAC, plumbing and electrical permits, and compliance letters. Fee schedules or fixed permit amounts are not specified on the cited City permit page; applicants should consult Toronto Building for a fee estimate and required submission package Apply for a permit[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for illegal or unsafe secondary suites involves City inspection, orders to remedy or vacate, and potential charges under municipal bylaws or the Ontario Building Code. The primary enforcement offices are Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Building; contact details and complaint procedures are provided by the City Municipal Licensing & Standards[2].

  • Fines: specific monetary fine amounts for illegal suites are not specified on the cited enforcement pages.
  • Escalation: enforcement can progress from orders to prosecutions or court actions; ranges for first, repeat or continuing offence penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop work or vacate orders, and legal action are common remedies.
  • Inspection & complaints: report unsafe or illegal suites through Municipal Licensing & Standards or Toronto Building via the City website or 311.
  • Appeals/reviews: appeal routes vary by order type; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages—contact the issuing office for deadlines.
If you receive an order, act quickly and contact the issuing office to learn appeal deadlines and compliance steps.

Applications & Forms

Enforcement-related forms (appeal, compliance plans) are provided by the issuing office; if no specific form is published for a step, the City will state that on the relevant enforcement page.

Action Steps

  • Check zoning and eligibility before applying.
  • Prepare complete drawings and permit applications to avoid review delays.
  • Request a fee estimate from Toronto Building if fees are not listed publicly.
  • Report unsafe or non-compliant suites to Municipal Licensing & Standards or 311.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to create a secondary suite?
Yes. A building permit is typically required and the suite must meet the Ontario Building Code and City zoning/property standards.
How long does the permit review take?
Review times vary by complexity and completeness of the application; check Toronto Building service pages for current estimates.
What are the permit fees?
Permit fees are determined by Toronto Building based on fee schedules or project valuation; specific fees are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning and eligibility with City planning or zoning services.
  2. Prepare full construction drawings and supporting documents (electrical, plumbing, HVAC as required).
  3. Submit a building permit application to Toronto Building and pay applicable fees or request an estimate.[1]
  4. Respond promptly to reviewer comments and schedule required inspections during construction.
  5. Obtain final inspection and occupancy approval before renting the suite.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify zoning and permit requirements before starting work.
  • Use Toronto Building resources for permit applications and fee guidance.
  • Report unsafe or illegal suites to Municipal Licensing & Standards or 311.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Toronto - Apply for a permit
  2. [2] City of Toronto - Municipal Licensing & Standards

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