Who Inspects Electrical & Plumbing Work in Toronto

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Toronto, Ontario, electrical installations and plumbing work are inspected by different official authorities depending on the trade and the permit. Toronto Building enforces the Ontario Building Code and inspects plumbing tied to building permits, while electrical wiring and installations are regulated by the province and inspected through the Electrical Safety Authority. This guide explains who inspects each trade, how to apply and schedule inspections, enforcement routes, common violations, and practical steps to get inspections done and appeals started.

Who inspects electrical work

Electrical installations in Toronto are subject to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and inspections are conducted through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Registered electrical contractors must obtain required permits and request inspections from ESA for new installations, major alterations and reconnects. For official permit and inspection rules see Electrical Safety Authority - Permits & Inspections[2].

Check ESA permit requirements before you start electrical work.

Who inspects plumbing and related building work

Plumbing that is part of building construction or renovation is inspected under the Ontario Building Code and enforced by Toronto Building. Plumbing work tied to a building permit is scheduled and inspected by Toronto Building inspectors; permit and inspection information is on the City of Toronto permits and inspections pages Toronto Building - Permits & Inspections[1]. Minor plumbing issues outside building permits may be enforced by municipal bylaw officers where applicable.

How to request an inspection

  • Apply for the required permit: building permit for plumbing work; ESA permit for electrical work where required.
  • Schedule the inspection once work is ready and complies with permit conditions.
  • Use Toronto Building online booking or contact ESA as applicable for inspection bookings; city booking information is available on the City site Book an inspection[3].
Always have permits posted and access available for the inspector.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for electrical and plumbing issues is split between Toronto Building (building and plumbing under the Ontario Building Code and municipal bylaws) and the Electrical Safety Authority (electrical safety and code compliance). Official pages describe enforcement powers and compliance requirements but do not list standard monetary fines on the same pages cited below; where a specific fine amount or escalation is not shown the text below notes that it is "not specified on the cited page" and cites the source.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited municipal or ESA permit pages; see the cited enforcement pages for case-specific orders and charges.[1][2]
  • Escalation: first vs repeat or continuing offences are handled through progressive orders and possible provincially administered offence processes, but specific ranges or daily fines are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, orders to correct unsafe conditions, permits revoked or withheld, and court proceedings are used by the enforcing authority.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Toronto Building enforces building and plumbing permits (contact via the City of Toronto permits pages)[1]; ESA enforces electrical safety and inspects electrical work[2]. Complaints may be started through Toronto 311 or ESA consumer pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited permit and inspection overview pages; refer to the enforcing authority's enforcement or adjudication pages for formal appeal procedures (not specified on the cited page).

Applications & Forms

  • City of Toronto building permit application: use the Toronto Building permit application process; fee schedules and submission methods appear on the City permits pages.[1]
  • Electrical permits and inspection requests: ESA provides permit and inspection forms and online services for electrical work; see the ESA permits page for how to apply.[2]

Common violations

  • Work started without a required building or electrical permit.
  • Failure to schedule or pass required inspections before concealment or occupancy.
  • Unsafe electrical installations not compliant with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
  • Plumbing that does not meet Ontario Building Code requirements or municipal bylaws.
Document the inspection results and keep certificates for occupancy and resale records.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for small plumbing or electrical jobs?
It depends on the scope; plumbing tied to building alterations generally requires a building permit and electrical work often requires an ESA permit—check the City and ESA permit pages for specific thresholds and exemptions.[1][2]
Who do I call to report unsafe electrical work?
Contact the Electrical Safety Authority for unsafe electrical installations and the City (311) for building-related safety issues; use the ESA consumer contact and City 311 pathways listed on the official pages.[2][3]
What happens if my inspection fails?
The inspector will issue a non-compliance list or order requiring correction; you must address items and request a re-inspection per the inspector's instructions. Specific penalties for failing to remedy are not listed on the general permit pages cited above.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the work needs a building permit, an ESA electrical permit, or both by checking the City and ESA permit pages.
  2. Obtain the required permit(s) and pay applicable permit fees as shown on the respective official sites.
  3. Complete the work to the standards required and arrange the inspection with the enforcing authority (Toronto Building or ESA).
  4. Attend the inspection or ensure a responsible person is present, rectify any deficiencies, and keep inspection records and certificates.

Key Takeaways

  • Toronto Building enforces plumbing tied to building permits; ESA enforces electrical safety and inspections.
  • Always get required permits before starting work and schedule inspections promptly.
  • Use the official City and ESA contact channels to report unsafe work or disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Toronto - Permits, Inspections and Zoning
  2. [2] Electrical Safety Authority - Permits & Inspections
  3. [3] City of Toronto - Book an inspection

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