How long do permits take to get approved?

Permit approval times in Toronto vary significantly by project type, ranging from 10 business days for simple renovations to 6-12 weeks for complex builds or additions.

For most homeowner renovation projects, building permits through the City of Toronto Building Division typically take 10-20 business days once your complete application is submitted. This covers standard work like basement finishing, bathroom renovations, deck construction, or interior alterations that don't affect the building's structure or footprint.

More complex projects require longer review periods. New home construction, major additions, structural changes, or projects requiring zoning variances can take 6-12 weeks or longer. Secondary dwelling units and laneway suites often fall into this category since they require more detailed review of zoning compliance, parking requirements, and servicing capacity. The review time increases if your project requires input from multiple city departments or if the plans need revisions.

Electrical and gas permits follow different timelines. ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permits for electrical work typically process within 1-3 business days for standard residential projects. TSSA permits for gas work usually take 2-5 business days. These are often faster because they're handled by provincial agencies rather than the city.

Toronto-specific factors can affect timing. The city experiences seasonal rushes, particularly in late winter and early spring when homeowners submit applications for summer construction. Holiday periods and staff vacations can add delays. Projects in heritage conservation districts or requiring Committee of Adjustment approval for variances will take significantly longer - often 2-4 months total.

To minimize delays, ensure your application is complete before submission. Incomplete applications get rejected and go to the back of the queue. Work with a designer or contractor familiar with Toronto's requirements, as they understand common review comments and can prepare more thorough submissions. You can check application status online through the city's portal at toronto.ca/building or call 416-397-5330 for updates.

Start the permit process early - don't wait until you want to begin construction. Factor permit time into your project timeline, and remember that some work requires inspections at various stages, which can add scheduling complexity once construction begins.

---

Find a General Contractors Contractor

Toronto Construction Network connects you with experienced contractors in the directory:

• GasGuys.ca Inc. ✓
• A Renovation Company Toronto Corporation ✓
• Canada Smart Place ✓