A comprehensive checklist of everything required to obtain a building permit after planning approvals are in place.
A comprehensive checklist of everything required to obtain a building permit after planning approvals are in place.
BUILDING PERMIT READINESS CHECKLIST
Property: [Address]
Proposal: [Description]
Planning Approval: [Type — MV, ZBA, as-of-right]
[File number and date]
PRE-REQUISITES:
□ Planning approval in effect (appeal period expired,
no appeals filed)
□ All conditions of planning approval satisfied
□ Site plan agreement registered on title (if applicable)
□ Development charges paid or arrangement made
□ Parkland cash-in-lieu paid (if applicable)
REQUIRED DRAWINGS (prepared by licensed professionals):
□ Architectural drawings (by OAA licensed architect
or BCIN qualified designer)
□ Site plan (showing building location, setbacks, grading)
□ Floor plans (all levels including basement)
□ Building elevations (all four sides)
□ Building sections (longitudinal and cross)
□ Construction details
□ Door and window schedules
□ Room finish schedule
□ Structural drawings (by P.Eng.)
□ Foundation plan
□ Framing plans (all levels)
□ Structural details
□ Structural engineering calculations (sealed)
□ Mechanical drawings (for larger buildings)
□ HVAC layout
□ Plumbing layout
□ Fire protection (sprinkler) layout
□ Electrical drawings (for larger buildings)
□ Electrical panel schedule
□ Lighting layout
□ Power layout
□ Civil / Site drawings
□ Grading and drainage plan (by P.Eng. or OLS)
□ Servicing plan (water, sanitary, storm connections)
□ Erosion and sediment control plan
REQUIRED REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS:
□ Commitment to General Review (by architect and engineers)
— Form required under OBC s. 2.17
□ Geotechnical report (foundation design recommendations)
□ Energy efficiency compliance
□ SB-12 compliance (Part 12 — housing and small buildings)
OR
□ SB-10 compliance (Part 10 — larger buildings)
□ Toronto Green Standard checklist (if in Toronto)
□ Truss drawings (if applicable — sealed by P.Eng.)
□ Sprinkler design (if applicable — by P.Eng.)
□ Arborist report and tree protection plan
(if trees being preserved)
□ Demolition permit (if demolishing existing structure)
□ Separate application
□ Utility disconnections confirmed
□ Asbestos/designated substances survey
(for buildings constructed before 1985)
ONTARIO BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE:
□ Part 3 (Fire Protection, Occupant Safety, Accessibility)
— for larger/complex buildings
OR
□ Part 9 (Housing and Small Buildings)
— for buildings ≤600 sq m, ≤3 storeys, ≤2 units
(Note: Part 9 applies to most houses, duplexes,
triplexes, and small apartments)
KEY OBC REQUIREMENTS TO VERIFY:
□ Spatial separation and fire resistance ratings
(OBC 3.2 / 9.10)
□ Means of egress (OBC 3.4 / 9.9)
□ Barrier-free accessibility (OBC 3.8)
□ Minimum room sizes and ceiling heights (OBC 9.5)
□ Plumbing fixtures count (OBC 7.2 / 9.31)
□ Heating system design (OBC 9.33)
□ Insulation and vapour barrier (OBC 9.25)
□ Smoke alarms and CO alarms (OBC 9.10.18-19)
□ Carbon monoxide alarms (required in all dwelling units
with fuel-burning appliances or attached garage)
□ Guards and handrails (OBC 9.8)
□ Stair dimensions (OBC 9.8)
FEES:
| Fee Type | Basis | Estimate |
|----------|-------|----------|
| Building permit | Per sq m of GFA | $X |
| Plumbing permit | Per fixture | $X |
| Mechanical permit (HVAC) | Flat fee or per unit | $X |
| Development charges | Per unit (if not already paid) | $X |
| Damage deposit | Flat fee | $X |
PROCESSING TIME:
| Building Type | Typical Review Time |
|--------------|-------------------|
| Residential (Part 9) | 10-20 business days |
| Residential (Part 3) | 20-30 business days |
| Complex / multi-res | 30-40 business days |
| Revision resubmission | 10-15 business days |
POST-PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
□ Post building permit sign on property (visible from street)
□ Call for inspections at each stage:
□ Footing / foundation
□ Pre-backfill (foundation walls)
□ Framing (rough-in)
□ Plumbing rough-in
□ HVAC rough-in
□ Insulation/vapour barrier
□ Pre-drywall
□ Occupancy inspection (final)
□ Obtain Occupancy Permit before occupying