Building Permit Cost in Ontario (2026 Guide)
One of the most common questions Ontario homeowners ask before starting a renovation or construction project is: how much will the building permit cost? The answer depends on several factors including your municipality, project type, construction value, and whether you need professional design services.
This guide breaks down the real costs of building permits in Ontario for 2026, so you can budget accurately before your project begins.
Two Types of Building Permit Costs
The total cost of obtaining a building permit in Ontario has two components: the municipal permit fee charged by your local building department, and the professional fee for preparing your permit drawings. Both are necessary — you cannot apply for a building permit without a complete set of drawings prepared by a qualified designer.
Municipal Building Permit Fees
Every Ontario municipality sets its own building permit fee schedule. Most municipalities calculate fees based on either the project's construction value or the floor area of the proposed work. Here is a general guide to what you can expect across the Greater Toronto Area:
Simple projects like deck permits or basement finishing permits typically cost $300–$1,500 in municipal fees. Home additions and second storey additions range from $1,500–$5,000+ depending on size. New home construction permits range from $5,000–$15,000+. Commercial fit-out permits vary widely based on scope, typically $2,000–$10,000+.
Additional fees may apply for plumbing permits, HVAC permits, demolition permits, and site plan review. Some municipalities also charge plan review deposits that are credited toward the final permit fee.
Permit Drawing Fees
In Ontario, Part 9 residential building permit drawings must be prepared by a designer holding a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN). Professional drawing fees vary based on project complexity:
Deck permits: $800–$1,500. Basement finishing: $1,500–$2,500. Legal basement apartment: $2,500–$5,000. Home addition (single storey): $2,500–$4,500. Second storey addition: $4,000–$7,000. Garden suite or ADU: $4,000–$8,000. New home: $8,000–$15,000+. Commercial fit-out: $3,000–$10,000+ depending on size and complexity.
These fees typically include the complete drawing set (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details), submission preparation, and responding to plan review comments from the building department.
What Affects Your Permit Cost?
Several factors influence your total building permit cost. Project size is the biggest factor — larger projects mean higher municipal fees and more complex drawings. Structural complexity matters too — projects requiring structural engineering add $2,000–$5,000+ for engineering fees. Your municipality affects both the fee schedule and the drawing requirements. Projects in heritage districts or with zoning variances may require additional studies and applications that add to the total cost.
How to Budget for Your Building Permit
As a rule of thumb, budget 2–5% of your total construction cost for permits and professional fees. For a $50,000 basement renovation, expect $1,000–$2,500 in total permit costs. For a $150,000 home addition, budget $3,000–$7,500. This includes both municipal fees and professional drawing fees.
The best way to get an accurate number is to contact a BCIN-qualified designer for a project-specific quote. At Sandhu Design Build, we provide detailed, fixed-price quotes that include all drawing fees, submission preparation, and plan review response — so you know your exact cost before work begins.
Get a Free Permit Cost Estimate
Contact Sandhu Design Build at (416) 809-0005 or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation estimate of your building permit costs. Our BCIN-qualified designer will assess your project and provide a detailed quote covering both our professional fees and an estimate of your municipal permit fees.