Not Sure Which Permit You Need?
Start With Your Project.
Choose what you are planning. The Permit Finder will take you to the most relevant BPG service, or you can ask us if you are not sure.
How to Use the Permit Finder
Permit requirements depend on the work, property and municipality. This page helps you reach the right service information without guessing.
Choose the work
Start with the part of the house or property you plan to change.
Review the service
Open the matching page to see planning, drawing and permit considerations.
Confirm your property
Municipal zoning, existing conditions and project scope determine the next steps.
What Are You Planning?
Select the closest match. Each card leads to the BPG pages already built for that type of residential work.
Addition / New Living Space
Expanding the house with a rear, side, second-storey or other residential addition.
Interior Renovation / Basement
Changing interior layouts, finishing or altering a basement, or creating a residential suite.
Deck / Porch / Exterior
Planning a deck, porch, front entrance or exterior alteration to the house.
Door / Window / Structural Opening
Creating, enlarging or relocating an opening, or changing a load-bearing wall.
Garage / Accessory Structure
Adding a detached garage, shed, workshop, pool house, cabana or related accessory structure.
Laneway / Garden Suite
Planning a detached residential unit such as a laneway suite or garden suite.
New Custom Home
Designing and permitting a new house, including property-specific zoning and submission requirements.
Basement Entrance / Underpinning
Adding a basement walkout or lowering a basement where excavation or foundation work is involved.
Zoning / Minor Variance
If the proposal does not comply with applicable zoning, planning review or a variance process may be needed before permit issuance.
Not Sure What Fits?
Your project may involve more than one permit, zoning issue or approval. Tell us what you are planning and we’ll help you identify the best starting point.
Still not sure which category fits?
Some projects involve more than one permit issue. Send the property location and a short description of the proposed work so the project can be directed to the relevant service.
A Permit Is Only One Part of the Review
Ontario municipalities administer building permits. The drawings and approvals needed depend on the proposed work and the rules that apply to the property.
Building Code review
Permit drawings must provide enough information for the proposed construction to be reviewed for applicable Building Code requirements.
Zoning review
A project may need to comply with municipal zoning rules before a building permit can be issued. Property-specific zoning should be checked early.
Other applicable approvals
Depending on the property and work, heritage, conservation, planning or other applicable-law approvals may also affect the application.
Municipal requirements
Submission procedures, forms, fees and required documents vary by municipality and project type. Confirm the requirements for the property location.
Permit Finder FAQ
Does every renovation need a building permit?
No. Permit requirements depend on the scope of work. Structural changes, additions, certain new openings and other material alterations commonly require permits, while some maintenance or cosmetic work may not.
Who issues residential building permits in Ontario?
Building permits are generally administered by the municipality or other principal authority responsible for Building Code enforcement in the area.
Can zoning affect whether my permit is issued?
Yes. A proposal must satisfy applicable law. If zoning relief is required, that issue may need to be resolved before the building permit can be issued.
What if my project fits more than one category?
Choose the category that best describes the main work, or use the project-review form. A single renovation can involve architectural drawings, structural work, zoning and multiple permit components.
Do permit requirements stay the same across the GTA?
No. The Ontario Building Code provides the provincial framework, but municipalities administer permits and have their own zoning by-laws, submission processes and local requirements.
What information should I have before requesting a review?
Start with the property address, a clear description of the proposed work and any drawings, surveys or municipal information already available.
This finder is general navigation, not a municipal permit determination. Requirements should be confirmed for the specific property and proposed work.