Basement Finishing / Renovation Permit Guide
Complete guide to basement finishing / renovation permits in Toronto, including fees, requirements, and how to apply.
Estimated Fee
$6.20/m² for finishing + $214.79 minimum. Underpinning: $12.37/linear metre
Permit Required If:
Structural or material alterations, installing/modifying heating or plumbing, excavating/constructing foundations or underpinning, adding a second suite, constructing basement entrance
Exempt If:
Cosmetic work only: no structural alterations, no plumbing changes, no HVAC modifications, no second suite
$6.20/m² for finishing + $214.79 minimum. Underpinning: $12.37/linear metre
Per square metre
Minimum fee: $214.79
15-20 business days
Typical processing time
- building Permit
- plumbing Permit
- hvac Permit
- 1Completed application form
- 2Floor plans showing existing and proposed layout
- 3Mechanical/HVAC drawings if applicable
- 4Plumbing drawings if applicable
- 5Structural details if underpinning
- •Second suites have specific OBC requirements (ceiling height, fire separation, egress)
- •Underpinning requires structural engineering
- •HVAC modifications need separate permit
- •Plumbing additions need separate permit
- •Fire separation may be required between units
- •Smoke alarms and CO detectors required
- •Cosmetic work only (paint, flooring, trim)
- •No structural or material alterations
- •No new/modified plumbing or heating
- •No second suite being created
- •Second suites may have specific zoning requirements
- •Parking requirements for additional units
Toronto Building
416-397-5330
Fee Payment
416-397-5222
- • City of Toronto Building Permits FAQ
- • Ontario Building Code 2024
- • Toronto Zoning By-law 569-2013
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Permit requirements may change. Always verify with the City of Toronto Building department before starting work.