In Toronto, you need a building permit for any basement renovation that involves structural changes, new plumbing, new electrical panels, or creating a second unit. A “basic finish” (framing existing space, drywall, pot lights on existing circuits) may not. Here’s exactly where the line falls.
What requires a permit under City of Toronto rules
- Creating a second suite (rental unit) — always requires permit + site plan
- Adding a bathroom — requires plumbing permit from City of Toronto
- New or relocated electrical panel — ESA permit required (separate from building permit)
- Cutting a new exterior door opening — structural permit always required
- Underpinning — structural engineer + building permit mandatory
- Egress window enlargement — building permit
- Moving load-bearing walls — structural permit
What typically does not require a permit
- Finishing an open basement with non-structural framing
- Replacing flooring, installing LVP or carpet
- Adding pot lights to an existing electrical circuit
- Painting, trim, closets
- Non-structural partition walls for a rec room
How long does a Toronto basement permit take in 2026?
City of Toronto 2026 permit timelines for residential basements:
- Simple renovation (no new suite): 4–8 weeks
- New second suite: 8–14 weeks
- Second suite with structural work: 12–18 weeks
CNB files permit applications as soon as drawings are complete. We never hold back a permit application to inflate project timelines.
What does a Toronto basement permit cost?
City of Toronto building permit fees are calculated as a percentage of estimated construction value. For a typical $80,000 basement renovation, expect $1,800–3,200 in permit fees. On top of this: drawings from a BCIN designer or architect ($2,500–5,000) and any structural stamps ($1,500–3,000). Total permit-and-drawings budget: $5,000–8,000 for a full legal suite.
What happens if you don’t pull a permit?
Common outcomes: work ordered removed by city inspector (if neighbor complains), insurance denial if a fire or flood originates in the unpermitted space, requirement to disclose at sale (reducing offer prices), and lender refusal to include rental income in mortgage calculations. The city has also increased its proactive inspection program since 2024 — unpermitted basement suites now receive active bylaw enforcement in most Toronto wards.
CNB handles the permit
Every CNB renovation that requires a permit is filed by us. You don’t make calls to the city, you don’t coordinate inspectors, you don’t chase drawings. We track the application and book all required inspections. Call (437) 217-5519 to start with a free walkthrough.