Alteration permits

Check whether you need a permit

• An alteration permit is used for an interior alteration on any building except for housing.
• This includes new partitions, interior demolitions, mechanical work and changes to fire protection systems.
• Examples of alteration permits include: tenant fit-up, fire alarm upgrades, maglock installations.
• If the project is limited to plumbing only, then a plumbing permit (PP) should be applied for.
• A non housing permit applies to a new building, addition or exterior alteration for any building except housing. A non housing permit also applies to interior alterations where a change of use under Part 10 of the Ontario Building Code is proposed.
• For houses, a housing permit covers new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and interior alterations.
• If you are unsure of what building permit type is most appropriate for your project, please contact the Building Counter at 905.475.4870 to confirm before submitting your application.

Prepare your plans0 of 32

• General Information2These requirements apply to all building permit types.
• Required Documentation3
• Site plan4
• On-site Sewage System (for properties served by private systems)2
• Architectural Plans8
• Structural Plans (where structural alterations are required)5
• Mechanical (HVAC & Plumbing) Plans (where mechanical alterations are required)4
• Electrical Plans (where electrical alterations are required)3
• Required Forms1

You need an account to see these 32 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms10Download the set10 forms

• Building Permit Application Formnot required for ePLAN applicationsForm
• Permit Applicant Authorizationrequired when the Owner is not the permit applicantForm
• Applicable Law ChecklistChecklist
• Building and Land Use Declaration FormForm
• Schedule 1: Designer Informationfor BCIN DesignersForm
• Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Informationfor projects with private on-site sewage systemsForm
• Commitment to General ReviewForm
• General Review Commitment Authorizationrequired when a tenant signs the General Review Commitment formForm
• Plumbing Data FormForm
• 2024 OBC Transition DeclarationForm

Submit your application

All applications for building permits must be submitted using ePLAN. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

• Applicant creates a Customer Account with Markham’s ePLAN system.
• Once logged into ePLAN, Applicant requests a new application. A non-refundable Pre-Application Fee of $100 must be paid before drawings can be uploaded.
• Applicant uploads drawings directly to ePLAN.
• Markham staff conduct a Pre-Screen review to confirm the project complies with Markham’s Submission Standards.
• Once the submission passes the Pre-Screen Review, it becomes a permit application. The date of application is the date that Pre-Screen is approved.

Pay the fee

Building permit fees are estimated at the time of application. The estimate must be paid in full before plans review begins. During plans review the examiners will verify the fees. Any balance owing must be paid before the permit is issued.

• Group A, B, D, E and F occupancies: $551
• Pre-Application Review: $100
• Group A Assembly, Restaurant: $12.20 per square metre (≈ $1.13 per sq ft)
• All other assembly occupancies: $8.43 per square metre (≈ $0.78 per sq ft)
• All institutional occupancies: $8.43 per square metre (≈ $0.78 per sq ft)
• All business and personal service occupancies: $8.02 per square metre (≈ $0.75 per sq ft)
• Group E Mercantile, Restaurant: $12.20 per square metre (≈ $1.13 per sq ft)
• All other mercantile occupancies: $8.43 per square metre (≈ $0.78 per sq ft)
• All industrial occupancies: $7.68 per square metre (≈ $0.71 per sq ft)
• Electromagnetic Locking Device: $742 first device plus $149 per additional device
• Special Ventilation Systems (each): $729
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning: $1.47 per square metre (≈ $0.14 per sq ft)
• Fire Alarm System (per storey): $488 per storey
• Sprinkler System: $1.47 per square metre (≈ $0.14 per sq ft)
• Fixture: $22.35 each
• Non-housing interior alterations (per unit): $210

Plans review and your permit

• All plans review and any required resubmissions are conducted electronically.
• You will receive an email notification when reviews have been completed.
• Log in to review mark-ups and comments.
• Resubmit revised plans and documents for further review (until approval).
• Target review time for the first review cycle, interior alterations of non-housing projects: 10 business days for a complete application, 10 for an incomplete one.
• The City can’t process incomplete applications, and may abandon an application if it is inactive for 6 months or more.
• When the permit is issued, login to download the approved plans and documents.
• Applicants are responsible for printing the permit card, permit placard and one (1) set of approved plans for use on site.

Book your inspections

• All commercial, industrial and institutional projects require inspection.
• All commercial and industrial tenant projects require inspection.
• Change of Use projects require inspection.
• Life safety systems require inspection.
• Book inspections through the Inspections Portal by selecting "Request a Building Inspection".
• Confirmation of a scheduled inspection will be emailed to the listed owner on the Building Permit.