Non-housing permits: commercial, industrial and institutional buildings

Check whether you need a permit

• A non housing permit applies to a new building, addition or exterior alteration for any building except housing.
• Non housing permits include temporary event structures.
• A non housing permit also applies to interior alterations where a change of use under Part 10 of the Ontario Building Code is proposed.
• Examples of non housing permits include: warehouse additions, parking structures, apartment buildings, temporary tents, commercial shell building, stacked townhouse block, changing an existing retail space to a restaurant (assembly use).
• 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 36

• General Information2These requirements apply to all building permit types.
• Required Documentation5
• Site plan4
• On-site Sewage System (for properties served by private systems)2
• Architectural Plans8
• Structural Plans5
• Mechanical (HVAC & Plumbing) Plans4
• Electrical & Fire Protection plans3
• Site Servicing / Grading2
• Required Forms1

You need an account to see these 36 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 Formfor interior alterations onlyForm
• 2024 OBC Transition DeclarationForm

Submit your application

• All applications for building permits, demolition permits, plumbing permits, certified models, shop drawings, Zoning Preliminary Reviews sign permits and pool enclosure 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 our 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.
• All plans review and any required resubmissions are conducted electronically.
• 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.

Pay the fee

• Building permit fees are estimated at the time of application.
• The estimate must be paid in full before plans review begins.
• Any balance owing must be paid before the permit is issued.
• Pre-Application Review: $100
• Partial permit fee for non-housing (when requested after permit application): $1000
• Group A, B, D, E and F occupancies: $551
• Transportation Terminals: $24.30 per square metre (≈ $2.26 per sq ft)
• Portable classrooms (each) (new or relocated): $742 each
• Outdoor Pool: $16.97 per square metre (≈ $1.58 per sq ft)
• All Other Assembly Occupancies: $29.21 per square metre (≈ $2.71 per sq ft)
• All Institutional Occupancies: $31.62 per square metre (≈ $2.94 per sq ft)
• Hotel / Motel: $29.21 per square metre (≈ $2.71 per sq ft)
• Shell Only (including unfinished basement): $18.83 per square metre (≈ $1.75 per sq ft)
• Partitioned / Finished / Mezzanine: $24.30 per square metre (≈ $2.26 per sq ft)
• Temporary Real Estate Sales Office: $2,864 each
• Shell Only (including unfinished basement): $15.83 per square metre (≈ $1.47 per sq ft)
• Partitioned / Finished / Mezzanine: $20.73 per square metre (≈ $1.93 per sq ft)
• Shell Only (including unfinished basement): $12.24 per square metre (≈ $1.14 per sq ft)
• Partitioned / Finished / Mezzanine: $16.94 per square metre (≈ $1.57 per sq ft)
• Gas Station / Canopy, Car Wash: $15.65 per square metre (≈ $1.45 per sq ft)
• Repair garage: $16.94 per square metre (≈ $1.57 per sq ft)
• Parking Garage (underground, open air): $12.24 per square metre (≈ $1.14 per sq ft)
• Rack Storage Systems regulated by the Building Code: $12.25 per square metre (≈ $1.14 per sq ft)
• 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)
• 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)
• New non-residential projects (per building): $998
• Non-housing interior alterations (per unit): $210
• Plumbing fees apply to all projects except for new single detached dwellings, new semi-detached dwellings, and new multiple unit residential buildings less than 4 storeys high.

Book your inspections

All new construction in Markham must have an inspection done by City Building Officials.

• Please book inspections through our Inspections Portal by selecting "Request a Building Inspection".
• Upon submission of an inspection request, confirmation of a scheduled inspection will be emailed to the listed owner on the Building Permit.