Housing permits in Markham: forms, plans and fee

Check whether you need a permit

You need a building permit before starting any construction, demolition, or renovation project.
Housing refers to detached houses, semi-detached houses, or townhouses (less than 4 storeys) containing not more than two dwelling units.
A housing permit applies to these buildings or accessory structures to these buildings. The work includes new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and interior alterations.
Examples of housing permits include: Custom homes, detached garages, sheds, finished basements, wall removal, unenclosed porches, non-stacked townhouse blocks.
If the project is limited to plumbing only, then a plumbing permit (PP) should be applied for.
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.
The answers on the Building Permit Process page about which projects need a permit are for general use and don’t cover every situation. For advice on whether your project requires a permit, contact an Applications Administrator at 905-475-4858.

Housing projects that don’t need a permit

You don't need a Building Permit for the following housing projects:

Constructing detached single-storey accessory buildings (no plumbing) less than 15 m2 (≈ 161 sq ft) in area
Decks less than 600 mm (≈ 1 ft 11⅝ in) (24 inches (≈ 610 mm)) above existing grade at all locations
Interior damp-proofing basements
Replacing plumbing fixtures or water heaters
Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
Electrical projects
Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
Painting and decorating
Maintenance and repairs
Replacing windows or doors with no changes to the size of the rough opening
Replacing roofing or shingles
Fences other than a pool enclosure fence
Retaining walls less than 1 meter (≈ 3 ft 3⅜ in) in height
Sidewalks, planters and landscaping
Ground or roof mounted solar photovoltaic panels

Only if you are applying for a New Single Detached House permit

Optional: check your zoning with Zoning AI PreCheck

Applicants for New Single Detached House permits can use Archistar Zoning AI PreCheck. Eligibility depends on the application type and whether the property's zoning is supported.

What you get

A clear pass/fail result with rule-level feedback that cites the specific by-law.
A list of any corrections to address, and a downloadable report you can act on before submitting.
Common zoning issues flagged before the formal application — meaning fewer resubmissions and a cleaner submission.

How to use it

Please see the Zoning AI PreCheck Quick Guide for step by step instructions on how to access and use the Zoning AI PreCheck tool.

Only if you are building townhouse blocks

Townhouse blocks: special requirements

Special Requirements

Declaration Letter, prepared and signed by the architectural designer, confirming the total number of dwelling units proposed in the block. Where accessory dwelling units are proposed, the letter must state the number of main dwelling units and the number of accessory dwelling units and include a list of the municipal addresses for the townhouse units containing accessory dwelling units.

Townhouse Blocks

Architectural Block plans of each floor level
Must indicate proposed layout of each unit, including any “optional” floor plans that will be constructed in that lot.
Architectural / structural unit floor plans are optional. If provided, must be submitted on a single sheet and only indicate the actual options / layouts being constructed.
Block elevations with limiting distance calculations
Firewall and party wall sections / details
Mechanical package (HVAC) for non-stacked townhouse units can be submitted for individual units or for entire block
Mechanical package, including plumbing, for stacked townhouse units must be submitted as block plans (similar to an apartment building)
Siting plan must indicate name of Model, Elevation, Standard or Reverse and any units where accessory dwelling units are proposed

Complete the forms9

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 C Residential construction: $151
Pre-Application Review: $100
Single Detached Dwelling (SDD): $22.08 per square metre (≈ $2.05 per sq ft)
Infill Residential Dwelling: $24.75 per square metre (≈ $2.30 per sq ft)
Multiple Unit buildings less than 4 storeys high: $27.42 per square metre (≈ $2.55 per sq ft)
Unfinished Basement / Foundations: $7.53 per square metre (≈ $0.70 per sq ft)
Detached or semi-detached garage/carport: $707 each
Accessory utility building (ie. Garden shed, Gazebo) less than 20 m2 (≈ 215 sq ft): $151 each
Accessory utility building (ie. Garden shed, Gazebo) 20 m2 (≈ 215 sq ft) or greater: $973 each
Deck / Balcony / Covered Porch (each): $151 each
All other Residential occupancies: $8.43 per square metre (≈ $0.78 per sq ft)
Fixture: $22.35 each
Infill Residential dwelling: $420
New single detached dwelling or new semi-detached dwelling: $105
New multiple unit residential buildings less than 4 storeys high (per building): $420

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, houses and other small projects: 10 business days for a complete application, 20 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 housing projects, including additions and renovations, 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.