Secondary suite permits

Check whether you need a permit

• A secondary suite (also called an accessory suite, a second suite or a secondary unit) is a self-contained second residential dwelling unit constructed within a house. The unit may be in any part of the house, including the basement or above a garage.
• All urban residential parcels are now permitted to have up to three units per lot, as a result of the More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23).
• The construction to create the second suite would include two completely separate residential units, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, living, sleeping and eating areas and a protected pathway to exit the building.
• For all new construction, a building permit is required and the interior alteration would be subject to the requirements of the current edition of the Ontario Building Code.
• The City’s Secondary Suite Guide for Homeowners explains the process and requirements for adding a secondary suite in your home.
• 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 27

• General Information2These requirements apply to all building permit types.
• Required Documentation1
• Site plan5
• On-site Sewage System (for properties served by private systems)2
• Architectural Plans10
• Structural (may be incorporated into Architectural Plans)3
• Mechanical (HVAC/Plumbing) Plans (may be incorporated into Architectural Plans)3
• Required Forms1

You need an account to see these 27 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 forms7Download the set9 forms

• Building Permit Application Formnot required for ePLAN applicationsForm
• Permit Applicant Authorizationrequired when the Owner is not the permit applicantForm
• Applicable Law ChecklistChecklist
• Schedule 1: Designer Informationfor BCIN DesignersForm
• Schedule 2: Sewage System Installer Informationfor projects with private on-site sewage systemsForm
• Plumbing Data Housing 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 C Residential construction: $151
• Pre-Application Review: $100
• Secondary Suite: $22.08 per square metre (≈ $2.05 per sq ft)
• Exterior door or door from garage into dwelling: $498 each
• Below grade stair: $498 each
• Fixture: $22.35 each

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).
• 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.

Register your two-unit house

All two-unit houses must be registered with the City. Both units will be inspected by City officials to ensure compliance with building and fire safety standards.

• Contact Building Standards at 905.475.4870.
• Obtain the necessary permits, inspections and confirm occupancy is granted.
• Contact Markham Fire & Emergency Services to arrange for a registration inspection.
• Call Markham Fire & Emergency Services at 905.415.7521 to arrange for a fire inspection.
• Confirm the date of construction of the second suite and submit the Two-Unit House Declaration Form to Markham Fire for review if it was built before July 1st, 1993.
• Two-Unit House Declaration Form
• Obtain the necessary permits and inspections and receive your final approval.
• Complete the registration process with Markham Fire.
• The fee for the initial inspection by the Fire Department is $260. The fee for registering a two-unit house is $246.
• Occupying a two-unit house without registering it may result in court action and fines against the owner.