Garage conversion permits

Check whether you need a permit

• A garage conversion involves converting an existing garage into a residential unit.
• If you’re planning to build or renovate an attached or detached garage or carport, there are general provisions that regulate the location, size, height and number of garages permitted on your property. These restrictions depend on the size of your lot.
• You can find the general provisions for garages in Table 4.1.12 of the Zoning By-law.
• The zoning of your property may have additional regulations, such as how much of your lot you can cover with structures. Review the general provisions, and then check the zoning regulations for your property using the find property information tool.
• If something in the general provisions conflicts with the zoning regulations for your property, follow the zoning regulations.
• If your lot is next to land zoned as greenland, any new structures may have to be built farther away from your property lines.

Prepare your plans0 of 60

Your drawings must clearly show what is existing and the changes you want to make. Drawings must be to scale and should use metric measurements.

• Forms and documents1
• Site plan28The site plan must include:
• Floor plans9The floor plan must include:
• Roof plan7The roof plan must include:
• Elevations (if exterior alterations are included)15Elevations are required for each side of the project. They must include:

You need an account to see these 60 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 forms5Download the set6 forms

When converting an existing garage into a residential unit, you’ll need to submit the following drawings and documents. We may request additional information when your application is reviewed.

• Applicable Law FormForm
• Residential Mechanical Ventilation Design Summary FormForm2 editions
• Schedule 1: Designer InformationForm
• Single Dwelling Unit Information LetterDocument
• Water Service Pipe SizingForm2 editions

Submit your application

All building permit applications must be submitted online through our ePlans portal.

• Start the building permit application process by creating an ePlans account.
• Log in to ePlans and navigate to the Building Applications section.
• Follow the prompts to start the application process.
• Complete each step by providing the requested information.
• Submit your building permit request and pay the administration fee.
• Shortly after submitting your permit request, you’ll receive an email from the City that includes your temporary project number and an invitation to upload drawings and supporting documents.
• Log in to ePlans and open your applicant upload task under the Current Projects section.
• Follow the task instructions to upload required drawings and documents.
• When you upload these drawings and documents into ePlans, all files must follow the required file name and format guidelines.
• After you upload your drawings and documents, the City will start the pre-screen review process to ensure the minimum requirements are met.
• The time frame for this step is subject to change depending on request volumes.
• You cannot upload any additional information or respond to comments during the pre-screen review.
• If the submission requires more information, you will be notified by email with details about the pre-screen corrections. You must complete all pre-screen corrections in order to move ahead with the application process.

Pay the fee

• For a residential property, a permit will cost a minimum of $244.
• You will need to pay a $50 administrative fee when you submit your request online. This non-refundable deposit will be credited towards the total cost of your permit.
• The total fees depend on the size, type and use of the proposed project or building. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated once we prescreen your request.
• Fees for different types of projects are outlined in the Building Permit Fee Schedule.
• There may be additional fees such as development charges or deposits you need to pay before your permit is issued.
• Once your request passes the prescreen review, the City will send you an email to let you know what additional fees you need to pay.
• You must pay fees under $40,000 using the applicant’s account in ePlans.
• You must pay fees over $40,000 by electronic payment.