Second unit permits

Check whether you need a permit

• A permit is required for a second unit, also called a basement apartment.
• A second unit, also referred to as a basement apartment, in-law suite or accessory dwelling, is a self-contained living space with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities within a detached, semi-detached house or townhouse.

Check the zoning rules

• If you’re considering adding a second unit to your home, check the general provisions in section 4.1.20 of the Zoning By-law.
• The zoning regulations for your property might have additional restrictions for second units.
• You can check the zoning regulations for your property using the find property information tool.

Prepare your plans0 of 37

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.

• Site plan9The site plan must include:
• Site plan: Site statistics5
• Site plan: Driveway and walkways3
• Floor plans10The floor plan must include:
• Elevations (if exterior alterations are included)10Elevations are required for each side of the project. They must include:

You need an account to see these 37 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 forms4Download the set7 forms

When converting existing space into a second, third or fourth unit, such as a basement apartment, you’ll need to submit the following drawings and documents. We may request additional information when your application is reviewed.

• Applicable Law FormForm
• Application to Register a Second UnitForm2 editions
• Schedule 1: Designer InformationForm
• Water Service Pipe Sizingfor three or more unitsForm2 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.
• It usually takes about 7 to 10 business days to prescreen your request. This 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Once you have paid the required fees, your application will be created and the City will send you a new application number by email.

Complete the department review

• Your application will then be sent for a detailed review by the relevant review groups to make sure it meets the building code, zoning by-law and other applicable laws.
• When the review is completed by each review group, they will mark your application as either “approved” or “withheld”. You cannot upload any additional information or respond to comments when a file is in review.
• If any of the review groups have “withheld” your application, you will need to resubmit revised or additional information once all examiners have completed the review. You can view outstanding comments in ePlans on the Project Status Report. The City will send you an “applicant resubmit” email that details what you need to do next. Each resubmission cycle could add two or more weeks to the process.
• Second unit applications – 15 business days
• Incomplete applications are not subject to the timelines listed above.
• Second unit – 10 weeks
• We recommend that you apply for your building permit well in advance of your construction date.

Register your second unit

• All second units must meet the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and Zoning By-law requirements and must be registered with the City as stated in the Second Units Registration By-law.
• There is no fee to register a second unit. You may need to pay for a building permit, fire inspection fees or any professional design work and renovation costs your second unit may require.
• Proof of ownership such as a tax bill, title of property or tax assessment notice
• A copy of the second unit building permit sign off by all concerned City inspectors. If a permit was not obtained, you will need to apply for a building permit. If you don’t have a copy of your permit, please call 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits)
• Completed Second Unit Registration Form.
• Once a second unit is registered, it will be added to the Second Units Registry List, which is maintained by the City and updated the second week of every month.