Permit guideTorontoBuilding PermitsDesignated Structures
Designated structure permits
You need a building permit for the construction of a designated structure, such as communication towers, crane runways, exterior tanks and supports, pedestrian bridges, retaining walls, satellite dishes and solar collectors.
Check whether you need a permit
- Building Permit for the construction of a designated structure, such as communication towers, crane runways, exterior tanks and supports, pedestrian bridges, retaining walls, satellite dishes and solar collectors.
- Only if you install solar panels with an area greater than 5m2 (≈ 53.8 sq ft), or solar domestic hot water systems of any size, on rooftops and walls of any building
Solar collectors
A building permit is required for
A building permit is required for:
- The installation of solar panels (solar collectors, solar photovoltaic systems) with an area greater than 5m2 (≈ 53.8 sq ft) on rooftops and walls of any building.
- The installation of solar domestic hot water systems of any size on rooftops and walls of any building. For instructions on how to submit an application for a solar domestic hot water system, please see the Designated Structures page.
A permit is not required for
A permit is not required for:
- The installation of free standing ground mounted solar projects. However. zoning by-laws must be followed. For this a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate (ZAP) should be applied for.
Express Services
- Solar panels which are not part of a Heritage designated building are now part of our Express Services permitting stream. For more information and anticipated timelines, please visit our Building Permit Review Streams.
Required Forms and Documentation
The following forms and documents must be submitted as part of your permit application.
Documents
- Site plan
- Elevation drawings
- Construction details
- Manufacturer’s specifications
- Design professional stamp and signature
Apply Online
- You may now apply for a permit for a solar collector permit online using the Toronto Building Online Services Application Submission Tool. This service allows applicants to see what documents are required and which outside approvals, if any, are applicable to the submission. It also allows the applicant to track their submission from start to completion of the submission portion of the application process.
- A User Guide is available to support your submission.
Fees
Fee Name Fee (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Satellite dish, solar collector system greater than 5 sq. m (≈ 53.8 sq ft). on a small residential building: $214.79/installation
- Solar collector system greater than 5 sq. m (≈ 53.8 sq ft). on any building type other than small residential building: $425.30/structure
Prepare your plans0 of 10
You need an account to see these 10 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 forms4
Submit your application
- Please note: not all projects are eligible for email submission. Review the list of eligible applications and detailed email submission process.
- To submit an application by email please use the ‘Email’ button on top of the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.
- Please do not include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner’s name or phone number). Building Plans submitted for Permit are subject to disclosure in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Pay the fee
Structure Fee Effective Jan. 1, 2026
- Communication Tower: $425.30/structure
- Crane Runway: $425.30/structure
- Exterior Tank and Support: $425.30/structure
- Pedestrian Bridge: $425.30/structure
- Retaining Wall: $12.37/linear metre
- Satellite Dish, Solar Collector: $425.30/structure
Written from Toronto’s own pages as published on 20 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice