How to Check Your Toronto Building Permit Status (And What "Under Review" Actually Means)
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Understanding Permit Status Codes
The City of Toronto uses several status codes to track permit applications. Here's what each one actually means:
Application / Pre-Review
- Application Acceptable: Met submission requirements but initial fee is pending intake acceptance.
- Application Received: Received but intake not yet accepted or processed.
- Not Started: Application accepted, review hasn't started.
- Under Review: Application accepted and review is in progress.
Holds, Notices & Revisions
- On Hold: Received but missing information.
- Notice Sent / Examiner’s Notice: Deficiencies found; examiner is waiting for your response.
- Refusal Notice: Review resulted in refusal. Address all items before responding.
- Revised / Revision Issued: Notice of Change submitted (and accepted if "Issued").
- Response Received/Accepted: Your response to a notice has been submitted/accepted back into the queue.
Issued, Inspections & Completion
- Issuance Pending / Ready for Issuance: Review complete. Pending fees/approvals or ready for pickup.
- Permit Issued: Officially issued. Construction can begin.
- Inspection / Work Not Started: Permit issued; under inspection or work hasn't started yet.
- Cancellation Pending: Dormant for 5+ months. Risk of cancellation without notice.
- Permit Revoked / Violation: Permit revoked or inspection order issued against it.
Typical Wait Times
City of Toronto aims for specific review targets through the "House Stream" (10 business days for simple houses and secondary suites), but total time to issuance involves revisions and responding to notices. Here are realistic 2026 timelines:
| Project Type | Minimum | Typical | Complex Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Projects Decks, Sheds, Porches | 5 days (Express Stream) | 10-15 days | 25+ days |
| Interior Renovation | 10 days (House Stream) | 15-20 days | 30+ days |
| Basement Apartment | 10 days (House Stream) | 20-30 days | 45+ days |
| Addition | 20 days | 30-45 days | 90+ days |
| New Home | 30 days | 45-60 days | 120+ days |
Delays happen when: Documents are incomplete, zoning issues arise, or the application requires Committee of Adjustment approval (which adds 2-4 months).
New for 2026: Digital Requirements
Starting in 2026, Ontario's construction industry aims to modernize with new digital standards. Be prepared for:
- Digital-First Documentation: Inspectors increasingly rely on digital copies of plans on-site. Ensure your approved drawings are accessible on a tablet or phone during inspections.
- Real-Time Reporting: Some larger projects may require real-time reporting on site conditions and worker certifications.
Why Is My Permit Taking So Long?
If your application has been "Under Review" for weeks, here are the most common reasons:
1. Incomplete Application
Missing drawings, forms, or signatures. The city won't process incomplete applications.
2. Zoning Non-Compliance
Your project exceeds setbacks, height, or lot coverage. You may need a variance.
3. Multi-Department Review
Complex projects need sign-off from multiple departments (building, fire, urban forestry).
4. High Application Volume
Busy seasons (spring/summer) see more applications. Staff have limited capacity.
What To Do While Waiting
- 1Don't start construction. Building without a permit can result in stop-work orders and fines.
- 2Check for revision requests. The city may have sent a letter asking for more information. Check regularly.
- 3Get contractor quotes. Use this time to finalize your contractor selection and project timeline.
- 4Research similar projects. See what permits have been approved nearby to set expectations.
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