Toronto Building Permit Fees (2026): A Complete Cost Calculator & Guide
Don't get hit with unexpected city fees. Use our guide to estimate your permit costs before you apply.
Quick Summary
Effective January 1, 2026, Toronto building permit fees have increased by 4.0% (inflation adjustment). Planning application fees have increased by 4.82%. Fees range from a minimum of $214.79 to thousands for major construction.
How Toronto Building Permit Fees Work
The City of Toronto calculates permit fees using two main methods:
Flat Fee
Fixed amount for simple projects like decks, sheds, or minor renovations. Quick to calculate and predictable.
Value-Based Fee
Calculated as a percentage of construction value OR per square meter for larger projects like additions or new builds.
For residential projects, the city uses specific Service Indicies based on the work type. For example, $18.56 per m² for single family dwellings and $6.20 per m² for basement finishing.
2026 Fee Schedule
Here are the current estimated permit fees for common residential projects in Toronto (adjusted for 2026 rates). For specific commercial rates or the complete list, view the official City of Toronto Fee Schedule.
| Permit Type | Fee Structure | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Deck (attached) | Flat fee | $214.79 (Flat Fee) |
| Interior Renovation | $11.53/m² | $214.79 (Min) - $1,000+ |
| Basement Finishing | $6.20/m² | $310 - $620 |
| Basement Apartment (Secondary Suite) | Per m² + base | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Under 50m² | $18.56/m² | $928 - $1,500 |
| 50-100m² | $18.56/m² | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| New Single-Family Home | $18.56/m² + fees | $4,500 - $9,500+ |
| Demolition | Flat fee | $214.79 (Min) |
| Pool Fence Enclosure (In-ground) | Flat fee | $214.79 |
Note: These are estimated ranges based on the 2026 fee schedule. The City of Toronto charges a minimum fee of $214.79 for all work.
Common Project Cost Comparison
Here's how permit fees compare across popular home renovation projects:
Other Fees You May Encounter
Depending on your project, you may also need to budget for:
- Zoning Review Fee: ~25% of building permit fee
- Hourly Fee: $92.79/hour for re-examinations (3rd+ review) or post-issuance changes.
- Committee of Adjustment: $2,600+ if you need a variance
- Development Charges: $0 for most ADUs (Basement Apartments, Laneway Suites) and developments up to 6 units under latest 2025/2026 exemptions.
- Tree Removal Permit: Fees vary based on tree size and location
How to Save Money on Permit Fees
1. Plan Before You Apply
Incomplete applications get rejected, and resubmission means more fees. Get all your documents in order first.
2. Check If You Need a Permit
Some minor work (cosmetic renovations, replacing fixtures) doesn't require a permit. But be careful—unpermitted structural work can cost you when selling.
3. Research Similar Permits First
See what permits have been approved in your neighborhood for similar projects. This can help you understand what the city expects.
Important: Cheques Are No Longer Accepted
As of January 1, 2026, the City of Toronto no longer accepts paper cheques for building permit fees. You must pay via:
- Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) for fees up to $20,000.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Wire Transfer for any amount.
* Interac e-Transfer is NOT accepted.
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