Toronto Express Building Permits: Get Approved in 3-5 Days
Skip the standard 10-20 day wait. The City of Toronto's Express Services stream is designed to issue permits for simple projects in as little as 3 business days.
Quick Summary
The Express Services stream replaces the old "Residential FASTRACK" and "Commercial Xpress" programs. Eligible projects include decks, sheds, garages, interior alterations, and small commercial fit-outs. Review target: 3 business days after complete submission.
What is the Express Services Stream?
For smaller, less complex projects, the regular building permit queue can feel agonizingly slow—simple deck applications get stuck behind complex new builds. The Express Services stream is designed to fix this.
The goal is simple: expedite permit applications for routine work. This consolidated service replaces the old "Residential FASTRACK", "Commercial Xpress", and "Sign Bylaw Unit" programs.
Key Benefit: Complete applications are reviewed within 3 business days of intake—not the 10-30 days typical for standard permits.
Projects That Qualify
Small Residential
- ✓Detached garages, carports, and sheds
- ✓Decks and porches
- ✓Interior alterations (non-structural)
- ✓Basement walkouts and underpinning
- ✓Minor fire damage repair
- ✓1-2 unit conversions (max 2 units)
- ✓Solar panel installations
Small Commercial & Signs
- ✓Assembly/Industrial alterations (<300m²)
- ✓Office/Retail/Restaurant alterations (<600m²)
- ✓Tents (including certified tents)
- ✓Stand-alone maglocks
- ✓First/Third Party Signs (up to 3)
What's NOT Included?
The Express stream is strictly for simple projects. You cannot use this stream for:
- Additions to residential dwellings
- Laneway Suites or Garden Suites
- Properties requiring Heritage Approval
- Attached garages or carports
- Sign permits for more than 3 signs
- Projects requiring Committee of Adjustment variances
For variances, you'll need a Zoning Applicable Law Certificate instead.
How to Submit Your Application
There are three methods for submitting an Express Services application, depending on your project type:
Online Portal (Recommended)
For standalone residential projects: Detached Garages, Carports, Decks, Porches, Sheds, and Ancillary Structures.
Visit Toronto Building Application Portal →Email Submission
For other residential and commercial Express projects (interior alterations, commercial fit-outs, etc.)
bldapplications@toronto.caSign Permit Submissions
All sign permit applications go to a dedicated inbox:
expressservices@toronto.caThe Issuance Process & Timeline
Once you submit your application, here's what happens:
Intake Assessment
Staff verify your application is complete. Missing documents = need to resubmit.
3-Day Examiner Review
If complete, an Examiner reviews within 3 business days.
Payment & Issuance
Pay the permit fee when requested. Permit typically issued within 1 business day of payment.
Important: If you don't pay by the due date, your application will be cancelled and you'll need to resubmit.
Research Your Neighborhood First
See what's already been approved nearby and how long it took.