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Additions Permit Drafting Solutions in Toronto & the GTA

Planning a home addition in Toronto? Whether you’re building up with a second storey, extending into your backyard, adding a garage, or creating a secondary suite, the first step isn’t construction.

It’s zoning and permits.

At Acadia Drafting, we prepare fully compliant home addition permit drawings and manage the entire approval process from start to finish – including zoning review, permit submission, revisions, and inspection coordination.

We serve homeowners across Toronto and the GTA, helping you move forward confidently, without delays or costly mistakes

additions permit drafting toronto

Do I Need a Permit for a Home Addition in Toronto?

Yes. In Toronto, nearly all home additions require a building permit.

This includes:

  • Second-storey additions
  • Rear or side extensions
  • Garage additions
  • Sunrooms
  • Bump-outs
  • Basement expansions
  • Creating a new dwelling unit

If your project increases square footage, alters structural components, modifies the foundation, or impacts plumbing or HVAC systems, a permit is required.

As of April 1, 2025, all applications must comply with the updated 2024 Ontario Building Code. This includes higher energy efficiency standards, updated structural requirements, and modern fire safety provisions.

permit for home addition

What Zoning Bylaws Apply to My Home Addition in Toronto?

Before a building permit is even reviewed, your project must comply with Toronto’s Zoning By-law 569-2013.

Zoning determines what you’re allowed to build on your specific lot.

This includes:

  • Lot coverage limits (how much of your property can be built on)
  • Floor Space Index (FSI) (maximum total building size relative to lot size)
  • Front, rear, and side yard setbacks
  • Building height restrictions
  • Angular plane requirements
  • Parking requirements (if adding a new dwelling unit)
  • Heritage Conservation District overlays
  • TRCA-regulated areas
  • Tree protection bylaws
  • Floodplain restrictions

Every property is different. This is why at Acadia Drafting, we complete a preliminary zoning review before drafting begins. Zoning review is included in our permit drawing package because designing first and checking zoning later can add months to your timeline.

If zoning issues are identified early, we help you adjust your design before costly engineering work begins.

zoning bylaws for home additions

What Comes First: Zoning Review or Building Permit?

Zoning always comes first.

Here’s the sequence:

  • Zoning review confirms your addition is permitted on your lot.
  • Permit drawings are prepared to Ontario Building Code standards.
  • The building permit is submitted to the City.
  • City reviewers evaluate compliance.

The City of Toronto will not issue a building permit if zoning requirements are not met.

Skipping zoning review is one of the most common reasons projects are delayed by 6–7 months.

We handle zoning analysis as part of our process, so your project starts on solid ground.

zoning review and building permit for home additions

What If My Addition Does Not Meet Zoning Requirements?

If your design exceeds zoning limits, your project must go through the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance.

This adds approximately 2–4 months to your timeline.

The Committee evaluates your request against four tests:

  • Does it align with the Official Plan?
  • Does it maintain the intent of the zoning by-law?
  • Is it appropriate for the property?
  • Is the variance considered minor?

Acadia Drafting manages:

  • Variance-ready drawings
  • Committee submission documentation
  • Application coordination
  • Required revisions
  • Communication with city reviewers

If a variance is required, we guide you through it from start to finish.

committee of adjustment for home additions

What Drawings Are Required for a Home Addition Permit?

A complete permit application typically requires:

  • Site plan or survey
  • Existing floor plans
  • Proposed floor plans
  • Building elevations
  • Building sections
  • Structural engineering drawings
  • Energy Efficiency Design Summary
  • HVAC layouts (if applicable)
  • Ontario Building Code overlays
  • BCIN-certified designer seal

All drawings prepared by Acadia Drafting comply with the 2024 Ontario Building Code and Toronto municipal standards. We coordinate structural engineering and mechanical documentation so your submission is complete and review-ready.

Incomplete applications are the number one cause of delays. We eliminate that risk.

permit drawings for home additions

How Long Does It Take to Get a Home Addition Permit in Toronto?

Every project is different, but typical timelines are:

Zoning Review: 2-4 weeks
Design & Engineering: 4-6 weeks
Permit Review: 4-6 weeks minimum
Committee of Adjustment (if required): +2-4 months

Total timeline:

  • Zoning-compliant projects: 3-6 months
  • Projects requiring variances: 6-12 months

Toronto’s “10-business-day review stream” refers to initial review time — not final approval. Most projects require at least one round of revisions.

We manage submission, respond to city comments, and coordinate all required updates to keep your timeline moving.

timeline for home addition permits

How Much Does a Home Addition Permit Cost in Toronto?

City fees are separate from drafting and professional services.

City Permit Fees (2025–2026 Estimates):

  • Base fee: approximately $206
  • Residential additions: approximately $18–$19 per square metre
  • HVAC permit: approximately $260–$270
  • Plumbing permit: varies by scope
  • Zoning certificate: 25% of the building permit fee

Example: A 50m² addition may result in approximately $1,100–$1,200 in city permit fees.

Additional Costs May Include:

  • Survey ($2,800–$3,200 range typical)
  • Structural engineering
  • HVAC design
  • Committee of Adjustment fee (~$2,200 if required)

Important: The pricing above reflects City and regulatory fees only.
Acadia Drafting’s professional services are quoted separately based on your project scope.

home addition permit costs

Why Choose Acadia Drafting for Your Home Addition Permit Drawings?

  • BCIN-certified designers
  • Up-to-date with the 2024 Ontario Building Code
  • Deep understanding of Toronto zoning bylaws
  • Experience across Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and Toronto-East York
  • Zoning-first approach
  • Complete submission management
  • Clear communication
  • Professional, approval-ready documentation

We combine technical precision with practical experience, so your project moves forward smoothly.

hire acadia drafting home addition permit drafting

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

We are available to address any inquiries you may have. Every project is unique, but below, you'll find common queries about addition permit drawings.

Yes, there can be size and height restrictions for home additions in different neighborhoods of Toronto. These restrictions are often governed by local zoning regulations and bylaws. It’s essential to check with the local municipal office or planning department in your specific neighborhood to understand the limitations and guidelines that apply to your home addition project. Compliance with these restrictions is crucial to obtaining the necessary permit for your addition.

Yes, modifications to approved addition plans are possible after obtaining the permit, but they usually require additional approvals. Any changes must be communicated promptly to the local authorities for evaluation. There is a specific process in place for making alterations to the approved plans, and it typically involves submitting revised drawings or documentation for review. It’s essential to consult with the local permit office to understand the exact procedure and ensure that any modifications comply with the regulations and guidelines.

Yes, you can apply for multiple permits if your home addition project involves various stages or aspects. The procedure for simultaneous permit applications may vary, but it’s important to communicate the different aspects of your project clearly. Each component, such as structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing modifications, may require separate permits. Consulting with us and providing comprehensive details about the different stages of your project will help facilitate the process of obtaining multiple permits concurrently.

Typically, addition permits in Toronto have a specific validity period, often ranging from 6 months to a year, during which construction must commence. If your project takes longer than anticipated, and you need to extend the permit, you will need to apply for an extension before the permit expires. The process for extending a permit involves submitting a request to the local permit office, explaining the reasons for the delay, and providing a new timeline for completion. Approval for an extension is subject to review, and it’s crucial to initiate the extension process well before the permit’s expiration date to avoid any disruptions in your construction project.

During the review process, local authorities and municipalities carefully assess additions permit drawings to ensure they meet all building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. Acadia Drafting assists homeowners by providing meticulously prepared drawings that align with these requirements. We offer detailed documentation and clear annotations, making it easier for authorities to understand the proposed construction. Additionally, we remain accessible to address any queries or concerns raised during the review. Our proactive approach includes prompt responses to requests for revisions, ensuring a smooth communication channel between homeowners and regulatory bodies. By facilitating this process, we enhance the likelihood of swift approvals, helping homeowners proceed with their projects efficiently and in compliance with all regulations.

We understand the importance of involving clients throughout the drafting and submission process. While our experienced professionals handle the technical aspects, we encourage active participation from clients to ensure their vision is accurately reflected in the permit drawings and applications. We maintain open communication channels, conducting detailed consultations to understand their requirements, preferences, and design aspirations. Regular updates, feedback sessions, and collaborative discussions are integral parts of our approach. By keeping the lines of communication open, we guarantee that clients’ expectations are met, and their unique vision for their additions project is translated into the permit drawings and applications submitted to the local municipality. Your input is invaluable in shaping the final outcome, and we are dedicated to making the process as collaborative and transparent as possible.

Who Our Clients Are:

Homeowners

Home renovations, additions, custom home builds and more. We help homeowners get their building permit fast with a complete set of drawings prepared in-house by our experts.

Commercial Property Owners

We work with restaurant owners, retail store owners, office managers and any other commercial owners to get their building permits approved fast and make their project reality.

Industrial Property Owners

We also specialize in working with all kinds of industrial properties, including distribution centres, warehouses and even grow houses that are sustainable and fully functional.

Contractors and Builders

We work with contractors and builders to ensure any project goes smoothly and the building permits get approved fast. We provide a full range of construction management services.