Basement Suite Permit in Toronto, ON
Permits for basement finishing, secondary suites, and basement apartments.
Where Are Basement Suite Permits Being Issued?
Permit Volume Over Time
Processing Time Trend
Average days from application to approval
Year-over-Year Growth
Percentage change in permits issued vs previous year
Top Neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | Permits Issued | Share |
|---|---|---|
| M6H | 293 | 4.1% |
| M6J | 270 | 3.8% |
| M6G | 269 | 3.8% |
| M1C | 233 | 3.3% |
| M4J | 200 | 2.8% |
| M4L | 196 | 2.8% |
| M9W | 189 | 2.7% |
| M6R | 184 | 2.6% |
| M4K | 184 | 2.6% |
| M1K | 168 | 2.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a basement suite permit in Toronto?
Yes, most basement suite projects in Toronto require a building permit from the city. Based on our data, Toronto has issued 7,096 basement suite permits to date, making it one of the most common permit types in the city. Requirements vary depending on the scope and size of the project. Contact Toronto's building department for specific requirements for your project.
How long does it take to get a basement suite permit in Toronto?
Based on our analysis of 7,096 permits, the average processing time for a basement suite permit in Toronto is 51 days from application to approval. Processing times have been decreasing in recent years. In 2026, the average was 36 days.
How many basement suite permits are issued in Toronto each year?
Toronto issues approximately 259 basement suite permits per year. Our data covers 2001 to present, with a total of 7,096 permits tracked. The number of basement suite permits has generally increased over time.
Which neighbourhoods in Toronto have the most basement suite permits?
The top neighbourhoods for basement suite permits in Toronto are M6H (293 permits), M6J (270 permits), and M6G (269 permits). These areas account for 12% of all basement suite permits in the city.
How much does a basement suite project cost in Toronto?
Based on construction values reported on 7,096 permits, the average basement suite project in Toronto has a construction value of $45,105. The median value is $20,000, which may be more representative as it excludes outliers. Note that this is the total project construction cost, not the permit fee.
Are basement suite permits increasing or decreasing in Toronto?
Basement Suite permit activity in Toronto has been declining in recent years. In 2026, 259 permits were issued, compared to 803 in 2023.
What is the basement suite permit process in Toronto?
The typical process for a basement suite permit in Toronto involves: 1) Preparing your project plans and documentation, 2) Submitting your application to Toronto's building department, 3) Paying the applicable permit fees, 4) Waiting for plan review and approval (average 51 days), 5) Receiving your permit and beginning construction, and 6) Scheduling required inspections during and after construction.
How does Toronto compare to other Canadian cities for basement suite permits?
Toronto is one of 14 major Canadian cities we track for basement suite permit data. With an average processing time of 51 days, you can compare Toronto's basement suite permit statistics including volume trends, processing times, and neighbourhood breakdowns with other cities on our national basement suite permit comparison page.