Building Permit in Toronto, ON
General building permits for new residential construction.
Where Are Building 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,929 | 11.1% | |
| M2N | 1,540 | 5.8% |
| M5M | 1,055 | 4.0% |
| M8Z | 764 | 2.9% |
| M2M | 732 | 2.8% |
| M6A | 641 | 2.4% |
| M1L | 630 | 2.4% |
| M9B | 601 | 2.3% |
| M3H | 586 | 2.2% |
| M3L | 562 | 2.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit in Toronto?
Yes, most building projects in Toronto require a building permit from the city. Based on our data, Toronto has issued 26,331 building 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 building permit in Toronto?
Based on our analysis of 26,331 permits, the average processing time for a building permit in Toronto is 204 days from application to approval. Processing times have been decreasing in recent years. In 2026, the average was 336 days.
How many building permits are issued in Toronto each year?
Toronto issues approximately 386 building permits per year. Our data covers 1990 to present, with a total of 26,331 permits tracked. The number of building permits has generally increased over time.
Which neighbourhoods in Toronto have the most building permits?
The top neighbourhoods for building permits in Toronto are (2,929 permits), M2N (1,540 permits), and M5M (1,055 permits). These areas account for 21% of all building permits in the city.
How much does a building project cost in Toronto?
Based on construction values reported on 26,331 permits, the average building project in Toronto has a construction value of $351,497. The median value is $160,000, which may be more representative as it excludes outliers. Note that this is the total project construction cost, not the permit fee.
Are building permits increasing or decreasing in Toronto?
Building permit activity in Toronto has been declining in recent years. In 2026, 386 permits were issued, compared to 1,234 in 2023.
What is the building permit process in Toronto?
The typical process for a building 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 204 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 building permits?
Toronto is one of 14 major Canadian cities we track for building permit data. With an average processing time of 204 days, you can compare Toronto's building permit statistics including volume trends, processing times, and neighbourhood breakdowns with other cities on our national building permit comparison page.