Demolition Permit in Toronto, ON

Permits for partial or full demolition of residential structures.

Total Issued
12,095
All time
Avg. Processing
110 days
Application to approval
Active Permits
11,250
Currently open
Median Processing
56 days
50th percentile

Where Are Demolition 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
M2N 817 6.8%
M5M 499 4.1%
M2M 377 3.1%
M9B 359 3.0%
M3H 356 2.9%
M9A 341 2.8%
M1N 322 2.7%
M1M 306 2.5%
M8W 295 2.4%
M4G 287 2.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a demolition permit in Toronto?

Yes, most demolition projects in Toronto require a building permit from the city. Based on our data, Toronto has issued 12,095 demolition 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 demolition permit in Toronto?

Based on our analysis of 12,095 permits, the average processing time for a demolition permit in Toronto is 110 days from application to approval. Processing times have been increasing in recent years. In 2026, the average was 146 days.

How many demolition permits are issued in Toronto each year?

Toronto issues approximately 272 demolition permits per year. Our data covers 1990 to present, with a total of 12,095 permits tracked. The number of demolition permits has generally increased over time.

Which neighbourhoods in Toronto have the most demolition permits?

The top neighbourhoods for demolition permits in Toronto are M2N (817 permits), M5M (499 permits), and M2M (377 permits). These areas account for 14% of all demolition permits in the city.

How much does a demolition project cost in Toronto?

Based on construction values reported on 12,095 permits, the average demolition project in Toronto has a construction value of $157,439. The median value is $18,000, which may be more representative as it excludes outliers. Note that this is the total project construction cost, not the permit fee.

Are demolition permits increasing or decreasing in Toronto?

Demolition permit activity in Toronto has been declining in recent years. In 2026, 272 permits were issued, compared to 1,011 in 2023.

What is the demolition permit process in Toronto?

The typical process for a demolition 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 110 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 demolition permits?

Toronto is one of 14 major Canadian cities we track for demolition permit data. With an average processing time of 110 days, you can compare Toronto's demolition permit statistics including volume trends, processing times, and neighbourhood breakdowns with other cities on our national demolition permit comparison page.