Toronto Basement Permit Checklist
Complete guide for basement finishing and secondary suite permits under the 2024 Ontario Building Code.
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Types of Basement Projects
Basement Finishing
Converting unfinished basement space into living areas (recreation room, bedroom, bathroom, home office) for use by the main household.
- • Simpler permit requirements
- • No fire separation between floors
- • Must meet egress requirements if bedrooms
Secondary Suite / Basement Apartment
Creating a separate dwelling unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. Tenant can live independently from main household.
- • More complex requirements
- • Fire separation required
- • Separate entrance needed
- • Additional inspections
Important: If your basement has a kitchen AND separate entrance, it will be classified as a secondary suite even if you don't plan to rent it. Secondary suite requirements will apply.
2024 Ontario Building Code Requirements
As of April 1, 2025, all basement permit applications must comply with the 2024 OBC. Key changes for basements include:
- • Enhanced radon protection requirements for new concrete work
- • Updated fire alarm and CO detector interconnection standards
- • Revised ventilation requirements
Required Documents
BCIN designer information and signature for all applicable disciplines
Shows property boundaries, building footprint, and proposed changes if any exterior work
Dimensioned plans showing room layouts, egress windows, stairs, and all proposed changes
Details showing fire-rated assemblies between units (for secondary suites)
Required for secondary suites / basement apartments
Location of panels, outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures
Location of fixtures, drains, vents, and water supply lines
Required if adding/modifying plumbing
Heating, cooling, and ventilation system layout and specifications
Required if modifying HVAC
Beam/column details if modifying any structural elements
Required if removing walls or modifying structure
Radon protection measures if required under 2024 OBC
May be required for new concrete work
Secondary Suite Requirements
If you're creating a basement apartment / secondary suite, these additional requirements apply under the 2024 Ontario Building Code:
Fire Safety
- 45-minute fire separation between units (floor/ceiling assembly)
- Fire-rated doors where required (20-minute minimum)
- Interconnected smoke alarms throughout
- Carbon monoxide detectors on each level
- Fire separation at furnace/mechanical rooms
Egress & Safety
- Separate entrance for secondary suite
- Egress window in each bedroom (min 0.35 sq m clear opening)
- Egress window sill max 1500mm from floor
- Min 1950mm ceiling height (1850mm under beams/ducts)
- Smoke separation from garage if applicable
Electrical
- Separate electrical panel for secondary suite
- GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathroom, laundry
- AFCI protection for bedrooms
- Adequate service capacity for two units
- Interconnected smoke/CO alarm wiring
Plumbing & HVAC
- Independent heating/cooling or shared with controls
- Adequate fresh air ventilation (HRV may be required)
- Proper drainage and backwater valve
- Separate water shutoff capability
- Kitchen and bathroom exhaust ventilation
Ceiling Height Requirements
Habitable Rooms
1950mm (6'-5")
Minimum ceiling height for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens
Under Beams/Ducts
1850mm (6'-1")
Reduced height allowed in small areas under obstructions
Note: Many older Toronto homes have basement ceiling heights below these minimums. In some cases, lowering the floor (underpinning/benching) may be required.
Common Rejection Reasons
These issues frequently cause basement permit applications to be returned:
Estimated Permit Costs (Toronto 2025)
Basement Finishing
$500 - $1,500
Based on construction value; typical for basic finishing
Secondary Suite
$1,000 - $3,000+
Higher due to additional reviews and inspections
These are permit fees only. Budget separately for BCIN designer ($800-$2,500), potential engineer fees, and construction costs.
Official Resources
Related Resources
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Run Free Pre-CheckThis checklist is for informational purposes only and is based on Toronto Building requirements as of December 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify with toronto.ca for current information.