Building Permit Costs in Ontario
How much should you budget? Complete guide to permit fees across GTA municipalities.
Typical deck permit
Basement finishing
Room addition
How Permit Fees Are Calculated
Ontario municipalities calculate building permit fees based on:
1. Base Fee
A minimum fee that applies to all permits, typically $150-$200 for residential projects.
2. Construction Value Rate
An additional fee per $1,000 of construction value (typically $10-$13 per $1,000). For example: A $15,000 deck × $12/thousand = $180 + base fee.
3. Plan Review Fees
Some municipalities charge additional fees for plan examination, typically included in the base fee or charged separately (5-10% of permit fee).
Permit Fees by City (2025)
| City | Base Fee | Per $1,000 | Deck Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $195.51 | $12.47 | $200 - $500 |
| Mississauga | $161.00 | $11.94 | $150 - $400 |
| Brampton | $175.00 | $12.00 | $175 - $450 |
| Vaughan | $165.00 | $11.50 | $165 - $400 |
| Markham | $180.00 | $12.25 | $180 - $450 |
| Oakville | $170.00 | $11.75 | $170 - $425 |
* Estimates are approximate and based on typical construction values. Actual fees depend on your specific project. Fees subject to annual increases.
Detailed Fee Breakdown by City
Toronto
Official feesDeck Permit
$200 - $500
Basement Finish
$500 - $1,500
Addition
$1,000 - $3,000+
Note: 4% annual increase. Fees based on construction value.
Mississauga
Official feesDeck Permit
$150 - $400
Basement Finish
$400 - $1,200
Addition
$800 - $2,500+
Note: Minimum fee applies. Plan review fees additional.
Brampton
Official feesDeck Permit
$175 - $450
Basement Finish
$450 - $1,300
Addition
$900 - $2,800+
Note: Fees include plan examination. Inspections included.
Vaughan
Official feesDeck Permit
$165 - $400
Basement Finish
$400 - $1,200
Addition
$850 - $2,600+
Note: Development charges may apply for additions.
Markham
Official feesDeck Permit
$180 - $450
Basement Finish
$450 - $1,300
Addition
$900 - $2,700+
Note: Online applications receive 5% discount.
Oakville
Official feesDeck Permit
$170 - $425
Basement Finish
$425 - $1,250
Addition
$875 - $2,650+
Note: Fees adjusted annually based on CPI.
Don't Forget These Additional Costs
The permit fee is just one part of your project budget. Factor in these common expenses:
BCIN Designer Fees
$500 - $2,500+Required for most residential permits. Designer draws plans and stamps Schedule 1.
Engineer Stamp (if required)
$300 - $1,500+Needed for structural modifications, load-bearing walls, or complex designs.
Survey / Plot Plan
$500 - $1,500May be required if you don't have a current survey or for properties near lot lines.
Zoning Variance Application
$1,500 - $5,000+If your project doesn't meet zoning requirements, you'll need a variance.
Development Charges
Varies widelyFor additions that increase floor area. Can be $10,000+ in some municipalities.
Example: Total Cost for a Deck Project
Here's a realistic budget breakdown for a $15,000 deck project in Toronto:
This is approximately 12% of the construction cost. Budget 10-15% of your project value for permit-related expenses.
Tips to Reduce Permit Costs
Related Resources
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