Updated December 2025

Building Permit Timeline in Ontario

How long does it take to get a building permit? Here's what to expect across GTA municipalities.

Simple / Fast-Track

10-15 business days

Decks under 40 sq m, sheds, fences, interior non-structural alterations

Standard Residential

15-25 business days

Larger decks, basement finishing, kitchen/bath renovations with plumbing

Complex

30-60+ business days

Additions, secondary suites, structural changes, new construction

The Clock Starts When Your Application is Complete

Processing time begins when the building department receives a complete application. If documents are missing or incorrect, your application may be returned, and the clock resets when you resubmit. This is why 21% of Toronto applications are returned at intake.

Processing Times by City

City	Simple	Standard	Complex
Toronto	10-15 business days	15-25 business days	30-60+ business days
Mississauga	10-12 business days	15-20 business days	25-45+ business days
Brampton	10-15 business days	15-25 business days	30-50+ business days
Vaughan	10-12 business days	15-20 business days	25-45+ business days
Markham	10-15 business days	15-22 business days	25-40+ business days
Oakville	10-12 business days	15-20 business days	25-40+ business days

* Times are in business days and represent typical processing for complete applications. Actual times vary based on application quality, season, and department workload.

The Permit Approval Process

Intake Review

1-3 days

Staff verify your application is complete with all required documents. If incomplete, it's returned here.

Zoning Review

3-7 days

Planners verify your project complies with zoning bylaws (setbacks, lot coverage, height, use).

Plan Examination

5-15+ days

Building officials review drawings for Ontario Building Code compliance (structural, fire safety, etc.).

Revisions (if needed)

Variable

If changes are required, you'll receive a revision letter. Time depends on complexity of changes.

Permit Issuance

1-3 days

Once approved, you'll receive notification to pay fees and pick up your permit.

What Causes Delays?

Incomplete Application

Adds 2-4+ weeks

Missing documents or forms means your application goes back to the queue after you resubmit.

Revision Requests

Adds 1-3 weeks per cycle

If reviewers need changes to drawings, each revision cycle adds time.

Zoning Issues

Adds 2-6+ months

If you need a variance, minor variance, or rezoning, expect significant delays.

Peak Season (Spring/Summer)

Adds 1-2 weeks

March-August is the busiest time for residential permits.

Heritage Designation

Adds 2-4+ weeks

Heritage properties require additional review by Heritage staff.

Committee of Adjustment

Adds 2-4 months

If variances are required, you'll need to go through Committee of Adjustment first.

How to Get Your Permit Faster

Submit a complete application the first time

This is the #1 way to avoid delays. Use our pre-check tool to verify completeness.

Use online submission portals

Online applications are often processed faster than paper submissions.

Verify zoning compliance before applying

Check setbacks, lot coverage, and height limits. Zoning issues cause major delays.

Hire an experienced BCIN designer

Do I Need a Permit? →

Find out if your project requires a permit

Why Permits Get Rejected →

Avoid the 8 most common rejection reasons

Don't Waste Time on Rejections

A rejected application can add weeks to your timeline. Our pre-check catches common issues before you submit.

Run Free Pre-Check

Processing times are estimates based on municipal service level targets and typical experiences as of December 2025. Actual times vary. Always check with your local building department for current wait times.