Why Building Permits Get Rejected

Understanding the most common reasons applications are returned at intake—and how to avoid them.

21%

Applications returned at intake

2-4 Weeks

Average delay per rejection

$1,000+

Estimated cost in project delays

Source: Toronto Auditor General Report, February 2024

The Real Cost of a Rejected Permit

When your building permit application gets returned, it's not just paperwork—it's money out of your pocket. Contractors lose work days, projects get delayed, and clients get frustrated.

The good news? Most rejections are preventable. They happen because of predictable, fixable issues that could have been caught before submission.

Top 8 Reasons Permits Get Rejected (2025)

Missing or Incomplete Forms

The application form is the first thing reviewers check. Missing signatures, blank fields, or using outdated forms will get your application returned before anyone looks at your drawings.

How to avoid it: Use the latest application forms from your municipality's website. Fill out every field, even if you write 'N/A' for non-applicable sections.

No Designer Information (Schedule 1)

For most residential projects in Ontario, you need a BCIN-qualified designer to prepare the drawings. Missing or incomplete Schedule 1 forms are one of the top rejection reasons.

How to avoid it: Ensure your designer's BCIN number, signature, and contact information are included on Schedule 1 and stamped on drawings.

PDF Format Issues

Electronic submissions have specific PDF requirements. Files with editable annotations, incorrect versions, or password protection get rejected automatically by the portal.

How to avoid it: Flatten all annotations, use PDF 1.4+ (1.7 recommended), remove passwords, and keep files under 25MB.

Incomplete Site Plans

Site plans that don't show property lines, setbacks, or the relationship between existing structures and proposed work make it impossible for reviewers to assess compliance.

How to avoid it: Include property dimensions, all setbacks, north arrow, scale, and locations of all existing and proposed structures.

Missing Construction Details

Reviewers need to see how you'll build it, not just what it looks like. Missing footing details, connection specifications, or structural information leads to returns.

How to avoid it: Include footings, beam/joist connections, ledger board details, and hardware specifications. Reference Building Code sections where applicable.

Drawings Not to Scale

Drawings that aren't to scale, or that don't include scale notations and dimensions, can't be reviewed properly for code compliance.

How to avoid it: Use standard architectural scales (1:50, 1:100, etc.), include scale notation on every sheet, and dimension all key elements.

Wrong Permit Type

Submitting under the wrong permit category means your application goes to the wrong review queue with the wrong checklist—guaranteed rejection.

How to avoid it: Verify the correct permit type for your project scope. When in doubt, call the building department before submitting.

Not Using 2024 Ontario Building Code

As of April 1, 2025, all permit applications must comply with the 2024 OBC. Applications referencing the old 2012 code will be returned.

How to avoid it: Ensure your designer uses 2024 OBC standards. Key changes include updated accessibility requirements, energy efficiency standards, and radon protection measures.

The Pattern: Most Rejections Are Preventable

Notice something? Almost all of these rejection reasons are things you could check before submitting:

Are all forms filled out completely?
Is designer information included?
Are PDFs in the correct format?
Do drawings have required elements?

Where does this data come from?

The 21% rejection rate comes from the Toronto Auditor General's February 2024 report on building permit processes. The report found that approximately 1 in 5 applications were returned at intake for incomplete submissions.

Read the full report

Don't Be Part of the 21%

Our pre-check tool validates your permit package against common rejection reasons before you submit. Free to try, results in minutes.

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