Vaughan is one of the fastest-growing cities in York Region, with strong demand for basement apartments, additions, and decks across Woodbridge, Maple, Thornhill, Kleinburg, and Vellore. This guide covers how to get a building permit in Vaughan in 2026, including the process, York Region servicing, fees, and what triggers a permit.
Do You Need a Permit in Vaughan?
You need a building permit in Vaughan for structural, life-safety, or use changes: a basement apartment, an addition, a load-bearing wall removal, a garden suite, or a deck that is attached, over 600 mm above grade, or larger than 10 m2. Cosmetic work usually does not.
Basement Apartments & Second Units in Vaughan
Additional residential units are permitted across Vaughan. A legal basement apartment must meet the Ontario Building Code: minimum 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) ceiling height (underpinning if lower), 45-minute fire separation, compliant egress windows, interconnected smoke and CO alarms, and independent ventilation. Vaughan also requires second units to be registered with the City.
Decks, Additions & Garden Suites
Vaughan is a busy market for deck permits - remember that footings must go below the frost line (about 1.2 m). Home additions and detached garden suites are also common, and both usually require structural details and a zoning check for setbacks and lot coverage.
The Vaughan Permit Process
Applications are submitted through the City of Vaughan's online permit portal with OBC-compliant drawings and Schedule 1. Because Vaughan is part of York Region, some projects require coordination with the Region for water and sewer servicing. Ontario targets a 10-business-day review for houses once a complete application is filed. See our step-by-step permit process.
Vaughan Permit Fees
Vaughan calculates its permit fee per square metre of floor area, typically $300 to $2,500+ for residential work, separate from the BCIN designer fee for your drawings. See our 2026 cost guide.
Planning a project in Vaughan?
Call 416-558-9607 or request a free quote. We prepare BCIN-certified drawings and manage the Vaughan submission.