Understanding building permit drawing costs helps you budget your project accurately. This guide covers both BCIN designer fees and municipal permit application fees for common Ontario projects in 2026. Prices are based on Ontario Design Studio's experience and typical market rates across the province.
BCIN Designer Fees by Project Type
- Basement Apartment Legalization: $2,000–$4,000 - includes site plan, floor plan, egress details, fire separation, SB-10, Schedule 1
- Home Addition: $3,000–$6,000 - site plan, floor plan, elevations, sections, SB-10, foundation plan
- New Home Construction: $5,000–$10,000+ - complete drawing set for full OBC compliance review
- Multiplex Conversion: $4,000–$8,000 - all units, fire separation details, site plan, egress for each unit
- Deck Permit: $1,000–$2,500 - site plan, deck plan, structural details, guard/stair details
- Interior Renovation: $1,500–$3,500 - existing and proposed floor plans, structural details if required
- Load Bearing Wall Removal: $1,500–$3,000 - structural drawings, beam schedule, cross-section
- Basement Underpinning: $3,000–$5,000 - foundation plan, structural detail, grading, waterproofing
- Garden Suite / Secondary Suite: $3,000–$7,000 - full drawing set coordinated with P.Eng structural drawings
- Commercial Permit: $5,000–$15,000+ - full drawing set including life safety, accessibility, mechanical notes
Ready to start your project?
Ontario Design Studio delivers BCIN-certified, OBC-compliant building permit drawings across Ontario and the GTA. Call 416-558-9607 or request your free quote.
Municipal Permit Fees - What the City Charges
In addition to BCIN designer drawing costs, municipalities charge permit application fees based on project value or a flat rate. These vary significantly by municipality but typically range from $10–$15 per $1,000 of estimated construction value.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence building permit drawing costs: project size and complexity, type of construction (new vs. renovation), need for structural engineering (P.Eng), municipal-specific requirements, and number of revisions. Ontario Design Studio provides free, project-specific quotes with no surprises.
Related Resources
- Blog: Detailed Cost Breakdown by Project Type
- How the Ontario Permit Process Works
- Building Permit FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do building permit drawings cost in Ontario?
BCIN designer fees vary by project: basement apartments $2,000–$4,000, home additions $3,000–$6,000, new homes $5,000–$10,000+, deck permits $1,000–$2,500, interior renovations $1,500–$3,500, load bearing wall removal $1,500–$3,000, multiplex conversions $4,000–$8,000, and commercial projects $5,000–$15,000+.
What affects the cost of building permit drawings?
Key factors include: project size and complexity, type of construction (residential vs. commercial), need for structural engineering (P.Eng), municipal-specific requirements, and whether the project involves new construction or renovation of existing buildings.