Ontario Design Studio provides BCIN-certified building permit drawings for projects in the City of Markham. Our team is experienced with Markham's building department submission requirements, York Region coordination, and local zoning bylaws.
Markham Permit Services
- Residential permits - homes, additions, renovations
- Legal basement apartment conversions
- Secondary suites and garden suites
- Commercial permits
- Deck and porch permits
Markham-Specific Notes
- York Region: Projects may require coordination with York Region for water and sewer services
- Heritage Markham: Properties in heritage conservation districts require additional review
- Markham Centre: Development in Markham's urban growth centre may have additional design guidelines
How the Markham Building Permit Process Works
The City of Markham accepts building permit applications electronically through its ePLAN portal. A complete residential application typically includes a site plan based on a legal survey, existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, structural details, and energy-efficiency compliance documentation - all prepared to Ontario Building Code standards by a qualified designer.
- Zoning check: we confirm your project complies with Markham's zoning by-law (setbacks, height, lot coverage) before drawing a single line.
- Drawing preparation: our BCIN-certified team prepares the complete, Markham-formatted drawing package (typically 5–10 business days).
- ePLAN submission: we package and upload your application, respond to examiner comments, and manage resubmissions if needed.
- Permit issued & inspections: once construction starts, you book City inspections at required milestones through to final sign-off.
Secondary Suites in Markham: Permit + Fire Registration
Markham is one of the GTA's strongest markets for basement apartments and secondary suites. Two things set Markham apart from neighbouring municipalities:
- A building permit is mandatory for creating or legalizing any secondary suite, reviewed against OBC requirements for ceiling heights, fire separation, egress, smoke/CO alarms, and HVAC.
- All secondary suites must also be registered with Markham Fire & Emergency Services - a step many homeowners miss. An unregistered suite is not legal in Markham even if it was built with a permit. The City publishes a Secondary Suites guide covering both steps.
We prepare the complete drawing package for both the permit and fire-registration requirements, so your suite is fully legal - protecting your insurance coverage, financing, and resale value.
Ready to start your Markham project?
Ontario Design Studio delivers BCIN-certified, OBC-compliant building permit drawings across Markham and York Region. Call 416-558-9607 or request your free quote - most drawing packages are ready in 5–10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a basement apartment in Markham?
Yes. Markham requires a building permit for any new or existing secondary suite, plus mandatory registration with Markham Fire & Emergency Services. Both steps are required before the unit is legal.
How do I apply for a building permit in Markham?
Applications are submitted electronically through the City of Markham's ePLAN portal. We prepare your complete drawing package and handle the electronic submission and examiner responses as part of our service.
How long does a building permit take in Markham?
Ontario legislation targets a 10-business-day review for houses once a complete application is submitted. Incomplete drawings restart the clock - which is why a professionally prepared, complete first submission matters.
Do I need a permit for a deck in Markham?
Generally yes if the deck is attached to the house, larger than 10 m² (108 sq. ft.), or raised significantly above grade. See our deck permit guide for the full rules.
What does a permit drawing package cost in Markham?
It depends on project type and complexity. See our 2026 permit cost guide or call 416-558-9607 for a free quote on your specific project.
Helpful Resources
- Legal Basement Apartment Requirements Ontario (2026)
- How Long Does a Building Permit Take in Ontario?
- Permit Rejected? We Fix and Resubmit