Residential Building Permits in Ontario
Ontario Design Studio specializes in residential building permit drawings for homeowners across Ontario. Whether you're planning a new home, addition, renovation, or basement apartment conversion, our BCIN-certified team prepares OBC-compliant drawings designed to get your permit approved the first time.
Residential Services We Offer
We prepare building permit drawings for every type of residential project in Ontario. Each project type has unique OBC requirements, and our experience across hundreds of residential permits ensures nothing is overlooked.
- New Home Construction: Complete permit drawing packages for single-family homes, including site plan, all floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, foundation plan, and energy compliance (SB-10)
- Home Additions: Ground-floor, second-storey, and rear/side additions — we handle the structural connection between existing and new construction. See our home addition permit checklist
- Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations: Structural and layout changes requiring permits, including plumbing relocation and wall modifications
- Basement Apartments: Legal basement suite conversions with fire separation, egress windows, and energy compliance. Read about 2026 basement apartment requirements
- Garage Conversions: Converting garage space to livable area with proper insulation, heating, and OBC compliance
- Deck & Porch Construction: Attached and elevated decks requiring permits, including structural details and guard specifications
- Load Bearing Wall Removal: Structural drawings coordinated with a Professional Engineer (P.Eng)
- Interior Renovations: Layout changes, room additions, and space reconfiguration
Our Drawing Package Includes
Every residential permit drawing package is customized for your specific project but typically includes: site plan, floor plans (existing and proposed), exterior elevations, building cross-sections, foundation plan, structural details, energy compliance form (SB-10), Schedule 1 designer information, and zoning compliance summary.
Understanding the Ontario Building Code for Residential Projects
Most residential projects in Ontario fall under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code, which covers buildings up to 600 square metres and three storeys. Part 9 sets specific requirements for structural loads, fire safety, insulation values, ventilation, and egress. Our BCIN certification covers Part 9 residential design, ensuring every drawing meets these standards.
For larger or more complex residential projects, Part 3 of the OBC may apply. We can guide you through which requirements apply to your specific project.
Typical Turnaround Time
We deliver permit-ready residential drawings in 5–10 business days. Rush turnaround is available for urgent projects. After submission, municipal review typically takes 10–20 business days for residential permits.
Service Areas
We serve all Ontario municipalities for residential permits, with deep experience in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and across the GTA. View all service areas →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit for a home renovation in Ontario?
Not all renovations need a permit, but most structural changes do. You need a permit for additions, structural wall removal, plumbing relocation, basement conversions, new windows in exterior walls, and deck construction over 600mm above grade. Cosmetic updates like painting and flooring typically don't require permits. Read our full guide on which renovations need a permit.
How much do residential building permit drawings cost in Ontario?
Residential permit drawing costs vary: 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. See our complete pricing guide for details.