Secondary Suite Permit
PermitsHub handles your secondary suite permit application, drawings, and approvals in Toronto and the GTA.
Scope of service.
A secondary suite permit is required when you create a self-contained rental unit within your existing home, whether in the basement, above the garage, or on another floor. In Toronto and across the GTA, these units must meet Ontario Building Code requirements for fire separation, ceiling height, egress windows, and independent services. The permit process involves zoning review to confirm your property allows a second unit, architectural drawings showing code-compliant layouts, and building department approvals. Many homeowners underestimate the complexity of secondary suite permits. Your unit needs two separate exits, specific fire-rated assemblies between floors, minimum window sizes for bedrooms, and often upgrades to electrical panels or heating systems. PermitsHub coordinates the drawings, zoning analysis, and permit submissions so your secondary suite meets all legal requirements and passes inspection.
- Zoning review to confirm second unit eligibility on your property
- Architectural drawings showing suite layout, exits, and fire separations
- Building Code compliance review for ceiling heights, egress windows, and fire ratings
- Electrical and plumbing drawings for independent suite services
- Building permit application and submission to your municipality
- Coordination with inspectors through rough-in and final approvals
Who needs this
You need this permit if you are creating a self-contained rental unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance inside your existing home. This includes basement apartments, laneway suite conversions within the main house footprint, and second-floor rental units.
Included as standard
- City-compliant permit drawings
- Zoning & by-law review
- Application submission
- Revision management
Four steps to an approved permit.
01
Consultation
Free scoping call to review your project, lot and goals. No pressure, no fee.
02
Drawings & Zoning
City-compliant permit drawings and full zoning compliance review.
03
Submission
Application filed with the City. We manage every revision round to closure.
04
Permit Approved
Stamped permit in hand. Ready to build with confidence.
Express City fast-lane available for eligible small residential projects - timeline depends on project type and City queue
Secondary Suite Permit - your questions
Get started
Ready to start your secondary suite permit?
Free, no-pressure quote within one business day.
● Flat-rate quotes - no surprise fees
● Revisions included until approval
● Most enquiries responded to same day