# Secondary Suite Permit Process Ontario - What to Expect in 2026

**URL:** <https://home.renovation.reviews/t/secondary-suite-permit-process-ontario-what-to-expect-in-2026/46692>\
**Category:** Ontario\
**Created:** [April 26, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/secondary-suite-permit-process-ontario-what-to-expect-in-2026/46692 "2026-04-26T15:31:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/system/32/77_2.png) [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/secondary-suite-permit-process-ontario-what-to-expect-in-2026/46692/1 "2026-04-26T15:31:19Z")

</div>

After Bill 23 and the provincial zoning changes, adding a secondary suite has become more straightforward in Ontario - but it is still not simple. I navigated the Toronto process last year, here is what I learned.

**The Short Version**

Ontario now requires municipalities to permit at least 3 units per residential lot. This means your municipality cannot refuse a secondary suite application just because of zoning - but they can and will enforce the Ontario Building Code requirements strictly.

**Permits You Need**

- Building permit (mandatory for all secondary suite work)
- Electrical permit (separate panel/sub-panel for the suite)
- Plumbing permit (if adding kitchen or bathroom)
- HVAC permit (if modifying mechanical)

Toronto also requires a zoning review. Budget $2,000-$5,000 just for permit fees depending on scope.

**OBC Requirements for Basement Suites**

- Minimum ceiling height: 1.95m (6’5")
- Egress window meeting minimum dimensions (approximately 0.35m2 clear opening)
- 1-hour fire separation between units
- Interconnected smoke + CO alarms in both units
- Separate HVAC or air handling that prevents cross-contamination

**Real Cost in Toronto**

Converting an unfinished basement to a legal 1-bed suite: $75,000-$110,000 including permits, egress window, separate entrance, waterproofing, electrical sub-panel, kitchen rough-in and finish, bathroom, and flooring. Do not underestimate the scope.

**Income Potential**

Legal Toronto basement suite: $1,800-$2,500/month. Payback on conversion cost typically 5-7 years. Significant resale value add.

Has anyone recently done this in 905? Curious if the permit process is faster outside Toronto.