Building Permit

Building Permit Drawing Services

A building permit allows a city to review proposed construction before the work begins. The review helps confirm that the submitted plans meet the rules that apply to the project.

Elmid Design Inc. prepares permit drawings for residential and commercial projects across Toronto and the GTA. In addition, our team can help clients respond to municipal drawing comments during the review process.

When May You Need a Building Permit?

Permit needs depend on the location, type of property, and scope of work. However, many construction and renovation projects require municipal approval before work begins.

For example, a building permit may be needed for:

• A new house or building

• A home addition

• A second-storey addition

• A finished or legal basement

• A secondary dwelling unit

• A separate basement entrance

• Structural wall changes

• New or enlarged doors and windows

• A deck, porch, or sunroom

• A garage or carport

• Some plumbing or HVAC changes

• A change in the use of a building

• Demolition work

Some smaller projects may not require a permit. Therefore, property owners should confirm the requirements with their municipality before construction begins.

Building Permit Drawings We Prepare

The required drawings depend on the proposed work. Still, a typical permit drawing set may include:

• Site plans

• Existing and proposed floor plans

• Building elevations

• Building sections

• Roof plans

• Foundation plans

• Structural details

• Wall and construction details

• Door and window information

• Plumbing layouts

• Mechanical or HVAC drawings

• Other details required for the project

In addition, some projects may require grading, drainage, servicing, or stormwater documents. Our team can review the scope and explain which design services may be needed.

Our Building Permit Process

Review Your Project

First, we review your plans, property information, and proposed work. We may also review existing drawings, surveys, photos, and municipal comments.

Prepare the Drawings

Next, our team prepares the required plans and technical details. We also coordinate the drawings with the available site and building information.

Support the Permit Submission

Then, the permit package can be submitted to the local municipality. Submission requirements and fees vary by city and project type.

Respond to Review Comments

Finally, the municipality may request more information or drawing changes. When needed, Elmid Design Inc. can review those comments and update our drawings within the agreed project scope.

Permit Drawings for Common Projects

Basement and Secondary Unit Permits

A basement renovation may need drawings for the proposed rooms, exits, stairs, windows, plumbing, fire separation, and other building details. In addition, a secondary unit may have extra zoning and building requirements.

Separate Basement Entrances

A new basement entrance may affect the foundation, structure, stairs, drainage, and property setbacks. Therefore, the permit drawings must show how the proposed entrance relates to the house and property.

Home Additions

A home addition may require architectural, structural, grading, and servicing information. For example, the drawings may include new floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation details, and connections to the existing house.

Interior Renovations

Some interior changes require a permit, especially when the work affects walls, structure, plumbing, exits, or the use of a space. Therefore, the proposed layout and construction details must be clear.

Decks, Porches, and Garages

These projects may require site, foundation, framing, and structural details. However, the exact requirements depend on the size, location, and design of the proposed structure.

New Houses

A new house usually needs a full set of coordinated drawings. It may also require a site plan, grading plan, structural design, servicing information, and other supporting documents.

What We Need to Start

The information needed depends on the project. However, the following items can help our team begin its review:

• The property address

• A short description of the proposed work

• A recent property survey, if available

• Existing building drawings, if available

• Photos of the current space

• Measurements or design ideas

• Previous permits or city comments

• Any drawings prepared by other consultants

First, send us the information you already have. Then, we can review it and explain whether more documents or site measurements are needed.

Building Permit Services Across the GTA

Elmid Design Inc. works on permit projects in Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and other Ontario municipalities.

However, each municipality has its own forms, fees, and review process. Therefore, we prepare each drawing package based on the project scope and local submission needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Building Permit Cost?

Municipal permit fees depend on the city, project type, and size of the proposed work. Design fees are separate. Therefore, we review the project details before providing a quote for our services.

How Long Does a Building Permit Take?

The schedule depends on the project, drawing requirements, and municipal review time. In addition, requests for more information can affect the approval date. For this reason, no designer can guarantee an exact permit approval time.

Can Construction Start Before Permit Approval?

Property owners should confirm that all required permits are in place before starting regulated construction work. Otherwise, the municipality may issue orders, request changes, or require completed work to be opened or removed.

Does Elmid Design Inc. Submit Permit Applications?

Submission support depends on the agreed project scope. Our main service includes design, technical drawings, reports, and responses related to our work. We do not act as a construction contractor.

Does Elmid Design Inc. Do Construction Work?

No. Elmid Design Inc. does not provide construction, demolition, excavation, landscaping, paving, or installation services.

Discuss Your Building Permit Project

Planning a renovation, addition, basement, deck, garage, or new building? Contact Elmid Design Inc. and tell us about your project. Then, our team can review your needs and explain the next steps.