# 24 Building Permit Statistics for Ontario Homeowners: Toronto, Brampton and GTA (2026)

24 cited building permit statistics for 2026: Toronto and Brampton permit counts, review times, GTA permit fees per square metre and the fines for building without one.

_Source: https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/building-permit-statistics/_

- **Author:** [Pro House Maintenance Editorial Team](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/about/)
- **Published:** 2026-10-22

Cited data on how many permits GTA cities issue, how fast Ontario must review them, what Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville charge, and what happens when work goes ahead without one.

**Toronto issued 36,887 building permits in 2024**, according to [Toronto Building](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf). A building permit is a city's written approval to build, add on, alter or demolish, after staff check the plans against the Ontario Building Code and zoning. The 24 statistics below cover permit volumes, basement units, review times, fees and penalties in the GTA. If your project needs one, start with our [home additions services](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/services/home-additions/).

All figures are in CAD and metric. Monthly Toronto counts from thepermitmap are rebuilt from City of Toronto open data. All sources were checked on October 22, 2026.

## Key Takeaways

- **Toronto issued 36,887 building permits in 2024**, down from 39,986 in 2022 ([Toronto Building](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf)).
- **Brampton registered 2,585 basement apartments in 2024**, for 22,892 in total ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)).
- **Ontario gives a city 10 days** to decide a complete permit application for a house ([Government of Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning/building-permits)).
- **Toronto reviewed 87% of complete applications on time** in 2024 ([Toronto Building](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf)).
- **An addition permit costs $12.03 to $17.80 per square metre** across Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville in 2026 ([Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Fees/Permit%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf), [Oakville](https://www.oakville.ca/getmedia/f7c6c09f-e976-4f07-b9ff-c3059248d479/budget-rates-fees-building-services.pdf)).
- **Building without a permit can cost an individual up to $50,000** on a first conviction ([Government of Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning/building-permits)).

## How many building permits do GTA cities issue?

Toronto issued 36,887 building permits in 2024 and projected 38,000 for 2025, its budget notes show. Brampton issued 7,379 permits worth over $2.4 billion in 2024. Across Canada, permits worth $13.6 billion were issued in August 2026 alone.

### 1\. Toronto issued 36,887 permits in 2024

Toronto Building's 2026 budget notes report 36,887 building permits issued in 2024, against a target of 40,000 for 2025 ([Toronto Building](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf)).

### 2\. Volume fell from 39,986 in 2022

The City issued 39,986 permits in 2022 and 37,804 in 2023 ([2025 budget notes](https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/955a-2025-Public-Book-TB-V1.pdf)). It projects 38,000 for 2025 and targets 37,000 for 2026 ([2026 budget notes](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf)).

### 3\. Toronto issued 2,957 permits in September 2026

City open data shows 2,957 permits issued in September 2026, creating 1,585 new homes, with $1.2 billion in declared value ([thepermitmap](https://thepermitmap.com/reports/)).

### 4\. 99,865 Toronto permits in 36 months

From October 2023 to September 2026, Toronto issued 99,865 permits that created 28,514 homes. The busiest month was October 2024, at 3,324 permits ([thepermitmap](https://thepermitmap.com/reports/)).

### 5\. Brampton issued 7,379 permits worth $2.4 billion in 2024

Brampton's Building Division issued 7,379 permits with a construction value of $2,429,797,226 in 2024 and ran 218,730 inspections ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)).

### 6\. Brampton permits fell from 12,105 in 2021

Brampton issued 12,105 permits in 2021, 10,562 in 2022 and 7,871 in 2023 before the 2024 total of 7,379. Construction value still rose each year ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)).

### 7\. Canada issued $13.6 billion in permits in August 2026

Statistics Canada reported that the value of permits rose $1.1 billion to $13.6 billion in August 2026. Residential permits rose to $8.5 billion, and single-family homes edged down to $2.6 billion ([The Canadian Press](https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/economics/2026/10/14/statistics-canada-reports-building-permits-up-11b-in-august-at-136b/)).

_Chart: Building permits issued by the City of Toronto, by year._

Source: [Toronto Building 2025 budget notes](https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/955a-2025-Public-Book-TB-V1.pdf) (2022, 2023); [2026 budget notes](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf) (2024).

## How many basement units and renovations get permits?

Brampton registered 2,585 new second units, mostly basement apartments, in 2024, bringing its total to 22,892, its year-end report says. The same year it issued 3,697 permits for two-unit homes, 1,094 for alterations to existing homes and 48 for additions. Two-unit permits outnumbered alteration permits more than three to one.

### 8\. Brampton has 22,892 registered second units

In 2024, Brampton registered 2,585 additional second unit dwellings (basement apartments), for a total of 22,892 officially registered second units ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)).

### 9\. 3,697 two-unit dwelling permits in 2024

Brampton issued 3,697 permits for two-unit dwellings in 2024, down from 3,955 in 2023 and 5,539 in 2022 ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)).

### 10\. 1,094 alteration and 48 addition permits for existing homes

Work on existing Brampton homes drew 1,094 alteration permits and 48 addition permits in 2024, against 1,441 and 63 in 2022 ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)).

### 11\. 87 third-unit applications and 7 garden suites

Brampton received 87 applications for third-unit dwellings and registered 7 garden suites in 2024 ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf)). The City says these units must be registered to be legal ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/second-dwelling)).

22,892

Registered second units in Brampton (2024)

2,585

Second units registered in 2024

3,697

Two-unit dwelling permits in 2024

Source: [City of Brampton, Building Division Year End Report 2024](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Statistics%20and%20Bulletins/YEAR%20END%20REPORT%202024.pdf).

Planning a unit of your own? Our [basement finishing cost guide](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/basement-finishing-cost/) prices a legal suite, and the new list of [the best general contractors in Brampton](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/brampton/) ranks local firms that build them. Our [legal basement apartment cost guide](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/legal-basement-apartment-cost/) breaks down entrance, egress and city fees.

## How long does a building permit take in Ontario?

Ontario's Building Code gives a city 10 days to issue or refuse a complete permit application for a house, and 30 days for a complex building such as a hospital. The clock only starts once the file is complete. Toronto met those timelines for 87% of complete applications in 2024 and projected 94% for 2025.

### 12\. A house permit has a 10-day review timeframe

The Building Code requires a complete house application to be decided within 10 days; for a hospital it is 30 days. Within that window the city must issue the permit or give all reasons for refusing it ([Government of Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning/building-permits)).

### 13\. Toronto reviews complete house files within 10 business days

Toronto's House Stream reviews complete applications within 10 business days, and its Small Building Stream within 15. Files without a zoning certificate count as incomplete, and incomplete files have no review time frame ([City of Toronto](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permit/before-you-apply-for-a-building-permit/building-permit-review-streams/)).

### 14\. Express Services aims for 3 business days

For eligible small projects, Toronto Building's goal is to review applications within 3 business days after intake ([City of Toronto](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permit/before-you-apply-for-a-building-permit/building-permit-review-streams/)).

### 15\. Toronto hit the legal timeline on 87% of complete files in 2024

Toronto reviewed 87% of complete permit applications within the legislated 10 to 30 days in 2024, up from 81% in 2023 but below 89% in 2022. It projected 94% for 2025 ([Toronto Building](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf); [2025 notes](https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/955a-2025-Public-Book-TB-V1.pdf)).

_Chart: Share of complete Toronto permit applications reviewed within the legislated time frame, 2024: 87% of 100._

Source: [Toronto Building, 2026 Operating Budget Notes](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf).

## How much does a building permit cost in the GTA?

GTA permit fees are charged per square metre of floor area. In 2026 an addition costs $17.80 per square metre in Oakville, $13.96 in Mississauga and $12.03 in Brampton, while Toronto charges $18.56 for a new house. Minimum fees run from $214.79 in Toronto to $326.21 in Brampton.

### 16\. Toronto charges $18.56 per square metre for a new house

Toronto's 2026 service index for single family dwellings, semis, townhouses and duplexes is $18.56 per square metre, plus $56.33 for each new residential unit. The minimum fee for any work is $214.79 ([City of Toronto](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permit/before-you-apply-for-a-building-permit/building-permit-fees/)).

### 17\. Mississauga charges $13.96 per square metre for an addition

Mississauga's 2026 rate is $13.96 per square metre for a residential addition, $12.25 for an unheated one and $11.33 for an extra unit inside an existing building. The minimum residential fee is $244 ([City of Mississauga](https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03153640/Schedule-B-2026-Classes-of-Permits-and-Fees.pdf)).

### 18\. Brampton charges $12.03 for a heated addition

Brampton's 2026 schedule sets $12.03 per square metre for a heated addition, $9.34 unheated and $5.34 for alterations. The minimum fee for a house project is $326.21, and a basement finish or deck is a $326.21 flat fee ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Fees/Permit%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf)).

### 19\. A second unit permit costs $1,186.24 in Brampton

Brampton charges a $1,186.24 flat fee for a change of use to create a second dwelling unit ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Fees/Permit%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf)). Its 2026 fee schedule rose 3% on February 1, 2026 ([City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Pages/Announcement.aspx?ItemID=5)).

### 20\. Oakville charges $17.80 for additions and $4.90 for basements

The Town of Oakville charges $17.80 per square metre for house additions and $4.90 for interior alterations and basements in 2026 ([Town of Oakville](https://www.oakville.ca/getmedia/f7c6c09f-e976-4f07-b9ff-c3059248d479/budget-rates-fees-building-services.pdf)).

_Chart: 2026 permit fee for a residential addition, per square metre (CAD)._

Sources: [Town of Oakville](https://www.oakville.ca/getmedia/f7c6c09f-e976-4f07-b9ff-c3059248d479/budget-rates-fees-building-services.pdf); [City of Mississauga](https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03153640/Schedule-B-2026-Classes-of-Permits-and-Fees.pdf); [City of Brampton](https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Building-Permits/Documents/Fees/Permit%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf).

The permit is a small slice of the job. Our [home addition cost guide](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/home-addition-cost/) covers construction prices, and the [general contractor cost guide](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/general-contractor-cost/) explains who usually handles the permit.

## What happens if you build without a permit?

Building without a permit in Ontario can bring a fine of up to $50,000 for an individual on a first conviction and $100,000 after that. Corporations face up to $500,000 and $1,500,000. Toronto answered 3,438 reports of construction without a permit in 2024 and adds a surcharge to late permits.

### 21\. Fines reach $50,000 for a first offence

An individual found guilty under the Building Code Act, such as for building without a permit, can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for later offences ([Government of Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning/building-permits)).

### 22\. Corporations face up to $1,500,000

For a corporation, a first offence can bring a fine of up to $500,000 and later offences up to $1,500,000 ([Government of Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/document/citizens-guide-land-use-planning/building-permits)).

### 23\. Toronto answered 3,438 no-permit reports in 2024

Toronto Building responded to 3,438 reports of construction without a permit in 2024, 85% of them within 2 days ([Toronto Building](https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2026/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-261156.pdf)). Its fee schedule adds 50% of the permit fee, or $214.79 if greater, up to $29,456.99, for work started without one ([City of Toronto](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permit/before-you-apply-for-a-building-permit/building-permit-fees/)).

### 24\. Decks over 60 cm and sheds over 15 square metres need a permit

Toronto requires a permit for a deck more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground and for most accessory buildings over 10 square metres. A storage shed of 15 square metres or less, one storey and detached, is exempt ([City of Toronto](https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/building-permit/before-you-apply-for-a-building-permit/when-do-i-need-a-building-permit/)).

## What this means for homeowners

- Apply with a complete file. The 10-day review only starts when drawings, zoning clearance and fees are in, and Toronto missed the deadline on about 13% of complete files in 2024.
- Budget the permit, but focus on the build. A 30 square metre addition permit costs a few hundred dollars, while the work itself runs into six figures. Our [construction cost statistics](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/construction-cost-statistics/) show how much building costs rose in Toronto, Ottawa and London.
- Do not skip it. Fines of up to $50,000 and a 50% late surcharge in Toronto cost far more than the permit.
- Pro House Maintenance connects you with vetted, licensed and insured pros who give free written estimates. Compare [home addition contractors in Brampton](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/services/home-additions/ontario/brampton/) or [basement renovation quotes in Toronto](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/services/basement-renovation/ontario/toronto/), or see our [garden suite statistics](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/garden-suite-statistics/) for backyard units.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does it take to get a building permit for a house in Ontario?

The Ontario Building Code gives a municipality 10 days to issue or refuse a complete permit application for a house, says the Government of Ontario. Toronto reviews complete house applications within 10 business days. The clock starts only when the application is complete, including zoning clearance and fees, so incomplete files have no deadline.

### How much is a building permit for an addition in the GTA?

It depends on the city and the floor area. In 2026, Oakville charges $17.80 per square metre for an addition, Mississauga $13.96 and Brampton $12.03 for a heated addition. A 30 square metre addition would cost about $534 in Oakville, $419 in Mississauga and $361 in Brampton, before other fees.

### What happens if you build without a permit in Ontario?

An individual convicted under the Building Code Act, such as for building without a permit, can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and $100,000 for later ones. Corporations face up to $500,000 and $1,500,000. Toronto also adds 50% of the permit fee, up to $29,456.99, when work started first.

### How many building permits does Toronto issue a year?

Toronto Building issued 36,887 building permits in 2024, according to its 2026 budget notes, down from 39,986 in 2022 and 37,804 in 2023. It projected 38,000 for 2025 and set a target of 37,000 for 2026. City open data shows 2,957 permits issued in September 2026 alone.

### How many basement apartments are registered in Brampton?

Brampton registered 2,585 new second units, mostly basement apartments, in 2024, for a total of 22,892 registered second units, says its Building Division year-end report. The City says second units, third units and garden suites must be registered to be legal, and the change of use permit costs $1,186.24 in 2026.

### Is Pro House Maintenance free for renovation and addition quotes?

Yes. Pro House Maintenance is free for homeowners. You describe your project once, and we match you with vetted, licensed and insured pros who give free written estimates. Ask each pro who will apply for the permit, then compare the quotes and choose who to hire.

## Keep exploring

Ready to move from research to a real quote? [Get matched with a home additions pro](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/services/home-additions/). Home Additions projects typically run $40,000–$150,000 per project, and every estimate is free and fixed-price.

Hiring in Toronto or a nearby Ontario city? See our ranked lists of the [best general contractors in Toronto](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/toronto/), [best general contractors in Mississauga](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/mississauga/), [best general contractors in Hamilton](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/hamilton/), [best general contractors in Milton](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/milton/), [best general contractors in Brampton](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/brampton/), [best general contractors in Oakville](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/oakville/), [best general contractors in Burlington](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/burlington-on/), [best general contractors in Vaughan](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/vaughan/), [best general contractors in Markham](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/markham/), [best general contractors in Richmond Hill](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/richmond-hill/), [best general contractors in Kitchener](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/kitchener/), [best general contractors in Waterloo](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/waterloo/), [best general contractors in Guelph](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/guelph/), [best general contractors in Cambridge](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/cambridge-on/), [best general contractors in Oshawa](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/oshawa/), [best general contractors in Whitby](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/whitby/), [best general contractors in Barrie](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/barrie/), [best general contractors in Ajax](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/ajax/), [best general contractors in Newmarket](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/newmarket/), [best general contractors in Pickering](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/pickering/) and [best general contractors in Aurora](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/best/general-contractors/aurora/).

Related guides and reports from our editorial team:

- [Home Addition Cost in 2026: Toronto and GTA Prices Per Square Foot (CAD)](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/home-addition-cost/): GTA prices per square foot by addition type and size, second-storey and above-garage totals, soft costs, Toronto and Mississauga permit fees, US benchmarks and resale returns.
- [General Contractor Cost in 2026: Ontario Fees, Markups and Hourly Rates](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/general-contractor-cost/): GTA general contractor fees of 15% to 25% of hard costs, Toronto hourly rates by trade, project budgets by scope and Ontario payment rules.
- [22 Garden Suite and Laneway Suite Statistics: Toronto Permits, Costs and Rules (2026)](https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/garden-suite-statistics/): Toronto garden and laneway suite permit counts, approval times and variance rates, GTA build costs in CAD, size and height rules, and the federal tax credit and financing that still apply.

_Quote form: this page has a form to request free quotes from local pros. Open https://www.prohousemaintenance.com/blog/building-permit-statistics/ to use it._

---
_Pro House Maintenance, https://www.prohousemaintenance.com. Markdown rendering of the page above for AI readers._