Project template
Your preparation checklist
Use it as a working list. The final submission still needs to match your actual scope and the City’s current requirements.
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What to do next
- Choose the exact entrance location and dimensions
- Check zoning, grading, drainage and tree constraints
- Prepare scaled drawings and structural details
- Submit the basement entrance building-permit application before construction
Official sources behind this page
Building permitRequired
Toronto describes the service as a Building Permit for construction of a new basement entrance.
City of TorontoResidential Basement Entrances · Building permit route, drawings, forms and 2026 minimum fee for a new basement entrance
2026-10-01Open proof
DrawingsScaled and fully dimensioned
Toronto requires standardized, scaled, fully dimensioned, signed and dated drawings for the application.
City of TorontoResidential Basement Entrances · Building permit route, drawings, forms and 2026 minimum fee for a new basement entrance
2026-10-01Open proof
Engineering contentResponsibility form may apply
Where drawings carry a professional engineer’s seal, Toronto requires the applicable engineering responsibility form.
City of TorontoResidential Basement Entrances · Building permit route, drawings, forms and 2026 minimum fee for a new basement entrance
2026-10-01Open proof
TreesTree declaration can apply
Toronto requires a Tree Declaration Form for projects where private or City trees could be damaged.
City of TorontoResidential Basement Entrances · Building permit route, drawings, forms and 2026 minimum fee for a new basement entrance
2026-10-01Open proof
Need the full project answer?
The main guide keeps the permit trigger, zoning questions, documents, fees, timing and next steps together.
Open the basement entrance guide