BuildRules/Toronto/Basement apartment / secondary suite/Cost

Toronto, Ontario / Permit cost

What does a basement apartment / secondary suite permit cost?

See the published permit fee information BuildRules has verified for a basement apartment / secondary suite project in Toronto, Ontario, with the source and limits visible.

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Focused project answerLast verified Oct 14, 2026
Published fee information

Toronto’s 2026 Secondary Suites application guide lists an $11.53/m² service-index rate for Group C interior alterations and a separate $56.33 fee for each new residential unit included in an application. Toronto’s general building-permit schedule lists a minimum fee of $214.79 for work and uses the relevant service index multiplied by the floor area of the proposed work unless specified otherwise. Do not use the $6.20/m² finishes-only basement rate for a new separate dwelling unit. Classification, unit fee, minimum, and any related plumbing, mechanical, revision or other approval charges require a complete scope and City confirmation. BuildRules also offers a separate 2026 Toronto permit-fees calculator for selected other project types; it does not currently calculate a complete secondary-suite permit package.

Use this as a municipal-fee reference, not as the total project budget. Design, engineering, related applications and construction costs are separate.

Scope before arithmetic

Make sure the fee belongs to your project.

A basement apartment is a common example. This differs from a finishes-only basement project. The City’s guide covers the drawings and related mechanical or plumbing submissions.

Application routeUse the project-specific City guide

Confirm the requirements against the official guide linked below.

2026 secondary-suite fees$11.53/m² + $56.33 per new unit

The City secondary-suite guide lists a 2026 rate of $11.53/m² for Group C interior alterations and $56.33 for each new residential unit. The general permit schedule sets a $214.79 minimum and separate charges may apply. Toronto determines the actual fee from the submitted scope.

Work classificationNot ordinary basement finishing

Creating a new self-contained dwelling follows the secondary suite permit application guide. The lower finishes-only basement service index should not be assumed to cover a new unit. Relevant drawings and plumbing/mechanical applications must be assessed.

Need the broader Toronto fee schedule?

Use the BuildRules fee guide and calculator for supported categories, then confirm the final classification with Toronto Building.

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Official sources behind this page

Application routeUse the project-specific City guide

Confirm the requirements against the official guide linked below.

Official sourceCity of TorontoBasement apartment / secondary suite application guide · Secondary suite application, required drawings, related mechanical/plumbing submissions and 2026 fees
Verified2026-10-14Open proof
2026 secondary-suite fees$11.53/m² + $56.33 per new unit

The City secondary-suite guide lists a 2026 rate of $11.53/m² for Group C interior alterations and $56.33 for each new residential unit. The general permit schedule sets a $214.79 minimum and separate charges may apply. Toronto determines the actual fee from the submitted scope.

Official sourceCity of TorontoBuilding Permit Fees, effective January 1, 2026 · 2026 calculation SI × area, $214.79 minimum, Group C interior alterations $11.53/m², $56.33 per new residential unit, and separate related charges
Verified2026-10-14Open proof
Work classificationNot ordinary basement finishing

Creating a new self-contained dwelling follows the secondary suite permit application guide. The lower finishes-only basement service index should not be assumed to cover a new unit. Relevant drawings and plumbing/mechanical applications must be assessed.

Official sourceCity of TorontoBasement apartment / secondary suite application guide · Secondary suite application, required drawings, related mechanical/plumbing submissions and 2026 fees
Verified2026-10-14Open 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 apartment / secondary suite guide