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Toronto window & door permits

Do you need a permit to replace or add a window or door in Toronto?

Check Toronto permit rules for replacing, enlarging, relocating or adding windows and doors, including when same-opening replacement is exempt.

2 min readReviewed Oct 1, 2026
The short answerConditional

It depends. New openings, enlarged openings and relocated windows or doors require a building permit. Some same-opening replacements in houses are exempt.

For a detached, semi-detached or row house containing one dwelling unit, Toronto says replacement in an existing opening can be permit-exempt when the opening size and location stay the same, structural support is unaffected and no new exit is created.

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What changes the answer.

Start with these conditions. The official reference is attached to each one.

New openingPermit requiredConditional

Toronto lists new windows or doors where none existed before as permit-required work.

Official sourceCity of TorontoWhen Do I Need a Building Permit? · Permit-required and permit-exempt project examples
Verified2026-10-01Open proof
Enlarged / relocated openingPermit requiredConditional

Enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors is listed as permit-required work.

Official sourceCity of TorontoWhen Do I Need a Building Permit? · Permit-required and permit-exempt project examples
Verified2026-10-01Open proof
Same-opening replacementCan be exemptLikely allowed

Certain houses can replace a window or door in the existing opening without a building permit when the City's listed conditions are met.

Official sourceCity of TorontoWhen Do I Need a Building Permit? · Permit-required and permit-exempt project examples
Verified2026-10-01Open proof

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Preparation checklist · Reviewed 2026-10-01

Fees and timing

TimelineSimple same-opening replacement can fall outside the building-permit process. Structural or opening changes should be reviewed before ordering custom units.
FeesPermit fees depend on the larger renovation scope when structural or material alteration is involved.

Next steps

  1. Measure the existing opening
  2. Confirm whether size or location changes
  3. Check whether structural support is affected
  4. Prepare drawings before enlarging or creating an opening

A few questions you might have.

Can I replace a window with the same size without a permit?

In a detached, semi-detached or qualifying row house, Toronto lists same-opening replacement as permit-exempt if structural support is not altered and no new exit is created.

Do I need a permit to make a window bigger?

Yes. Toronto lists enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors as permit-required structural or material alteration.

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Define the actual work, check the applicable rules, choose the City guide for that scope and prepare its drawings, forms and fees. The submission route is stated in the project-specific guide.

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