Vaughan, 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 Vaughan, Ontario, with the source and limits visible.

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Focused project answerLast verified Oct 14, 2026
Published fee information

Vaughan By-law 051-2026 (effective February 24, 2026), Schedule F, sets a $195 minimum building-permit fee. Its 2026 Part 9 rates include $21.82/m² for a single dwelling unit (including a secondary unit) and $7.30/m² for interior alterations; the applicable classification and floor area determine the actual permit charge. For qualifying alterations or secondary suites in a detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling, Schedule F separately lists a returnable fee of $2,575 or the building-permit fee if lower. This is not the non-refundable permit price and return conditions must be confirmed with the City. Change of use without construction is excluded from that returnable-fee category. Additional approvals and project costs may apply.

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.

Vaughan’s process begins with property eligibility and zoning. Newer units use the Building Code permit route, while older existing units can involve Fire Code review.

ZoningMust comply

Vaughan states that a secondary suite must comply with its Zoning By-law and limits eligibility to specified dwelling types and locations.

New secondary suiteBuilding permit required

For a new unit, Vaughan directs owners to submit a building permit application with professionally prepared drawings.

ParkingAdditional parking is part of the zoning criteria

The City states that one additional properly surfaced parking space is required per additional residential unit under the cited criteria.

Official sources behind this page

ZoningMust comply

Vaughan states that a secondary suite must comply with its Zoning By-law and limits eligibility to specified dwelling types and locations.

Official sourceCity of VaughanHow to Get a Secondary Suite / ADU · Zoning criteria and building permit route
Verified2026-10-01Open proof
New secondary suiteBuilding permit required

For a new unit, Vaughan directs owners to submit a building permit application with professionally prepared drawings.

Official sourceCity of VaughanHow to Get a Secondary Suite / ADU · Zoning criteria and building permit route
Verified2026-10-01Open proof
ParkingAdditional parking is part of the zoning criteria

The City states that one additional properly surfaced parking space is required per additional residential unit under the cited criteria.

Official sourceCity of VaughanHow to Get a Secondary Suite / ADU · Zoning criteria and building permit route
Verified2026-10-01Open proof
2026 permit ratesFrom $195 minimum

Schedule F to Vaughan By-law 051-2026 lists $21.82/m² for a Part 9 single dwelling unit (including a secondary unit) and $7.30/m² for a Part 9 interior alteration. Vaughan determines which classification, floor area and additional charges apply to the proposed work.

Official sourceCity of VaughanFees and Charges By-law 051-2026 · Schedule F, pp. 13, 19–21 (PDF pages 13, 19–21): Part 9 permit rates, returnable fees, exclusions and notes
Verified2026-10-14Open proof
Returnable feeSeparate from the permit charge

For qualifying alterations or secondary suites in detached, semi-detached or townhouse buildings, Schedule F lists a returnable fee of $2,575, or the building-permit fee if lower. The schedule excludes a change of use without construction. Confirm applicability and conditions for return with Vaughan.

Official sourceCity of VaughanFees and Charges By-law 051-2026 · Schedule F, pp. 13, 19–21 (PDF pages 13, 19–21): Part 9 permit rates, returnable fees, exclusions and notes
Verified2026-10-14Open proof

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The main guide keeps the permit trigger, zoning questions, documents, fees, timing and next steps together.

Open the basement apartment / secondary suite guide