When planning a construction, renovation, or property upgrade in Toronto, one of the most important steps is tracking your Toronto building permit status. Whether you’re building a new home, adding a second story, finishing a basement, or starting a commercial project, staying updated on your permit progress helps you avoid delays, unexpected issues, and compliance problems.
At ASR Engineers, we assist homeowners, contractors, and developers throughout the entire permit journey, from drawings and applications to approval support. This guide explains how to check your building permit status online in Toronto, understand the process, and ensure your project moves forward smoothly.
What Is a Building Permit and Why Does It Matter?
Before checking your building permit status in Toronto, it’s important to understand what a building permit actually is. A building permit is an official authorization issued by the municipality that confirms your project meets structural, zoning, and safety standards under the Ontario Building Code.
Whether you’re applying for a small renovation or a major development, your permit must be approved before construction begins. Tracking your building permit application status in Toronto ensures you know exactly where your project stands.
Understanding the Toronto Building Permit Status System
The City of Toronto building permit status system allows applicants to check updates online. You can see if your submission is under review, requires revisions, or has been approved.
Because the city processes thousands of applications each year, permit tracking helps you avoid unnecessary waiting time or missed communications.
Common updates you may see include:
- Application Received
- Under Review
- Awaiting Revisions
- Resubmitted
- Approved
- Permit Issued
If your project requires an engineer, such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, or underpinning drawings, ASR Engineers can help prepare compliant documents that reduce approval delays.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your Toronto Building Permit Status Online
Checking your building permit lookup in Toronto is easier than most applicants realize. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Toronto ePlans Portal
To begin, navigate to the City of Toronto’s online portal. This is the centralized system where all building permit applications are submitted, reviewed, and tracked.
The portal works for:
- Residential permits
- Commercial permits
- Demolition permits
- Renovation and alteration permits
- Underpinning permits
- Site plan approvals
Step 2: Enter Your Application Number
To check building permit status Toronto, have your information ready:
- Application number
- Project address
- Applicant name
- Email used during submission
The application number is typically formatted with letters and numbers, and it’s essential for tracking your file.
Step 3: View Status Updates and Required Actions
Once you’re logged in, you’ll see the official building permit process Toronto dashboard. Here, you can see:
- Current status
- Reviewer comments
- Required documents
- Revision requests
- Expected timelines
- Fee payments (if outstanding)
If the reviewer requests additional drawings or clarifications, you must respond promptly to avoid additional delays.
This is where ASR Engineers can assist by quickly updating structural drawings, preparing additional documents, or correcting compliance issues.
Step 4: Submit Any Required Revisions
If your city of Toronto building permit status shows “Awaiting Revisions”, it means the city needs more information. Common reasons include:
- Missing structural details
- Incomplete architectural drawings
- Zoning conflicts
- HVAC or plumbing inconsistencies
- Structural safety concerns
- Insufficient foundation details for additions or underpinning
Our team at ASR Engineers specializes in resolving technical issues so your permit moves to approval faster
Step 5: Monitor Approval Progress
After submitting revisions, continue checking the building permit approval time. The timeline varies depending on:
- Type of project
- Complexity
- Document quality
- City workload
Typical approval times:
- Small residential projects: 2 – 4 weeks
- Structural changes: 4 – 8 weeks
- Additions or underpinning: 6 – 12 weeks
- Commercial permits: 8 – 16 + weeks
With professionally prepared drawings from ASR Engineers, delays are minimized because your submission meets all necessary standards.
Why Checking Permit Status Matters
Monitoring your Toronto building permit status ensures:
- You don’t miss important revision requests
- Your project stays on schedule
- You stay updated on compliance requirements
- Construction starts only when legally approved
Ignoring your permit status can lead to penalties, stop-work orders, or costly redesigns, issues no homeowner or builder wants.
How ASR Engineers Helps With Toronto Building Permits
At every stage of the building permit process Toronto, ASR Engineers provides industry-leading support. Clients rely on us for:
Complete Permit Drawings
Structural, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, underpinning, grading, and more.
Permit Application Assistance
Submitting through the ePlans portal correctly the first time.
Revision Handling
We respond quickly if the city requests updates.
Faster Approval Times
Well-prepared drawings significantly reduce delays.
Expert Compliance
We ensure your project meets the Ontario Building Code and zoning requirements.
When you want your permit approved without stress, choosing ASR Engineers is your best decision.
Our team provides reliable building permit services in Toronto, guiding you through drawings, zoning compliance, and the full approval process.
Understanding Common Permit Statuses in Toronto
Here’s what the most common statuses mean:
Application Received
Your submission is in line for review.
Under Review
City staff are examining your drawings and documents.
Awaiting Applicant
The city requires revisions or more information.
Resubmitted
Revisions uploaded, review pending.
Approved
Your permit is ready for issuance.
Permit Issued
Construction can officially begin.
Understanding these terms helps you handle the building permit lookup Toronto process with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you check building permit status online in Toronto?
You can check your Toronto building permit status on the City of Toronto ePlans portal by entering your application number. The system will show your current status and required actions.
How long does building permit approval take in Toronto?
Approval times vary based on project complexity. Simple renovations may take 2 – 4 weeks, while structural additions or underpinning may take 6 – 12 weeks or longer.
Why is my building permit still under review?
The city may be experiencing high volume, or your drawings may require detailed review. Missing details or incomplete drawings can also slow down the building permit application status Toronto.
Can ASR Engineers help speed up my permit approval?
Yes. ASR Engineers prepare fully compliant drawings, respond quickly to revision requests, and ensure your application meets all technical requirements, reducing delays.
What if I cannot interpret the feedback from the city?
Our team can review the comments, fix your drawings, and re-submit everything professionally.
Final Thoughts
Checking your Toronto building permit status regularly is essential for keeping your construction project on track. With the City of Toronto’s online portal, applicants can easily monitor updates, review comments, and ensure timely responses.
However, navigating the technical aspects of permit approvals can be challenging without expert assistance. That’s where ASR Engineers come in, providing clear guidance, high-quality drawings, and reliable support from start to finish.
If you’re preparing for a renovation, addition, new construction, or structural project, let ASR Engineers handle your permit needs and help you move smoothly from application to approval.
