Approvals are where custom home projects most often slow down — and where an experienced builder earns their keep. Here's what's typically involved across the GTA.
The building permit
Every new home needs a building permit, issued once your drawings are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and local zoning. Complete, well-prepared drawings move through review faster than incomplete ones.
Zoning & minor variances
If your design doesn't fit the zoning by-law exactly — a little more height, a larger footprint, a tighter setback — you'll need a minor variance. These are decided by the municipality's Committee of Adjustment under Section 45 of the Planning Act. In Toronto, a hearing is typically three to four months out from a complete application, with a 20-day appeal period after.
Other approvals you may need
- Demolition permit for a teardown
- Tree protection / arborist review on treed lots
- Heritage or conservation authority review in certain areas
- Site plan or servicing approvals on some lots
Who should handle it
You shouldn't be navigating City Hall on your own. A full-service builder manages the entire process — the drawings, the submissions, the variance application, and the back-and-forth — so the paperwork never becomes your burden. Before you hire, confirm in writing that permits and approvals are included.