When you go to do a home renovation, it can be difficult to keep all of the moving parts under control. You’ll have to purchase supplies, make plans, and possibly hire a contractor. The last thing that you need is to receive a fine after your project is completed notifying you that your home renovation required a permit.
In this article, you will learn about Toronto renovation permits, what they are, and when you need them.
What is a Renovation Permit?
Toronto renovation permits are formal permission that you will receive from the Toronto government that gives you permission to add on to or demolish part of your home. In order to get this permit, the Toronto government will review your renovation plans and make sure they are in accordance with the local building codes and laws.
What are the Fees for a Permit?
The cost for a permit from the city varies depending on the exact alterations you’re making.
In the case of HVAC systems, the cost is typically a $198.59 to $250.22 flat fee for things like adding or replacing a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning system, depending on whether ductwork is also being added. Boiler systems, central air conditioners, and heat pump installation involves similar fees.
When are Renovation Permits Necessary?
Renovation permits are necessary whenever you are renovating your house in a way that affects the structure of your home. Adding new rooms and installing windows where there were none previously are examples of renovations that would require a permit.
Since these renovations directly affect the structure of the house, it is important that the Toronto government reviews your plans and makes sure that they are not creating an unsafe structure.
Some other examples of projects that require permits are accessory structures, such as pool houses and garages, and retaining walls more than one meter high. Although these projects do not affect the original home’s safety, they are still large enough structures that they need to comply with the Toronto building code.
Do You Need a Permit to Install an Air Conditioner?
No, you do not need an air conditioner permit to install an air conditioning unit in Toronto. An air conditioning unit falls under cooling, not heating. Adding cooling elements to your home does not require a permit as long as it does not affect the structure of your home.
Do You Need a Permit to Install a Heat Pump?
Unlike air conditioners, heat pumps do require a permit known as the Standalone Mechanical (HVAC) permit for installation.
Heat pumps are considered standalone units meaning that they are part of the construction outside of the home. In addition to heat pumps, any other standalone heating and ventilation systems will require a permit.
To get a permit for your heat pump you will be required to send information on the pump to the Toronto government along with any other renovation plans. They will make sure that your plans are in accordance with Toronto safety regulations and that the heat pump you plan on installing is the right fit for your home.
What Documentation is Required?
To apply for a Stand-alone Mechanical (HVAC) permit you will be required to supply several pieces of documentation. You need to send in the mechanical system layout, mechanical details, and ventilation calculations.
All designs should be drawn fully to scale, ideally by a professional designer who will need to provide their certification information. They should be signed, dated, and accurate to your current plans.
Do You Need a Permit to Install a Furnace?
Yes, you will need a furnace permit to install a furnace in your Toronto area home. A furnace is considered a heating device, and as such, it has the potential to cause house fires and other disasters. To prevent this, the Toronto government requires you to file a request for a building permit.
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How to Apply for a Toronto Home Renovation Permit
To apply for a home renovation permit, you will need to go to the Toronto government website. There you will find all of the available information on building permits as well as information on when you need one and how to apply for a permit. You will be able to find links to all the forms that you need to fill out to apply as well as where to send them in.
HVAC Permit
To install any heating systems, you will need to apply for a Toronto HVAC permit. To get this permit, you will need to send in all of your building plans and the city government will review them to make sure that they are in accordance with all safety regulations. Once they have reviewed your plans and found them to be satisfactory, they will send you a permit that allows you to begin renovations.
The name of the permit that you will apply for is the Related Mechanical Permit. To apply for this permit, you will need to submit documentation describing your project as well as three different forms.
Documentation
The first piece of documentation that you will need to provide is the mechanical system layout. This documentation will detail exactly where the mechanical systems are on each level of the building. It will include all heating and cooling systems.
The second piece of documentation that you need to include in your application is the mechanical details. This document will detail all the specifications of the system that you are planning on installing and any existing systems that will be affected by the new installation. You will need to include the type, location, and size of equipment as well as the heat loss and gain, mechanical ventilation, and dust calculations.
Forms
The three forms that you will need to fill out to submit your application are the Application to Construct or Demolish Form, Designer Information Form, and Commitment to General Reviews By Architect and Designer.
Email Submission
Once you have completed your forms and compiled the documentation you need, it is time to submit your application. To submit your application, you will send all of your documentation and forms to the email address provided at the top of the Application to Construct or Demolish Form. There is a button that says “Email” and clicking on this button will open a window for you to send your application to the correct email address.
For your email, you will attach all forms and documentation to the email. The email cannot exceed 25MB. If it does, you should attach the documentation to the email using an SFTP link. Using a link will allow you to attach very large building plans and documentation to the email without making it too big to send.
You should receive an email confirmation that says your email has been received by the city of Toronto. After that, the process should move fairly quickly. Within a few days, your application will be reviewed for sufficient documentation, and you may receive an email requesting payment for fees depending on what system you’re installing.
If there are any issues with your application, you will receive an email stating what is missing or what needs to be corrected.
If all your documentation is correct and your plans are in accordance with safety regulations, your permit will be issued electronically.
Summary
To install some HVAC systems in the city of Toronto, you will be required to apply for a home renovation permit. This permit states that all of your plans are in accordance with local building codes and safety regulations.
To apply for a building permit, you will go to the city of Toronto website and download the forms listed there. You will submit the forms and documentation of your project to the city government where they will review your application. If your application is approved, you will receive an electronic building permit and can begin your project.
