Before you apply
Follow these instructions before you begin your application.
1. Confirm that your project requires a permit
Review the City’s list of common renovation, construction, demolition and installation projects to understand whether you need to complete a building permit application or not.
2. Check your zoning
Before you start a new project, check the zoning of your property to find out if there are any restrictions on what you can build.
3. Understand the associated costs and timelines
The applicant should be aware of the cost to get a building permit and how long it may take, and budget accordingly.
4. Gather forms, drawings and documents
Different forms, drawings and other documents are required depending on the type of project. Learn about the specific drawings and documents you have to provide to apply for a building permit.
Keep in mind that it’s strongly recommended that you work with a design professional such as an architect, professional engineer or qualified designer to create complete and accurate drawings that comply with the Building Code and Mississauga Zoning By-law.
5. Find out if you need additional approvals
Depending on the type of project you’re working on and where your property is located, you may need other approvals before your building permit can be issued.
Common examples of additional approvals, include:
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- Conservation authority approval for property located on land that’s regulated by a conservation authority, such as Credit Valley Conservation Authority, Conservation Halton or Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
- Heritage approval for property listed or designated as a heritage property. You can check the heritage status of your property online.
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation approval for property that falls within MTO controlled areas.
- Site plan approval for property located in the site plan control area identified in the Site Plan Control By-law. You may need to apply for a development application. For more information call at 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).
- A tree removal permit may be required if you plan to injure or remove trees on public and private property. Learn more about tree removal.
- Committee of Adjustment approval for changes to your property that will not meet current zoning by-law requirements. You may need to apply for approval from the Committee of Adjustment.
Review and complete the Applicable Law Form to indicate which additional approvals may be required for your project. Save this form and be sure to upload it as a supporting document during the application process.
Application process
The following steps outline how building permit applications submitted through ePlans are processed.
1. Create an ePlans account
Start the building permit application process by creating an ePlans account.
2. Submit a building permit application
Log in to ePlans and navigate to the Building Applications section.
Follow the prompts to start the application process.
Complete each step by providing the requested information.
Submit your building permit request and pay the administration fee.
3. Upload drawings and supporting documents
Shortly after submitting your permit request, you’ll receive an email from the City that includes your temporary project number and an invitation to upload drawings and supporting documents.
Log in to ePlans and open your applicant upload task under the Current Projects section.
Follow the task instructions to upload required drawings and documents.
4. Complete the prescreen review
After you upload your drawings and documents, the City will start the prescreen review process to ensure the minimum requirements are met.
The time frame for this step is subject to change depending on request volumes.
You cannot upload any additional information or respond to comments during the prescreen review.
5. Pay fees
Once your request passes the prescreen review, the City will send you an email to let you know what additional fees you need to pay.
You can reference the Fee Schedule for a general idea of the charges.
You must pay fees under $30,000 using the applicant’s account in ePlans.
You must pay fees over $30,000 by electronic payment.
6. Confirm your application is created
Once you have paid the required fees, your application will be created and the City will send you a new application number by email.
7. Complete the department review
Your application will then be sent for a detailed review by the relevant review groups to make sure it meets the building code, zoning by-law and other applicable approvals. Learn more about building permit cost and time frames.
When the review is completed by each review group, they will mark your application as either “approved” or “withheld”. You cannot upload any additional information or respond to comments when a file is in review.
8. Download your issued permit
Once your application is approved by all the review groups, you’ll be notified by email that your permit and approved drawings are available to download in ePlans.
After receiving your building permit, you are ready to begin work. At this point, you’ll need to be aware of what needs to be kept on site, including your building permit notice and approved drawings, and start scheduling inspections.