Do I Need a Permit for My
Bathroom Renovation?
The definitive Ontario guide — exactly which bathroom renovation tasks require a permit, which don't, permit costs by city, and what happens if you skip one you needed.
The One-Sentence Rule
Cosmetic work (tile, paint, vanity, fixtures in the same location) = no permit.
Systems work (moving plumbing, new electrical circuits, structural changes) = permit required.
Permit Required? Task-by-Task Guide
Based on Ontario Building Code and municipal requirements. July 2026.
Cosmetic — no structural or systems work. No permit required.
Considered cosmetic if plumbing connections remain in the same location.
Direct replacement, no permit needed. Work still requires a licensed plumber per Ontario code.
Same footprint = no permit. Changing size or moving the drain requires a permit.
Replacement of an existing device with no new circuits. No permit. Must use a licensed electrician.
New circuit or new outlet = electrical permit required. File with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
Anytime you alter or move DWV (drain, waste, vent) plumbing, a permit is required. Licensed plumber must be on record.
Full building permit required. New rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC connections are involved.
Any structural modification requires a building permit and stamped engineer drawings in most Ontario municipalities.
New electrical circuit = ESA permit required. Must be done by a licensed electrician. Often inspected at rough-in.
New floor drain location = plumbing permit. Framing changes may also require a building permit.
Building permit + plumbing permit + electrical permit all required. Also triggers fire code review in some municipalities.
Permit Costs by Ontario City
For plumbing and electrical permits related to bathroom renovations.
| Municipality | Permit Cost | Processing Time | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $150 – $500 | 5–15 business days | toronto.ca/building |
| Oshawa | $100 – $350 | 3–7 business days | oshawa.ca/permitting |
| Whitby | $100 – $350 | 3–7 business days | whitby.ca/permits |
| Ajax | $100 – $300 | 3–5 business days | ajax.ca/permits |
| Pickering | $100 – $350 | 3–7 business days | pickering.ca |
| Mississauga | $150 – $450 | 5–10 business days | mississauga.ca/permits |
| Brampton | $150 – $400 | 5–10 business days | brampton.ca/permits |
| Hamilton | $100 – $350 | 3–8 business days | hamilton.ca/permits |
Costs are estimates. Contact your municipality for current fee schedules. Plumbing permits are filed by the licensed plumber; ESA permits by the electrician.
What Happens If You Skip a Required Permit
The short-term savings are not worth it.
You cannot sell your home without permit history
Real estate lawyers conduct title searches that reveal open permits or unpermitted work. Buyers' home inspectors flag unpermitted bathrooms. You may be required to open walls, pay fines, or have the work re-done by a licensed contractor before the sale closes.
Home insurance may deny claims
If unpermitted plumbing or electrical work causes a flood or fire, your insurer can deny the claim citing code violations. A $15,000 bathroom renovation without a required permit could result in a denied $80,000 flood claim.
Municipal fines and stop-work orders
Ontario municipalities can issue stop-work orders and fines of $500–$50,000 under the Building Code Act. Retroactive permit fees are typically double the standard rate.
Work With Contractors Who Know the Rules
QuoteXbert connects Ontario homeowners with licensed, insured contractors who pull the required permits as part of their work — protecting your investment and your insurance.
Find a Licensed Bathroom ContractorFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to tile my bathroom in Ontario?
No. Replacing tile — on the floor or walls — is considered cosmetic work and does not require a building permit in Ontario. This applies to tub surrounds, shower stalls, and floor tile. No permit is needed as long as you are not moving plumbing or altering the structure.
Do I need a permit to replace my toilet in Ontario?
No permit is required for a direct toilet replacement in Ontario — as long as the toilet stays in the same location. However, Ontario's Building Code still requires that plumbing work be done by a licensed plumber. The permit requirement applies when the rough-in is being moved or altered.
Do I need a permit to move the shower drain in Ontario?
Yes. Any alteration to drain, waste, and vent (DWV) plumbing — including moving a shower drain — requires a plumbing permit in Ontario municipalities. You must hire a licensed plumber, who will typically pull the permit as part of their work.
What happens if I renovate my bathroom without a required permit in Ontario?
Unpermitted work that required a permit creates problems when you sell: disclosure requirements, potential forced reopening of walls, fines, and in some cases, the work being deemed non-compliant. Insurers can deny claims for damage caused by unpermitted systems. It is always cheaper to pull the permit than to deal with the consequences later.
How much does a bathroom renovation permit cost in Durham Region?
In Durham Region municipalities (Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering), a bathroom renovation permit for plumbing or electrical work typically costs $100–$350. Permits for structural work (removing walls, adding a bathroom) cost more. Processing typically takes 3–7 business days for straightforward projects.
Does my contractor pull the permit or do I?
Either party can pull the permit, but for plumbing and electrical work, the licensed tradesperson (plumber, electrician) typically pulls the permit as part of their service. For a general building permit (structural, additions), the homeowner or general contractor usually applies. Always confirm who is responsible before work begins.