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Second Suites: Dealing with municipal government offices.

Who does what?
Four staffing sections are responsible for second suites across Toronto.

Buildings Division
Buildings staff can give you information on all the requirements for a new second suite and are responsible for issuing building permits. Your new suite must meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, zoning and other laws that may apply.

Fire Services
Fire Services can give you information on the steps to follow to make sure an existing second suite is safe under the Fire Code and how to get clearance from the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority.

Municipal Licensing and Standards (ML&S)
ML&S staff are responsible for zoning and property standards. If you already have a second suite, you can contact ML&S to find out if you property permits a second suite and complies with fire and property standards.

Shelter, Housing and Support
The main role of housing staff is information and community outreach. Housing staff are working with community agencies such as the Landlords’ Self-Help Centre, Housing Help Centres and the Toronto Real Estate Board to provide information to the public on second suites.

Existing Second Suite
If you have a second suite and you want to have it legalized, you may contact Fire Services or Municipal Licensing and Standards. Either section will assist you in determining your starting point.

New Second Suite
If you are creating a new second suite, the first point of contact will be the Zoning office in the Buildings Division for your community (i.e. South or East or North Districts).

Zoning Offices
Zoning offices associated with the former cities with in Metro Toronto are still operating respective to their jurisdiction. Go to your local zoning office:

• East York: 416-397-4489, 850 Coxwell Avenue (north of Danforth Avenue), Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• North York: 416-395-7000, 5100 Yonge Street (North York Civic Centre) Building Department, first floor, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• (former) City of Toronto: new City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., Main Fl., W. Tower

The following information will be of value to you. Your Guide to Building Permits brochure shows you the quality of design plans (showing full dimensions) expected. The East York office also provides the document “Your Guide to Preparing Permit Drawings” which gives two sets of drawings examples that are applicable for most small housing projects, that are required for permit application.

Other brochures that may be of value to you to pick up are:

At the City of Toronto, South District and North York, North District offices:

• Building Permit Requirements for Housing
• Building Permit Requirements for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (H.V.A.C.)
• Infill Housing and Neighbourhoods

At the East York office provides:

• Building Permit Requirements for Housing
• Infill Housing and Neighbourhoods
• Second Suites: An information guide for homeowners.

The information sheet, “Building and Sign Permit Fees” lists separate fees for building an external addition and interior alterations and renovations. Note: In the North District office, the information sheet is entitled, “Building Permit Fees”.

Obtain and inform yourself of the relevant aspects of the Ontario Building Code. In addition, get a copy of “Section 6 _ Residential Districts” which is an extract of Zoning By-law No. 438-86, (copies may be had from the City of Toronto, South District or the library). You must ensure as to whether your premises and the existing (or proposed use) will comply with the Zoning By-law, the Building Code Act or the Ontario Building Code. Section 6 helps you determine what qualifications are required.

At this time, depending on what you are planning to build, you can pick up at the District offices (In addition to the Permit Application form):

• Common Building Code Requirements for Two Units in Residential Buildings;
• A Guide to Building Permits _ Drawing Requirements for a Residential Addition.

In East York, they provide:

• Your Guide to Preparing Permit Drawings.

N.B. If your plans will include plumbing installation, it is advisable to enquire about getting a Plumbing Permit