Building Standards

* NOTICE * Upcoming Changes to the Development Charges Collection Procedure

 

** New ** The Building Standards Digital Assistant (AI Chatbot) is now live, offering simple access and continuous round‑the‑clock support for Building Standards inquiries. To get started click the "Chat" icon at the bottom-right of the page. 

 

 

Our Function
 

The Building Standards Department issues permits for the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings.  It also issues permits for the installation, alteration, extension and/or material alterations of on-site sewage systems, plumbing systems, early warning and fire suppression systems, and mechanical systems such as process exhaust, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).  

 

The Department also includes a Zoning Services Section that is responsible for the administration of the City’s Zoning by-laws and provides zoning by-law reviews for building permit applications, business licences and various planning related applications. The Department conducts site inspections of the issued permits, unsafe buildings, and construction in progress without a permit.  Through the process of reviewing and issuing building permits and conducting appropriate on-site inspections, the City of Vaughan can ensure that such buildings and systems are safe and that they meet the applicable provisions of the Ontario Building Code, the City’s Zoning by-law and other planning controls and laws.

 

 

Please Note:
The legal Applicant for a building permit is the registered user of the online portal who submits the application.

 

 

Ontario released a new Building code which came into effect as of January 1, 2025.  Please see the 2024 Ontario Building Code Timing and Transition Process Chart - click here

Online Permitting Portal / ePlans Portal
Building Permit Status Interactive Map
Zoning Services Portal

Building Standards Information

​Contact a Client Services Specialist
Email - buildingstandards@vaughan.ca
Phone - 905-832-8510

Contact a Client Services Specialist

​Email - buildinginspections@vaughan.ca

Phone - 905-832-8511

Online Permitting Portal Applicant Manual - click here
ePlans - Submission Standards Applicant Manual - click here
ePlans - How to Upload and Submit Drawings and Documents Applicant Manual - click here
ePlans - Applicant Manual - How to Respond and Re-submit Permit Application - click here
ePlans - Applicant Final Plan Check Response Manual - click here
ePlans - How Portal Users Can View and Save Project Dox Comments - click here
Zoning Services Stratawise Portal Applicant Manual - click here

Building Permits
Zoning Services
Building Inspections
Secondary Suites / Additional Dwelling Units (ADU)
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs
Property Information Requests

Building By-law

Fees

 

 

Building Standards Digital Assistant (AI Chatbot)

Your use of the Building Standards Digital Assistant confirms you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this disclaimer and to your chat log being collected and stored. If you do not agree to the below terms and conditions of this disclaimer, please do not use the Building Standards Digital Assistant.

The Building Standards Digital Assistant is located on the Building Standards pages of vaughan.ca as well as on the Permitting Portal (eservices.vaughan.ca).

Developed using Microsoft Copilot Studio platform, it leverages generative AI to efficiently search through a curated knowledge base to provide accurate and timely answers to questions related to Vaughan's Building Standards services. 

This chatbot helps citizens with basic questions about building services, giving citizens quick, 24/7 access to information.

The Building Standards Digital Assistant is a pilot project that is continually evolving and as a result, may undergo changes. Such changes may be influenced by chat requests, generative artificial intelligence model updates, platform updates as well as the inclusion of new data sources. As a result, the information provided by Building Standards Digital Assistant is subject to change.

The information and output provided by Building Standards Digital Assistant is to be used for information purposes only and should not be construed as advice of any kind. All information produced by Building Standards Digital Assistant must be confirmed independently by you. It is your responsibility to verify any information provided by Building Standards Digital Assistant before you act on it in any way. 

Be aware that conversations with Building Standards Digital Assistant may be stored for up to thirty (30) days to allow for improvement of digital assistant. The data you enter into Building Standards Digital Assistant may also be used to train the AI models. Do not input any sensitive, confidential, or personal information into the Building Standards Digital Assistant. 

Your use of the Building Standards Digital Assistant is at your own risk. While the City of Vaughan strives to provide accurate up-to-date information through Building Standards Digital Assistant, the City of Vaughan cannot guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information. The City of Vaughan does not accept any responsibility for your use of the Building Standards Digital Assistant and does not make any representation or warranty as to the quality, accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided by Building Standards Digital Assistant. 

The City of Vaughan disclaims any liability for direct, indirect, special, incidental, exemplary, economic, consequential or other damages that may arise from the use of the Building Standards Digital Assistant, or information provided by the Building Standards Digital Assistant, including your reliance upon such information.

The City of Vaughan may modify or update the terms of this disclaimer at any time without notice. Your use of Building Standards Digital Assistant following any such modifications or updates will act as confirmation that you acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions in this disclaimer.
 

 

Notice of Collection: Personal information is collected on the Building Standards Digital Assistant under the authority of the Municipal Act, s. 11. The purpose of this collection is to assist in administering the creation and processing of customer service cases. The personal information provided on this form is protected in accordance with Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the collection of personal information, please contact a Client Service Specialist by email at buildingstandards@vaughan.ca or by phone at 905-832-8510.

  • General queries about building permits and applications
  • Information on inspection schedules and requirements
  • Guidance on zoning, codes, and compliance
  • Details about building department office hours and contact information
  • Are there any permits at 2141 Major Mackenzie?
  • How to book or check the status of an Inspection?
  • How to apply for a Zoning Clearance?
  • How do I access the Permitting Portal and ePlans?
  • How do I respond to my permit deficiencies or resubmit?
  • How do I apply for a building permit?
  • What are the inspection requirements for residential construction?
  • Where can I find zoning information?
  • What is the fee for a deck permit?
     

Since the chatbot employs generative AI technology to produce responses, certain messages may conclude with disclaimers such as the following: This message is AI Generated. In rare cases the output may be inaccurate—always verify critical information.

  • Be specific with your questions to get the most accurate responses.
  • If you need detailed guidance on complex building projects, contact the Building Department directly for expert support.
  • For non-building related issues, use Service Vaughan as directed by the chatbot.
  • Take advantage of 24/7 availability for quick answers outside of normal business hours.