Building Standards

* NOTICE * Upcoming Changes to the Development Charges Collection Procedure

** New ** Explore the New Building Permit Status Interactive Map!  

Now live and available to residents, builders, and stakeholders, this dynamic tool offers a five-year overview of active and issued permits throughout the City.  

Click here or use the thumbnail button below to access the map.

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