Retroactive Permit Drawings in Ontario
Unpermitted work happens more often than you might think. Homeowners may take on a renovation without realizing permits are required, or buy a home where previous owners skipped the process. Sometimes projects begin with the best intentions but get paused by a building inspector or fire department asking for proper documentation.
Whatever the reason, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean your project has to come to a standstill. Municipalities simply need accurate, code-compliant drawings so they can review the work and ensure it meets Ontario Building Code standards.
Our role is to help you take that next step. By preparing the drawings your municipality requests, we make the path forward clear and manageable, so you can focus on finishing your project the right way.
Stop Work Orders & Retroactive Permits • We Can Help
How we help
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At The Building Permit Guy, we specialize in preparing retroactive building permit drawings that align with Ontario’s building code and municipal requirements.
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Review of the work completed and what documents are required
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BCIN-certified drawings tailored to your project
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Engineer coordination when needed for structural elements
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Guidance through the permit submission process
Common projects we see
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Stop work orders on unfinished projects
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Basements completed without permits
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Decks, sheds, or garages added after the fact
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Interior renovations or structural changes
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Secondary suites that were never legalized
Why work with us?
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Founded by a former municipal building inspector
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Experience guiding homeowners and contractors through retroactive permits
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Transparent pricing
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Serving clients across Ontario
FAQs
Do I need a permit if the work is already finished?
Yes. Municipalities require permits even for projects that are already built. In these cases, they will typically ask for retroactive permit drawings to bring the work into compliance.
What happens if I ignore a stop work order?
Ignoring a stop work order can result in your project being delayed indefinitely. The municipality may also prevent further work until proper drawings are submitted and reviewed. Providing the drawings requested is the only way to move forward.
Can you guarantee my drawings will be approved?
No one can guarantee approval. What we can do is prepare clear, code-compliant, BCIN-certified drawings that meet Ontario Building Code requirements — giving your project the best chance for approval.
How long does the retroactive permit process take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the project and the municipality’s review process. We work quickly to prepare drawings so you can submit them as soon as possible.
What if the work that was done doesn’t meet code?
Retroactive permits require that existing work meets today’s Ontario Building Code standards. If the construction was not done correctly, your municipality may require portions to be opened up or rebuilt so it can be inspected and approved. Our role is to prepare drawings that reflect current code and to advise you on the areas that may need changes. We do everything possible to help minimize the amount of demolition or rework required, while still ensuring compliance.
Start your Retroactive permit now
Want to learn more?
Check out our other residential design project types here