Why You Need a Basement Apartment Permit
Adding or converting a basement into a secondary suite requires a building permit from the City of Toronto.
Permits confirm your design meets fire-separation, egress, ceiling-height, HVAC, and structural standards under the Ontario Building Code.
Without a permit, you risk fines and insurance issues — with Cadaxx, the process is fast, accurate, and fully approved.
Our Process for Toronto Basement Apartment Permits
Step 1 – Site Measure & As-Built Plans
Detailed on-site measurements of existing layout and structure.
Step 2 – Zoning & OBC Review
Verification of setbacks, lot coverage, and secondary-suite eligibility.
Step 3 – Design & Layout
Functional floor plan including all code-required elements.
Step 4 – Permit Drawings
Plans, sections, and details covering fire-rating, egress, plumbing, HVAC, and structure.
Step 5 – Submission & Coordination
Cadaxx manages submission and communication with City examiners until approval.
Comprehensive Basement Services
Legal Basement Apartments
Full secondary-suite design with fire-rated assemblies and OBC compliance.
Underpinning Permits
Structural drawings for basement lowering and foundation reinforcement.
Basement Walkouts
Exterior access design with retaining walls, grading, and drainage details.
Interior Renovations
Layout optimization, wall removal, and upgraded finishes.
Featured Basement Projects
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Legal Basement Apartment – West Point, Scarborough
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Underpinning Permit – Riverdale Ave, Leslieville
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Basement Walkout – Lonsmount Dr, Forest Hill
Each project shows how Cadaxx Design delivers precise, code-compliant drawings that achieve fast City of Toronto approval.
Why Choose Cadaxx
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Licensed Ontario BCIN designers specializing in basement permits
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Proven record of fast approvals across Toronto
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Coordination with structural, HVAC, and fire consultants
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Accurate drawings that pass inspection the first time
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Trusted by homeowners and builders throughout the GTA
FAQs — Basement Apartment Permits in Toronto
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What makes a basement apartment legal?
It must comply with OBC requirements for fire separation, egress, ceiling height, ventilation, and plumbing. -
How long does a basement permit take to approve?
Usually 4–8 weeks, depending on the City’s workload and project complexity. -
Can Cadaxx design underpinning and walkouts together?
Yes — our integrated approach allows underpinning, walkout, and apartment design to be approved under one coordinated submission.
Start Your Basement Apartment Permit in Toronto
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Cadaxx Design provides reliable, code-compliant basement apartment permit drawings for homeowners and builders across Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and the GTA.
Contact us to start your legal basement apartment, underpinning, or walkout permit today.
Basement Walkout
Lonsmount Dr
Toronto
This Forest Hill home received a new basement walkout designed by Cadaxx Design to improve access, natural light, and functionality. The walkout seamlessly integrates with the main house, creating a comfortable and safe secondary entrance to the lower level.
Completed 2016
Basement Underpinning
Riverdale Ave
East York
This Leslieville property underwent a full basement underpinning to increase ceiling height and improve livability. Cadaxx prepared architectural and structural drawings and ensured full compliance with Toronto Building Code. The upgraded lower level now provides a bright, functional space ready for finishing or a future rental suite.
Completed 2020
Basement apartment
Barrymore Rd
Scarborough
This basement apartment on Barrymore Rd was transformed into a bright, functional secondary suite with modern finishes and efficient space planning. The design improves livability through open layouts, upgraded lighting, and clean detailing, delivering a comfortable rental-ready unit now fully built.
Completed 2025
Basement apartment
West Point
Scarborough
This basement apartment on West Point features a complete redesign focused on openness, natural light, and practical zoning compliance. The refreshed layout includes an inviting living area, upgraded finishes, and improved circulation, resulting in a high-quality secondary suite built for long-term use.
Completed 2021










