Planning & Permit Services in Toronto and GTA

We handle zoning, permits, and approvals so your project is legal, safe, and stress-free.

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Navigate the complex world of municipal bylaws and building codes with confidence. At Royal Decks and Landscapes, we provide comprehensive Planning and Permit services to ensure your project is legal, safe, and built to last.

The Technical Backbone of Your Project

While the Landscape Design phase focuses on beauty and function, the Planning and Permit phase focuses on safety and applicable law. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), construction projects are subject to strict regulations. From lot coverage limits in Toronto to conservation boundaries in Oakville, the rules can be overwhelming for property owners.

We take the stress out of bureaucracy. As a full-service design-build firm, we handle the entire administrative process; from the first zoning check to the final city inspection. We act as your agent, ensuring that your residential building project meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and local municipal bylaws.

We don’t just build; we protect your investment by ensuring every structure is documented, approved, and fully compliant.

Architectural Plans

Before a hammer swings, the city needs to see exactly how your structure will be built. While our conceptual designs show what it looks like, our technical plans show how it stands up.

We produce professional, engineering-grade plans that serve as the instruction manual for our carpenters and the approval document for city examiners.

BCIN Designer: Our permit drawings are prepared in collaboration with independent, BCIN-qualified designers, as required by Ontario law for permit submissions.`
Structural Details: We generate detailed cross-sections showing footings, beam spans, joist spacing, and load-bearing calculations.
Engineer Stamps: For complex structures (such as steel beams or glass railings), we coordinate with independent, licensed structural engineers to review and stamp the drawings.
Grading & Drainage: For major landscape projects involving grade changes, we prepare plans to satisfy site alteration permit requirements, ensuring water flows away from your home and neighbors.

Zoning Review

Every property in the GTA is subject to specific zoning regulations that dictate what you can build and where. A beautiful design is useless if it violates these rules. Our Zoning Review process is the feasibility study that prevents costly redesigns later.

We conduct a thorough investigation of your specific property survey to determine:

Setbacks & Height: How far must the deck or cabana be from the property line, and how high can it be built?
Lot Coverage: What percentage of your land is allowed to be covered by structures?
Site Plan Approval: For specific properties (such as those on ravines or in heritage zones), a more rigorous site plan approval process may be required before a building permit can be issued.
Conservation Authorities: If your property backs onto a waterway, we manage applications with the TRCA or CVC.

Permit Application

Once the plans are drawn and zoning is confirmed, we move to the permit application phase. We act as your authorized agent, dealing directly with the building department so you don’t have to take time off work to stand in line at City Hall.

Our end-to-end management includes:

Submission: We compile all required documents, forms, and drawings to submit a completed application for a local municipality building permit application.
Administration: We handle all communication with city examiners. If they request a minor revision, we adjust the plans immediately to keep the process moving.
Issuance: Once approved, we deliver the physical building permit card to your home, ready for display.
Inspection Coordination: During construction, we schedule the mandatory city inspections (footings, framing, and final) to ensure the project is signed off and legally closed.

When Do You Need a Permit?

Many homeowners are unsure when a building permit is required. Generally, you need a Toronto building permit (or local equivalent) for:

Decks: Any deck more than 24 inches (0.6m) above grade or attached to the house.
Accessory Structures: Sheds, gazebos, or cabanas larger than 108–160 sq. ft. (depending on the city).
Plumbing/Electrical: Any project involving gas lines (fire pits), electrical (lighting), or plumbing (outdoor kitchens).
Pools: All swimming pools require a pool enclosure permit.
Structural Changes: Removing load-bearing walls or changing the grade of the land.

Project Risks & How We Solve Them

The “Stop Work” Order: Building without a permit carries the risk of a city inspector shutting down your site. We solve this by ensuring the City of Toronto building permit application is approved and displayed on-site before we break ground.
The Unforeseen Variance: Sometimes you want to build slightly closer to the line than allowed. We solve this by representing you at the Committee of Adjustment if a Minor Variance is necessary.
The Resale Nightmare: When selling your home, unpermitted work can kill a deal. We solve this by providing closed permits that prove your renovations are legal and add value.

Investment & Value Notes

Peace of Mind: You sleep better knowing your deck won’t collapse and the city won’t fine you.
Insurance Validity: If an accident happens on an unpermitted structure, your home insurance may deny the claim. A permit ensures your coverage remains valid.
Smooth Construction: Detailed landscape architectural plans reduce errors on site. When the carpenters have a precise blueprint, the build goes faster and stays on budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Permits & Zoning

Do I need a permit for my landscape project?

Permit requirements depend on the scope of work and municipality. Structures such as decks, pergolas, retaining walls over certain heights, and changes to grading often require permits. We review your project and confirm the necessary approvals.

How long does the permit approval process take?

Approval timelines vary. Some permits take a few weeks, while others can take several months depending on municipality workload, project complexity, and whether revisions are required.

What is the TRCA and why do they need to approve my project?

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) regulates properties located near ravines, waterways, or floodplains. If your home is in a regulated area, we must get a permit from the TRCA before we can apply for a city building permit. We handle this complex application process for you.

How close to the property line can I build my deck or patio?

This is determined by your property’s Zoning By-Laws. Typically, there is a required “setback” (often 2 to 4 feet depending on the city and structure height). During our Zoning Review, we check your specific lot survey to tell you exactly where you can legally build.

What happens if my permit application is rejected?

If revisions are requested, we address municipal comments, update drawings, and resubmit as required. Our goal is to minimize delays by identifying issues early.

Related Services

Once the paperwork is approved, we are ready to build:

LANDSCAPE DESIGN: The creative vision that informs these technical plans.
CUSTOM DECKS: Building the structure according to the approved permit.
POOLS AND WATER FEATURES: Handling the specific enclosure permits required for safety.
INTERLOCKING & PAVING: Executing the grading plan for proper drainage.

Service Areas

Royal Decks & Landscapes manages planning and permits across all major GTA municipalities, including:

City of Toronto (Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough)
City of Mississauga & Brampton
Town of Oakville & Milton
City of Burlington
Region of York (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham)

Why Choose Royal Decks & Landscapes

We are not just builders; we are experts in the regulatory environment of Southern Ontario.

BCIN-Compliant Process: We work closely with BCIN-qualified designers to ensure all residential structures meet Ontario Building Code requirements and permit standards.
Conservation Experts: We have extensive experience navigating the difficult TRCA and CVC approval processes for ravine lots.
Streamlined Process: Because we handle Design, Permitting, and Building under one roof, there is no disconnect between the architect and the carpenter.

Ready to Start Your Project the Right Way?

Don’t let paperwork stall your dreams. Let us handle the red tape so you can focus on the excitement of your new outdoor space. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.

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