Building a new home (or replacement home) is considered development activity* under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24.
A permit is required if the home is proposed within a TRCA Regulated Area unless provincial exemption criteria apply.
Why You Need to Apply for a Permit
Under the Conservation Authorities Act, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) regulates and may prohibit development activity from taking place within natural hazard areas associated with valley and stream corridors, wetlands and the Lake Ontario shoreline.
If your property is regulated, a TRCA permit is required prior to carrying out any new development activity.
Please note that the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 41/24 are “applicable law” under the Building Code Act, i.e. your municipality cannot legally issue a building permit until a TRCA permit or clearance has been obtained.
*“Development activity” means:
- the construction, reconstruction, erection or placing of a building or structure of any kind
- any change to a building or structure that would have the effect of altering the use or potential use of the building or structure, increasing the size of the building or structure or increasing the number of dwelling units in the building or structure
- site grading, or
- the temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of any material, originating on the site or elsewhere
Projects That Require a Permit
Projects including building a new home, replacing an existing home, home additions, and constructing non-habitable accessory buildings or structures (including garages and sheds, decks, and pools) and landscaping may require a permit.
We recommend you talk to a planner to confirm permit requirements before applying.
Once you have confirmed that a permit is required from TRCA for your project, please select the option from the list below that most closely represents your project for instructions on how to apply.
Projects That Do Not Require a Permit
Effective April 1, 2024, the Province implemented Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits.
Please note that further to Section 28 (4) of the Conservation Authorities Act, exceptions have been prescribed in Section 5 of Ontario Regulation 41/24. The activities listed in Section 5 do not require a permit from TRCA.
Those undertaking the excepted activities are responsible for determining that the exception applies. We recommend you talk to a planner to confirm requirements.
Need More Information?
Before submitting your application, we suggest you talk to a planner and we will help you through the process.
Check out Quick Links for Homeowners and Regulation, Permits and Planning Act Review: Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
Don’t See Your Project Here?
Please view Solicitor or Realtor Inquiries (Including Compliance Searches).
If you have any questions about the Development Planning and Permitting review services, please email developmentplanningpermits@trca.ca. Please allow up to two (2) business days for a response.