Do You Need a Renovation Permit in York Region?

Permit rules are set by each municipality under the Ontario Building Code, so the same project can need a permit in one town and not the next. Here's what five York Region municipalities say about the most common renovations. It's general information: always confirm for your address.

The quick rule of thumb

Usually no building permit: painting, decorating, new flooring finishes, and replacing cabinets or fixtures in the same place.
Usually a permit: moving or removing walls, structural work, new or moved plumbing, finishing a basement in most towns, adding bedrooms, and any second unit.
Electrical: handled under Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) rules, separate from the building permit.

Newmarket

The Town of Newmarket lists finishing a basement, and creating an additional residential unit, among projects that need a building permit. Painting, decorating and floor finishes don't need one. An additional residential unit needs a zoning check first, and it must be registered with the Town after the final inspection.

Aurora

The Town of Aurora says a building permit is generally not needed to finish a basement when no structural alterations or additional bedrooms are proposed. Some plumbing work can still need a plumbing permit. Second suites are permitted in detached, semi-detached and link houses, subject to conditions, and must be registered under the Additional Residential Units By-law 6660-24.

Richmond Hill

The City of Richmond Hill lists altering the interior of a building, including finishing a basement, among projects that need a building permit. Painting, decorating and installing kitchen or bathroom cupboards don't. Residential applications can be made online, and additional residential units are permitted subject to zoning and a building permit.

East Gwillimbury

The Town of East Gwillimbury issues building permits. For an accessory apartment, the process starts with Planning, which reviews parking and sewer capacity, followed by a zoning check and a building permit, and includes a Fire Department review. On a private septic system, adding a bathroom or a unit may need its own review.

King Township (Schomberg, King City, Nobleton)

Building permit applications in King Township are made through the Township's online portal. Schomberg and King City are covered by their own urban-area zoning by-law, which sets the rules for second dwelling units. Septic systems are common outside the villages.

Second units anywhere in Ontario

Ontario's guide says adding a second unit in your house requires a building permit from your local building department. Second units must meet Building Code and Fire Code requirements such as fire separation, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and safe exits.

How BDF handles permits

BDF Renovation & Construction Inc. is based in Newmarket. Our team brings 15 years of renovation experience in Ontario. We check what your project needs with the municipality, prepare the permit application, and book inspections. Plumbing and electrical work is done by our licensed partner contractors. We carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and work we perform comes with a 1-year warranty. Call (289) 500-0230, Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 6 PM.

Next steps: legal basement apartment rules in Ontario · Aurora second suite guide · new East Gwillimbury basement guide · Newmarket · Aurora · Richmond Hill · East Gwillimbury · Schomberg & King · basement finishing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to finish my basement in York Region?

In Newmarket and Richmond Hill, yes. In Aurora, generally not without structural changes or new bedrooms, though plumbing may need a permit. Check with your town.

Do I need a permit to replace kitchen cabinets?

Usually not. Richmond Hill, for example, lists installing kitchen or bathroom cupboards as work that doesn't need a permit.

Does a basement apartment always need a permit?

Yes. Ontario's guide says a second unit requires a building permit, and several towns also require registration.

Sources

General information, checked October 2026. Rules change; confirm with your municipality.