---
title: "Building and Renovating in Ajax, Ontario"
url: "https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/ajax"
description: "Permit fees, development charges, additional unit rules and the conservation authority in Ajax, Ontario, each linked to its source and dated."
publisher: "Jarvis Contracting"
---
# Building and renovating in Ajax

Permit fees, development charges, additional unit rules and the conservation authority in Ajax, Ontario, each linked to its source and dated.

- Municipality: Town of Ajax
- Region: [Durham Region](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/durham-region)
- Includes: Pickering Village
- Facts checked: 2026-10-06

## What Jarvis Contracting builds in Ajax

- [Home additions](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/home-additions/ajax)
- [Second-storey additions](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/second-storey-additions/ajax)
- [Basement renovations](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/basement-renovations)
- [Whole-home renovations](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/whole-home-renovations)
- [Kitchen renovations](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/kitchen-renovations)
- [Bathroom renovations](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/bathroom-renovations)
- [Architectural design and permit drawings](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/architectural-design)
- [Design-build](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/design-build)

## Architectural design and permit drawings in Ajax

- [Architectural design and permit drawings](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/architectural-design)

## Bathroom renovations in Ajax

- [Bathroom renovations](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/bathroom-renovations)

## Design-build in Ajax

- [Design-build](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/design-build)

## Applying for a permit in Ajax

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online Application Portal (OAP), eapply.ajax.ca | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/life-in-ajax/town-services/construction-permits-inspections/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Phone | 905-619-2529 | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/life-in-ajax/town-services/construction-permits-inspections/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Email | buildingpermits@ajax.ca | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/life-in-ajax/town-services/construction-permits-inspections/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Fee by-law | Schedule A to Building By-law 48-2023, Classes of Permits, Fees and Refunds, January 1, 2026 | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Permit decision time (Ontario) | 10 days for a house where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit (except retirement homes), and for a detached structure serving it up to 55 m² building area | [www.publications.gov.on.ca](https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/301880) | 2026-10-05 |

## Building permit fees

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| New house permit fee | $14.22 times the floor area; the Ajax schedule doesn't say whether the area is measured in m2 or sq ft | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Addition permit fee | $14.22 times the floor area; the Ajax schedule doesn't say whether the area is measured in m2 or sq ft | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Interior alteration permit fee | $7.16 times the floor area; the Ajax schedule doesn't say whether the area is measured in m2 or sq ft | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Basement finish permit fee | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |  |
| Additional residential unit permit fee | $9.68 times the floor area; the Ajax schedule doesn't say whether the area is measured in m2 or sq ft (item B3, the schedule's only additional-unit line; it doesn't say whether a new detached unit is charged here or as a new house under A4 ($14.22)) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Accessory building permit fee | $216 flat | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Deck | $146 flat | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Minimum permit fee | $146 flat | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Below-grade entrance | $329 flat | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Work not listed in the schedule | 1.5% of estimated construction value | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Demolition | $0.26 per m2 | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Foundation or unfinished basement | $4.39 times the floor area; the Ajax schedule doesn't say whether the area is measured in m2 or sq ft | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Refund with a Registered Code Agency | 20% fee refund when a Registered Code Agency is used | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |

Fees as the municipality's 2026 schedule prints them. A rate with no single number shows the rule instead.

## Development charges on a new house

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajax (municipal) | $45,279 | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/development-charges-fees/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Durham Region (regional) | $76,227 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vybhyyp2/durham-region-wide-development-charge-information-jul-1-2026.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| School boards (education) | $7,535 | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/development-charges-fees/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Total, as published | $129,041 | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/development-charges-fees/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Note | Since November 3, 2025 (Bill 17), DCs for non-rental residential buildings are payable at the earlier of occupancy permit or first occupancy; EDCs still due at permit issuance | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/development-charges-fees/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Note (2) | Town DC interest rate 5.45% from July 1, 2026 (prime 4.45% + 1%) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/development-charges-fees/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Additions to an existing house (Ontario) | Enlarging an existing residential unit (e.g., an addition) does not trigger development charges | [www.ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97d27) | 2026-10-05 |
| When charges are paid (Ontario) | Since Nov 3, 2025, DCs on residential development (other than rental) are paid in full at the earlier of occupancy permit issuance or first occupancy, instead of at building permit | [www.ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97d27) | 2026-10-05 |

Per single or semi-detached house, rates as of 2026-07-01.

## Zoning and minor variances

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoning by-law | Zoning By-law 95-2003 (Office Consolidation March 6, 2026) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/zoning-land-use/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Lot coverage (typical residential zone) | 45% in R1-C to R1-F and R2-A zones; 30% R1-A and 33% R1-B (45% with an ADU) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Section-6-Zone-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Height (typical residential zone) | 11.0 m in R1 and R2 zones | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Section-6-Zone-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Minor variance (Committee of Adjustment) fee | $1,638.90 flat | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/By-law-61-2024-2025-User-Fees-By-law.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Committee of Adjustment: application form | Application for Minor Variance, Form PLD-026 (revised 27 February 2026) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PLD-026-Minor-Variance_2026.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Committee of Adjustment | Applications, schedule and decisions | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/committee-of-adjustment/) | 2026-10-05 |

## Additional units: basement apartments, garden suites, coach houses

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homes allowed on one lot | 4, the house included | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Detached unit size | ground floor area less than the house's (and, as an accessory building, within the cap on all accessory buildings together: 60 m² or 10% of the lot (s.4.1.1)) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Rule | Up to three attached accessory dwelling units, or two attached plus one detached (max one detached), on lots with a detached, semi, linked villa or townhouse dwelling | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Rule (2) | Detached ADU: ground floor area less than the main house's; at least 3.0 m from any other building; meets the accessory building standards; 1.2 m path to a street, driveway or lane | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Rule (3) | ADUs not permitted on hazard lands (flood or erosion limits) as determined by the Conservation Authority | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Rule (4) | Lot coverage rises to 45% when the lot includes one or more accessory dwelling units | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Section-6-Zone-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Rule (5) | All accessory buildings on a lot, a detached ADU included (s.4.4.2(iii)), together max 60.0 m² of ground floor area or 10% of the lot area, and within the zone's lot coverage, whichever is least | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Rule (6) | Accessory building height max 4.5 m; 6.1 m where a detached ADU sits on the upper floor over a detached garage reached by a driveway or lane | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Three units as of right (Ontario) | On a parcel of urban residential land, municipalities cannot prohibit: 2 units in a detached/semi/rowhouse plus 1 unit in an ancillary building, OR 3 units in the house with none in an ancillary building | [www.ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13) | 2026-10-05 |

## Conservation authority and environmental rules

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation authority (1) | Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/committee-of-adjustment/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Conservation authority (2) | Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) | [www.cloca.com](https://www.cloca.com/regulation-area-mapping) | 2026-10-05 |
| When its permit is needed | TRCA/CLOCA permit for development in regulated areas (valleys, streams, wetlands, floodplains, Lake Ontario shoreline) under O. Reg. 41/24; ADUs barred on CA hazard lands | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Its permit fees | TRCA private residential: Minor $560, Standard $1,045, Major $1,490+; CLOCA Minor B $535 | [trcaca.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com](https://trcaca.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/app/uploads/2026/02/25090657/Development-Permitting-Fee-Schedule-February-1-20260225.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| From 2027-02-01: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) | Becomes part of the Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (Conservation Authorities Act, Bill 97) | [www.ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27) | 2026-10-05 |
| From 2027-02-01: Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) | Becomes part of the Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (Conservation Authorities Act, Bill 97) | [www.ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27) | 2026-10-05 |
| Overlay or local rule | Greenbelt Plan Area: detached ADUs must meet Minimum Distance Separation | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |

## Heritage

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Conservation Districts | Pickering Village | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/heritage-considerations/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Heritage | Pickering Village Heritage Conservation District (designated 2013), 58 commercial and residential properties | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/heritage-considerations/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Heritage (2) | 31 individually designated heritage properties | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/heritage-considerations/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Heritage (3) | Heritage Property Tax Rebate: 10% of Town and Education taxes for designated properties with a heritage easement | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/heritage-considerations/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Heritage (4) | Pickering Village Community Improvement Program incentives for heritage properties | [ajax.ca](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/heritage-considerations/) | 2026-10-05 |

## Building activity

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| New residential units in building permits issued (all types incl. ARUs), 2024 | 503 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| New residential units in building permits issued (all types incl. ARUs), 2025 | 748 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Value of residential building permits ($ million), 2024 | 159.4 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Value of residential building permits ($ million), 2025 | 233.5 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Average cost of a new single detached dwelling (CMHC, via Durham Region), 2024 | 1,512,917 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Average cost of a new single detached dwelling (CMHC, via Durham Region), 2025 | 1,440,195 | [media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Open data | https://opendata.ajax.ca/ | [opendata.ajax.ca](https://opendata.ajax.ca/) | 2026-10-05 |

Counts as the municipality or its open data report them. A partial year is marked; never compare it with a full year.

## The nearest finished jobs

- [Orra: two load-bearing walls out of a childhood home](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/orra): Ajax, 0 km away, 2025. Two load-bearing walls out, kitchen and living room swapped, gas fireplace with built-ins, new floors, doors and trim, popcorn ceilings removed.
- [West Lynde: a Whitby bungalow made two storeys in 4.5 months](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/west-lynde): Whitby, 8 km away, 2023. New second storey of about 800 sq ft with two bedrooms, a walk-in closet and a bathroom; new kitchen, two new bathrooms, floors, stairs and trim below.
- [Bellamy: opening up a brick bungalow without an addition](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/bellamy): Scarborough, Toronto, 21 km away, 2025. Whole main floor: load-bearing walls out, steel beams in, new kitchen, mudroom, office, fireplace, floors, trim and doors.
- [Stone Ridge: a finished basement in Scarborough](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/stone-ridge): Scarborough, Toronto, 26 km away. Full basement finish: rec room, media wall, arched wet bar, bathroom, laundry room and bedroom.

## Nearby towns

- [Pickering](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/pickering) (6 km)
- [Whitby](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/whitby) (8 km)
- [Oshawa](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/oshawa) (13 km)
- [Clarington](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/clarington) (28 km)

## Sources

1. [Town of Ajax: Construction permits inspections](https://ajax.ca/life-in-ajax/town-services/construction-permits-inspections/)
2. [Town of Ajax: Building By law 48 2023 Sch A Jan 01 2026](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Building-By-law-48-2023-Sch_A-Jan-01-2026.pdf)
3. [publications.gov.on.ca](https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/301880)
4. [Town of Ajax: Development charges fees](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/development-charges-fees/)
5. [Durham Region: Durham region wide development charge information jul 1 2026](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vybhyyp2/durham-region-wide-development-charge-information-jul-1-2026.pdf)
6. [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97d27)
7. [Town of Ajax: Zoning land use](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/zoning-land-use/)
8. [Town of Ajax: 6 Section 6 Zone Provisions 2026 March Consolidation Final](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/6-Section-6-Zone-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf)
9. [Town of Ajax: By law 61 2024 2025 User Fees By law](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/By-law-61-2024-2025-User-Fees-By-law.pdf)
10. [Town of Ajax: PLD 026 Minor Variance 2026](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PLD-026-Minor-Variance_2026.pdf)
11. [Town of Ajax: Committee of adjustment](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/committee-of-adjustment/)
12. [Town of Ajax: 4 Section 4 General Provisions 2026 March Consolidation Final](https://ajax.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-Section-4-General-Provisions_2026-March-Consolidation-Final.pdf)
13. [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13)
14. [CLOCA: Regulation area mapping](https://www.cloca.com/regulation-area-mapping)
15. [TRCA: Development Permitting Fee Schedule February 1 20260225](https://trcaca.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/app/uploads/2026/02/25090657/Development-Permitting-Fee-Schedule-February-1-20260225.pdf)
16. [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27)
17. [Town of Ajax: Heritage considerations](https://ajax.ca/build-invest/for-developers-builders/heritage-considerations/)
18. [Durham Region: 2026 info 54 2025 annual building activity review](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/durham-ca/media/vc5lqmuu/2026-info-54-2025-annual-building-activity-review.pdf)
19. [Town of Ajax](https://opendata.ajax.ca/)