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

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

- Municipality: City of Oshawa
- Region: [Durham Region](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/durham-region)
- Includes: Eastdale, Kedron, Pinecrest, Taunton, Windfields, Samac
- Facts checked: 2026-10-06

## What Jarvis Contracting builds in Oshawa

- [Home additions](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/home-additions/oshawa)
- [Second-storey additions](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/second-storey-additions/oshawa)
- [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 Oshawa

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

## Design-build in Oshawa

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

## Applying for a permit in Oshawa

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Oshawa Application Portal (servicecv.oshawa.ca) | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Phone | 905-436-3311 | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-inspections/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Email | service@oshawa.ca | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/media-manager/media-pages/by-law-library/zoning/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Fee by-law | Building By-law 33-2009, Schedule B, as amended by 8-2016, 149-2024, 98-2024 and 118-2025; fees effective January 1, 2026 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Local service level | City warns it cannot guarantee OBC review timeframes due to record application volume | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/) | 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 | $15.56 per m2 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Addition permit fee | $15.56 per m2 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Interior alteration permit fee | $7.79 per m2 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Basement finish permit fee | $7.79 per m2 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Additional residential unit permit fee | $15.56 per m2 (a garden suite, item 23 'accessory building for human habitation'; no separate line for a unit inside the house) | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Accessory building permit fee | $4.83 per m2 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Deck | $160 flat | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Minimum permit fee | $160 flat | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Plumbing, per fixture | $27 per fixture | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Work not listed in the schedule | 1.12% of estimated construction value | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Window or door replacement | $9.65 per m of width | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Work started without a permit | Surcharge 25% (application received) or 50% (no application) of permit fee for building without a permit | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Demolition | $32.11 per 100 m2 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oshawa (municipal) | $40,720 | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-charges/) | 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 | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-charges/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Total, as published | $130,682 (includes $6,200 parkland cash-in-lieu) | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-charges/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Note | Residential DCs may be deferred to occupancy | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-charges/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Note (2) | Downtown Oshawa Urban Growth Centre core area exempt from City DCs | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-charges/) | 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 60-94 (as amended; consolidation updated 12/01/2025) | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-applications/zoning/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Lot coverage (typical residential zone) | 40% in R1-A to R1-E zones (45% if the lot has one or more accessory apartments) | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/xrthfhqx/zoning-by-law-60-94.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Height (typical residential zone) | 9.0 m in R1-A to R1-E zones (10.5 m in R1-F to R1-H) | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/xrthfhqx/zoning-by-law-60-94.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Minor variance (Committee of Adjustment) fee | $856 per lot | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-applications/committee-of-adjustment/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Committee of Adjustment | Applications, schedule and decisions | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-applications/committee-of-adjustment/) | 2026-10-05 |

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

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homes allowed on one lot | 3, the house included | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/accessory-apartments/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Detached unit size | the most restrictive of: any one accessory building 8% of the lot or 75% of the house's coverage; all of them together 10% of the lot, 100% of the house's coverage or 60 m² | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/xrthfhqx/zoning-by-law-60-94.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Rule | Accessory apartments permitted in single, semi, duplex and street townhouse dwellings or a residential accessory building in R1, R2, R3, R5, OSR-A, OS-ORM, AG-A, AG-B and AG-ORM zones; max 3 units per lot, max 1 in an accessory building | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/accessory-apartments/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Rule (2) | Garden suite (accessory building) limits, Zoning By-law 60-94 as amended by By-law 59-2026: in R1-A to R1-F, R2, R3 and R5 zones all accessory buildings together max 10% of the lot (any one 8%), 100% of the house's lot coverage (any one 75%) and 60 m² of ground floor area, whichever is most restrictive (R1-G and R1-H: 8%, 100%, 90 m²); height the lesser of 4.5 m or the house's height, up to 6.0 m if set back 6.0 m from the rear lot line (R1-G and R1-H: 5.0 m, same 6.0 m rule); 0.6 m from interior side and rear lot lines; 3.0 m from the house | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/xrthfhqx/zoning-by-law-60-94.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Rule (3) | A garden suite (accessory building with an accessory apartment) must be 30 m from a railway right-of-way, 14 m from the Highway 401 or 407 East property line and 7.0 m from the outer limit of any gas or oil pipeline corridor | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/xrthfhqx/zoning-by-law-60-94.pdf) | 2026-10-06 |
| Rule (4) | Parking: one extra space per accessory unit (3 spaces for 2 units, 4 for 3 units; 2.75 m x 5.75 m; limited tandem); 50% of front yard kept as landscaped open space; 0.81 m hard-surface path to street | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/accessory-apartments/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Rule (5) | Two-unit house registration certificate issued through the permit process; pre-July 1994 units legalized through Municipal Licensing | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/accessory-apartments/) | 2026-10-05 |
| 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 | Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/) | 2026-10-05 |
| When its permit is needed | CLOCA permit for construction in a fill-regulated area or floodplain or that may interfere with a watercourse | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Its permit fees | Minor Permit B $535 for pools, sheds, decks, minor additions | [www.cloca.com](https://www.cloca.com/_files/ugd/6cdd05_ca1ea5bbdaa34f3ca770f69ab8f830e4.pdf) | 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 | Construction near the Oshawa Executive Airport needs airport clearance before permit issuance | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Overlay or local rule (2) | Oak Ridges Moraine zones (OS-ORM, AG-ORM) in north Oshawa | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/accessory-apartments/) | 2026-10-05 |

## Heritage

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Conservation Districts | South Field | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/tkcg45tp/heritage-properties_register.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |
| Heritage | Over 40 properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act | [www.oshawa.ca](https://www.oshawa.ca/explore-play/history-and-heritage/heritage-properties/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Heritage (2) | South Field Heritage Conservation District (1000 Stevenson Road North), Oshawa's first HCD, designated 2021 | [media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/tkcg45tp/heritage-properties_register.pdf) | 2026-10-05 |

## Building activity

| Item | What applies | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-unit house registration certificates issued, 2023 | 246 | [www.arcgis.com](https://www.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/97d92126eeae4430885d6225df0ff2a0/data) | 2026-10-05 |
| Two-unit house registration certificates issued, 2024 | 338 | [www.arcgis.com](https://www.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/97d92126eeae4430885d6225df0ff2a0/data) | 2026-10-05 |
| Two-unit house registration certificates issued (Jan 1 to Nov 26 only), 2025 | 251 | [www.arcgis.com](https://www.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/97d92126eeae4430885d6225df0ff2a0/data) | 2026-10-05 |
| New residential units in building permits issued (all types incl. ARUs), 2024 | 934 | [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 | 519 | [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 | 286.3 | [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 | 141.7 | [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 | 1,193,449 | [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 | 1,400,851 | [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://city-oshawa.opendata.arcgis.com/ | [city-oshawa.opendata.arcgis.com](https://city-oshawa.opendata.arcgis.com/) | 2026-10-05 |
| Permit dataset | Oshawa Registered Two Unit Apartments (CSV) | [www.arcgis.com](https://www.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/97d92126eeae4430885d6225df0ff2a0?f=json) | 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

- [West Lynde: a Whitby bungalow made two storeys in 4.5 months](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/west-lynde): Whitby, 6 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.
- [Orra: two load-bearing walls out of a childhood home](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/orra): Ajax, 13 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.
- [Bellamy: opening up a brick bungalow without an addition](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/projects/bellamy): Scarborough, Toronto, 34 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, 39 km away. Full basement finish: rec room, media wall, arched wet bar, bathroom, laundry room and bedroom.

## Nearby towns

- [Whitby](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/whitby) (6 km)
- [Ajax](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/ajax) (13 km)
- [Clarington](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/clarington) (14 km)
- [Pickering](https://www.jarviscontracting.ca/areas/pickering) (19 km)

## Sources

1. [City of Oshawa: Building permits](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-permits/)
2. [City of Oshawa: Building inspections](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/building-inspections/)
3. [City of Oshawa: Zoning](https://www.oshawa.ca/media-manager/media-pages/by-law-library/zoning/)
4. [City of Oshawa: Bylaw 33 2009 as amended by by law 118 2025](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/em3h4lr3/bylaw-33-2009-as-amended-by-by-law-118-2025.pdf)
5. [publications.gov.on.ca](https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/301880)
6. [City of Oshawa: Development charges](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-charges/)
7. [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)
8. [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97d27)
9. [City of Oshawa: Zoning](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-applications/zoning/)
10. [City of Oshawa: Zoning by law 60 94](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/xrthfhqx/zoning-by-law-60-94.pdf)
11. [City of Oshawa: Committee of adjustment](https://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/planning-and-development/development-applications/committee-of-adjustment/)
12. [City of Oshawa: Accessory apartments](https://www.oshawa.ca/living-here/building-and-renovating/accessory-apartments/)
13. [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p13)
14. [CLOCA: 6cdd05](https://www.cloca.com/_files/ugd/6cdd05_ca1ea5bbdaa34f3ca770f69ab8f830e4.pdf)
15. [ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c27)
16. [City of Oshawa: Heritage properties register](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/oshawa-016-ca/media/tkcg45tp/heritage-properties_register.pdf)
17. [City of Oshawa: Heritage properties](https://www.oshawa.ca/explore-play/history-and-heritage/heritage-properties/)
18. [arcgis.com: Data](https://www.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/97d92126eeae4430885d6225df0ff2a0/data)
19. [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)
20. [city-oshawa.opendata.arcgis.com](https://city-oshawa.opendata.arcgis.com/)
21. [arcgis.com](https://www.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/97d92126eeae4430885d6225df0ff2a0?f=json)