Durham Region
Building and renovating in Pickering
Permit fees, development charges, additional unit rules and the conservation authority in Pickering, Ontario, each linked to its source and dated.
- Municipality
- City of Pickering
- Region
- Durham Region
- Facts checked
- 6 October 2026
Includes Seaton, Duffin Heights, Whitevale, Cherrywood, Amberlea, Bay Ridges, Brock Ridge, City Centre, Dunbarton, Highbush, Liverpool, Rosebank, Rougemount, Village East, West Shore and Woodlands.
Confirm with the building department before you apply.
More about building in Pickering
Architectural design and permit drawings in Pickering
The Pickering rules that apply are in the tables below. What it costs, how the job runs and our finished jobs are on the architectural design and permit drawings page.
Design-build in Pickering
The Pickering rules that apply are in the tables below. What it costs, how the job runs and our finished jobs are on the design-build page.
Permits and rules in Pickering
Every line links to the page it came from, with the date it was checked.
Applying for a permit in Pickering
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online Application Portal (mycity.pickering.ca) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsTo apply for a Residential or Non-Residential Permit, applications can now be made online directly through our Website's Permit Submission Portal |
| Phone | 905.420.4631 | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsplease contact Building Services at 905.420.4631 |
| Fee by-law | City of Pickering 2026 User Fees (approved Nov 24, 2025; amended Mar 23, 2026; DAAP fee review amended July 1, 2026), Building Permit Fees under the Building Code Act; new rates effective July 1, 2026 | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsAs of July 1, 2026: City of Pickering Building Permit fees will increase. |
| Local service level | Minor variance process takes about 3 months from filing to end of the 20-day appeal period | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsIn total, approximately 3 months is required from the time an application is filed to the completion of the 20 day appeal period. |
| 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 | publications.gov.on.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsa house where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit. |
Building permit fees
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New house permit fee | $20.12 per m² of GFA | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsResidential Occupancies "C" $16.70/each m² of GFA $20.12/each m² of GFA N July 1, 2026 |
| Addition permit fee | No separate addition line in the July 2026 fees; the Chief Building Official sets the building category and floor area (Building By-law 8057/23 s.15(3)). Residential buildings are $20.12 per m² of gross floor area | corporate.pickering.caChecked 6 October 2026In the source's wordsthe Chief Building Official, or a person designated by the Chief Building Official, shall determine the appropriate building category, floor area and/or value, and that determination shall be final. |
| Interior alteration permit fee | $7.37 per m² of GFA | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsInterior Partitioning and Finishing $6.15/each m² of GFA $7.37/each m² of GFA |
| Basement finish permit fee | $7.37 per m² of GFA | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's words(including new tenant fit-ups, apartments in houses, and Finished basements). |
| Additional residential unit permit fee | $7.37 per m² of GFA | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's words(including new tenant fit-ups, apartments in houses, and Finished basements). |
| Accessory building permit fee | $180 flat each | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsGarage, carport, storage shed |
| Deck | $180 flat each | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsMinor Residential Structures and $152.00 $180.00 N July 1, 2026 |
| Minimum permit fee | $180 flat | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsMinimum Building Permit Fee $160.00 $180.00 N July 1, 2026 |
| Performance deposit: new house, or addition over 60 m2 | $2,379 deposit | corporate.pickering.caChecked 6 October 2026In the source's wordsPerformance Deposit (new & semi-detached, towns, row, stacked dwelling units, and additions larger than 60 m2 in GFA) $2,315.00 $2,379.00 N January 6, 2026 |
| Performance deposit: additions, sheds or garages over 60 m2, suites, basements | $1,000 deposit | corporate.pickering.caChecked 6 October 2026In the source's wordsPerformance Deposit for additions, sheds, garages larger than 60m2, secondary suites, finished basements and basement walk ups New $1,000.00 Y January 6, 2026 |
| Work not listed in the schedule | $17.10 per $1,000 of construction value | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's words$16.65 per $1,000.00 of $17.10 per $1,000.00 of |
| Demolition | $33 per 100 m² of GFA, min $180 | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsDemolition Permit $33.00/each 100m ² of GFA $33.00/each 100m² of GFA |
| Revision to a permit | $180 flat | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsRevision to Permit (houses) $151.00 $180.00 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pickering (municipal) | $44,055 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsTotal $44,055 |
| Durham Region (regional) | $76,227 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsTotal of All Charges $76,227 |
| School boards (education) | $7,535 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsResidential (per dwelling unit) $4,349 $3,186 $7,535 |
| Municipal, regional and education added up | $127,817 (our sum of the parts above; not a figure the municipality publishes) | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026 |
| Note | $27,339 per unit | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsTotal Charges - Seaton Lands $27,339 |
| Note (2) | New DC By-law 8190/25 passed June 23, 2025; Community Benefits Charge By-law 8192/25 effective July 1, 2025 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsThe Council of the City of Pickering passed By-law No. 8190/25 (passed on June 23, 2025) |
| Note (3) | Older rate schedule applies to building permit applications received before July 1, 2025 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsApplicable to Building Permit Applications Received Prior to July 1, 2025 as per Section 6(5) and 12(5) of this By-law |
| Additions to an existing house (Ontario) | Enlarging an existing residential unit (e.g., an addition) does not trigger development charges | ontario.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsdoes not satisfy the requirements of subsection (2) if the only effect of the action is to permit the enlargement of an existing residential unit |
| 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 | ontario.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsshall be paid in full on the earlier of, (a) the day a permit is issued under the Building Code Act, 1992 authorizing occupation of the building; and (b) the day the building is first occupied. |
Per single or semi-detached house, rates as of 2026-07-01.
Zoning and minor variances
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning by-law | City-wide Consolidated Zoning By-law 8149/24 (enacted December 16, 2024); supersedes 2511, 2520, 3036, 3037 and repeals 7364/14 (Seaton) and 7553/17 (City Centre) | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsEnacted by the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering this 16th day of December 2024. |
| Lot coverage (typical residential zone) | 33% in R1C, R1D, R1E; 38% in R1F to R1I; 20% in large-lot R1A/R1B | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsMaximum Lot Coverage (%) 20 20 33 33 33 |
| Height (typical residential zone) | 9.0 m in R1D and R1E; 12.0 m in R1A-R1C and R1F-R1I | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsMaximum Height (m) 12.0 12.0 12.0 9.0 9.0 |
| Minor variance (Committee of Adjustment) fee | $2,500 flat | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsSingle Variance $1,145.00 $2,500.00 N July 1, 2026 |
| Committee of Adjustment | Applications, schedule and decisions | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026 |
Additional units: basement apartments, garden suites, coach houses
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Homes allowed on one lot | 3, the house included | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsA maximum of two (2) additional dwelling units are permitted within any legally permitted detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, block townhouse dwelling unit, or street townhouse dwelling unit |
| Detached unit size | up to 150 m², 50% of the house's floor area, or lot coverage, whichever is least | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsA maximum floor area of 150 sq. m. |
| Rule | Max two ADUs per lot: two inside the house, or one in the house plus one in an accessory building | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsA maximum of two (2) additional dwelling units are permitted within any legally permitted detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, block townhouse dwelling unit, or street townhouse dwelling unit |
| Rule (2) | ADU in an accessory building: GFA capped at the most restrictive of lot coverage (45% if none set), 50% of the house's GFA, or 150 m²; height 4.5 m on lots up to 2,000 m² (6.5 m on larger lots); 1.2 m side and rear setbacks | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsA maximum floor area of 150 sq. m. |
| Rule (3) | Parking: 1.0 space per accessory dwelling unit; within 500 m walking of Kingston Road or Pickering GO: 1 space for the first ADU, 0 for the second | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's words1 space for the first additional dwelling unit and 0 spaces for the second additional dwelling unit. |
| Rule (4) | Oak Ridges Moraine: one ADU only, inside a detached dwelling; Greenbelt Protected Countryside: ADU only in the house or an accessory building existing by July 1, 2017 | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsOnly one (1) additional dwelling unit is permitted within a detached dwelling. |
| Rule (5) | ADU registration with Building and Fire Services is mandatory (By-law 8040/23) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsRegistration of additional dwelling units is mandatory under City of Pickering Municipal By-law 8040/23. |
| Rule (6) | 1.2 m unobstructed path from each ADU entrance to the street | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsall lots containing additional dwelling units shall provide a minimum 1.2 m wide path of travel from the entrance of each additional dwelling unit to a street or private street. |
| 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 | ontario.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsthree residential units in a detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse on a parcel of urban residential land, if no building or structure ancillary to the detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse contains any residential units |
Conservation authority and environmental rules
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation authority (1) | Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsToronto Region Conservation Authority |
| Conservation authority (2) | Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsCentral Lakes Ontario Conservation Authority |
| When its permit is needed | CA permit (O. Reg. 41/24) for development in regulated areas; ADUs not permitted in hazardous lands | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsadditional dwelling units are not permitted within any hazardous lands as determined by the applicable Conservation Authority |
| Its permit fees | TRCA private residential: Minor $560, Standard $1,045, Major $1,490+ | trcaca.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsWorks on Private Minor $560 Refer to Definitions. Residential Property Standard $1,045 |
| 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) | ontario.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's words“transition date” means February 1, 2027 or such later date as may be prescribed by the regulations |
| 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) | ontario.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's words“transition date” means February 1, 2027 or such later date as may be prescribed by the regulations |
| Overlay or local rule | Seaton: 7,000+ acre planned community, over half preserved as open space, planned for ~61,000 residents (long-term 70,000) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsThe Seaton community is made up of over 7,000 acres of land, and over half will be preserved as open space lands. |
| Overlay or local rule (2) | Greenbelt: on Sept 21, 2023 the Province reversed its plan to open Greenbelt lands for housing, including Cherrywood | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsToday, Premier Ford announced the reversal of the Provincial Government's plan to open up the Greenbelt lands for housing development, including the lands in our hamlet of Cherrywood. |
| Overlay or local rule (3) | Oak Ridges Moraine: one ADU only; extra planning fees for ORM applications | corporate.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsFor lands within the Oak Ridges Moraine Area: A. Only one (1) additional dwelling unit is permitted within a detached dwelling. |
Heritage
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Conservation Districts | Whitevale | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026 |
| Heritage | Whitevale Heritage Conservation District: entire Hamlet of Whitevale, By-law 4074/92 (passed June 7, 1993) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordson June 7, 1993, By-law 4074/92 was passed by Council, designating the entire Hamlet of Whitevale as a Conservation District. |
| Heritage (2) | Residential Heritage Property Tax Relief: 20% annual rebate on municipal and education taxes for designated homes | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsoffering eligible property owners an annual rebate of 20 percent on both the local municipal and education portions of their residential property tax bill. |
Building activity
| Item | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Building permits issued (all types), 2024 | 1,500 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPermits Issued 2024 December Year To Date 66 1,500 |
| New residential units in permits issued: Semi & Detached, 2024 | 554 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Townhouses, 2024 | 392 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Apartments, 2024 | 564 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| Building permits issued (all types), 2025 | 1,554 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPermits Issued 2025 December Year To Date 70 1,554 |
| New residential units in permits issued: Semi & Detached, 2025 | 285 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Townhouses, 2025 | 636 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Apartments, 2025 | 1,586 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Other, 2025 | 375 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| Building permits issued (all types), YTD to end of August, 2026 | 732 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPermits Issued 2026 August Year To Date 155 732 |
| New residential units in permits issued: Semi & Detached, YTD August, 2026 | 303 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Townhouses, YTD August, 2026 | 58 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in permits issued: Apartments, YTD August, 2026 | 482 | media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsNew Residential Units |
| New residential units in building permits issued (all types incl. ARUs), 2024 | 1,146 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPickering 1,146 31.8 2,516 50.8 119.5 |
| New residential units in building permits issued (all types incl. ARUs), 2025 | 2,516 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPickering 1,146 31.8 2,516 50.8 119.5 |
| Value of residential building permits ($ million), 2024 | 440.2 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPickering 440.2 ... 772.1 |
| Value of residential building permits ($ million), 2025 | 772.1 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPickering 440.2 ... 772.1 |
| Average cost of a new single detached dwelling (CMHC, via Durham Region), 2024 | 1,329,574 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPickering $1,329,574 $1,309,552 |
| Average cost of a new single detached dwelling (CMHC, via Durham Region), 2025 | 1,309,552 | media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.comChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsPickering $1,329,574 $1,309,552 |
| Open data | https://opendata.pickering.ca/ | opendata.pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsOpen Data - City of Pickering |
| Permit dataset | Building Permit Activity Reports (monthly PDFs, 2021 to Aug 2026) | pickering.caChecked 5 October 2026In the source's wordsBuilding Permit Activity Reports |
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
Distances are from the centre of Pickering.
Orra
Two load-bearing walls out, kitchen and living room swapped, gas fireplace with built-ins, new floors, doors and trim, popcorn ceilings removed.
Explore the home
West Lynde
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.
Explore the home
Bellamy
Whole main floor: load-bearing walls out, steel beams in, new kitchen, mudroom, office, fireplace, floors, trim and doors.
Explore the home
Stone Ridge
Full basement finish: rec room, media wall, arched wet bar, bathroom, laundry room and bedroom.
Explore the home
Nearby towns
Sources
- City of Pickering: Building permits pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: Committee of adjustment pickering.ca
- publications.gov.on.ca publications.gov.on.ca
- City of Pickering: DocView corporate.pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: DocView corporate.pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: Developmentcharges citywide 2026 media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- Durham Region: Durham region wide development charge information jul 1 2026 media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- City of Pickering: Developmentcharges seatonlands 2026 2027 final media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- ontario.ca ontario.ca
- City of Pickering: DocView corporate.pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: Additional dwelling units pickering.ca
- ontario.ca ontario.ca
- TRCA: Development Permitting Fee Schedule February 1 20260225 trcaca.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com
- ontario.ca ontario.ca
- City of Pickering: Seaton community pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: Mayor ashe s official statement on the province s reversal of pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: Heritage planning pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: 2024 12 activity report acc media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- City of Pickering: 2025 december bp activity acc media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- City of Pickering: 2026 august bp activity acc media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- Durham Region: 2026 info 54 2025 annual building activity review media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com
- City of Pickering opendata.pickering.ca
- City of Pickering: Building activity reports pickering.ca