How to Close an Open Building Permit in Ontario

Updated: June 2026

An open building permit can create problems when selling, refinancing, leasing, renovating, or trying to obtain occupancy approval. Many property owners only discover an open permit when a lawyer, buyer, lender, municipality, inspector, or property manager requests confirmation that permits are closed.

In Ontario, a building permit usually remains open until all required inspections are completed and the municipality confirms that the permitted work has been accepted or finalized.

What Is an Open Building Permit?

An open building permit is a permit that was issued by the municipality but has not been fully closed in the municipal permit system. This can happen because inspections were missed, documents were not submitted, deficiencies were not corrected, or the final inspection was never booked.

Open permits can apply to residential, commercial, industrial, restaurant, retail, office, and multi-unit properties.

Why Do Building Permits Stay Open?

There are many reasons a permit may remain open. Some of the most common include:

• The contractor never booked the final inspection
• The owner changed contractors during the project
• Deficiencies were identified but never corrected
• The work was completed differently from the approved drawings
• Required engineering letters or reports were never submitted
• Plumbing, HVAC, fire, or electrical inspections were incomplete
• The property changed ownership before the file was closed
• The municipality requested documents that were never provided
• The project was paused or abandoned before completion

Why Open Permits Are a Problem

An open permit can affect the property even years after the work was completed. Buyers, lawyers, lenders, and insurers may raise concerns when municipal records show that a permit remains open.

• Delays during sale or refinancing
• Issues with title, mortgage approval, or closing conditions
• Questions from buyers, lawyers, or real estate agents
• Difficulty obtaining new permits for future renovations
• Additional inspection or correction requirements
• Possible Orders to Comply if deficiencies are discovered
• Occupancy delays for commercial spaces

How to Find Out If a Permit Is Open

Permit status can usually be confirmed through the local municipality. Depending on the city, the information may be available through an online permit portal, by contacting the building department, or by requesting a property permit search.

You may need:

• The property address
• The building permit number
• The owner’s authorization
• Copies of drawings or inspection records
• Information about the scope of work

How to Close an Open Building Permit

The process depends on why the permit is still open. In some cases, it may only require booking a final inspection. In other cases, the municipality may require updated drawings, engineering review, contractor corrections, or new inspections.

Typical steps include:

• Confirm the permit number and current permit status
• Request outstanding inspection comments or deficiency notes
• Review approved drawings and compare them to existing conditions
• Identify missing reports, certificates, or inspections
• Coordinate engineers, designers, or licensed trades if required
• Complete corrective construction work
• Book required inspections with the municipality
• Submit final documents and request confirmation that the permit is closed

What If the Original Contractor Is Gone?

It is common for open permits to remain unresolved because the original contractor is no longer available. In that situation, a new qualified contractor, designer, engineer, or licensed trade may be required to review the work and help complete outstanding requirements.

The municipality may also request updated information, site photos, inspections, or confirmation letters depending on the age and condition of the work.

Can You Sell a Property With an Open Permit?

In some cases, a property can still be sold with an open permit, but it may create complications. Buyers may request holdbacks, price reductions, permit closure before closing, or written confirmation from the municipality. Lawyers and lenders may also require additional information.

Resolving the open permit before selling is often the cleaner option because it reduces uncertainty and improves the property’s compliance record.

How Ontario Compliance Can Help

Ontario Compliance helps property owners, realtors, landlords, commercial tenants, and business owners coordinate the steps required to close open building permits.

We can assist with:

• Reviewing permit status and municipal inspection comments
• Coordinating drawings, engineers, designers, and licensed trades
• Comparing existing conditions with approved permit drawings
• Corrective general contracting work
• Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, ESA, fire, and structural coordination
• Final inspection coordination
• Permit closeout documentation
• Support for residential and commercial properties

Need Help Closing an Open Permit?

If you discovered an open building permit, inspection deficiency, missing final inspection, or permit closeout issue, Ontario Compliance can help you understand the next steps and coordinate a practical solution.