Work order and outstanding permit search

A buyer of a business that owns or leases a building may want to know whether the City has an open order or an unfinished permit on the property. This search is where that appears. See how to check municipal zoning compliance before buying a business.

What Toronto’s report covers

The City says its Property Information Report gives details on active building permits, violations, work orders and the zoning designation that may apply to a property. It covers a specific municipal address, issued building permits on file, the status of inspections and any outstanding orders as they relate to the Ontario Building Code, the Zoning By-law or the Property Standards By-law.

Why open permits matter

Toronto says open permits can create issues for property owners, including delays when selling a home, and that the current owner is responsible for any outstanding permits, even if a previous owner did the work. That is a City statement about its own process. This entry covers Toronto only, so ask the municipality where the property is what search it offers. See also title search.