What to submit, step by step, and what it costs
Mississauga homeowners are opening up main floors more than ever, and removing a load-bearing wall is usually the centrepiece. Before any demolition, the City of Mississauga requires a building permit, and every application now goes through the City's online ePlans portal. This guide walks through that process step by step, along with what to submit, how long it takes and what it costs.
Do I Need a Permit?
Yes. Removing or shortening a load-bearing wall changes how your house carries its weight, which makes it structural work under the Ontario Building Code. A permit is required before the work begins. Cosmetic updates such as new cabinets or flooring in the same location generally do not need one. Not sure if your wall is load-bearing? Read How do I know if my wall is load-bearing?, then have an engineer confirm it.
The ePlans Process, Step by Step
All building permit applications in Mississauga are submitted online through ePlans. The City's process runs like this:
- Create an ePlans account and start a building application, paying the administration fee.
- Upload your drawings and documents, including the City's Applicable Law Form.
- Pre-screen review. The City checks that the package meets minimum requirements. Any corrections must be made before the application moves forward.
- Pay the permit fees. The City emails the fees once the application passes pre-screen, and issues a new application number once they are paid.
- Department review. Each review group marks the application approved or withheld. The City notes that each resubmission cycle can add two or more weeks.
- Download your permit and approved drawings from ePlans, keep them on site, and book inspections.
Because each resubmission can add weeks, a complete and accurate first submission is the single best way to keep a Mississauga project on schedule.
What the Drawings Need to Show
- Existing and proposed floor plans for the affected level
- Framing information for the floors above and below, showing the load path down to the foundation
- Beam, post and connection details stamped by a Professional Engineer
- A temporary shoring plan for supporting the structure during removal
- Any new footings needed under the posts
A flush beam is set within the ceiling depth for a clean, uninterrupted look.
How Long Does It Take?
The Ontario Building Code sets a target of 10 business days for a municipality to decide on a complete permit application for a house. In practice, from first call to permit in hand:
- Site visit and measurements: typically within a week of booking
- Engineering design and drawings: about one to two weeks
- City pre-screen and review: about two to four weeks, longer if resubmissions are needed
What Does It Cost?
A typical engineering and permit package for a single load-bearing wall costs about $2,950 before HST, covering the site visit and engineering design, architectural drawings, and permit application handling. City permit fees are separate. Contractors typically charge about $7,000 for a standard beam and about $10,000 for a steel beam set flush in the ceiling, including the beam and columns, plus about $3,500 for each new footing. See our 2026 wall removal cost guide for the full breakdown.
A steel beam allows a long, open span between the kitchen and living areas.
Planning More Than a Wall Removal?
This site focuses on wall removal permits and pricing. For additions, secondary units, garden suites and full renovation permits in Mississauga, visit our main site: Kingswood Engineers in Mississauga.
We Can Handle ePlans for You
Kingswood Engineers has completed more than 660 residential projects across Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton. We prepare the drawings and engineering the City expects, and for $425 we can submit the application through ePlans and manage the City's review comments for you.
Use our instant quote calculator for an estimate in under a minute, or call 289-206-7556.
Process steps are summarized from the City of Mississauga's building permit guidance and can change. Confirm current requirements with the City before you apply.