Heritage Building Permits
If you’re planning renovations to a designated heritage property or within a Heritage Area, additional approvals are required to help protect the character of these spaces.
Any changes to a designated heritage building must be reviewed by the Built Heritage Experts Panel and approved by Council. For properties located in a Heritage Area, Heritage Design Standards apply to exterior alterations, new construction, and demolition.
It’s important to get the necessary approvals and permits before purchasing materials or starting work, as requirements may impact your plans. Heritage considerations are reviewed as part of the development or building permit process, and City staff will guide you through the application. Any conditions will be outlined in your permit approval.
The goal in Heritage Areas is to preserve or restore key architectural features and maintain the historic character of the property.
Require Review
- Replacement of windows and doors
- Change in location of window and door openings
- Creation of new window or door openings
- Alteration to the roofline of style of roof
- Installation of new clapboard or siding
- Construction of decks or verandas
- Installation of an accessory building (visible from the street)
- Installation of a fence (visible from the street)
- New home construction
- Addition to an existing property
- Demolition of a building or part of a building
For exterior signage refer to the Sign By-Law.
No Review Required
Work that does not need heritage approval still requires a building permit. This includes:
- Routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not change the appearance of the property
- Re-roofing in a material that is like the existing material
- Re-painting
- Repairs to or replacement of eavestroughs and downspouts
- Re-pointing and repairs to masonry
Getting Approval
To start the permitting process, visit our Permit page.
Requirements for a permit
- A completed planning and development application or application for a building permit.
- A copy of your property survey showing the location of your dwelling on the property.
- A detailed description of the proposed work including location and sizes of proposed windows.
- Building elevations (views of exterior) showing the proposed changes.
- Construction drawings (floor plans and details) for proposed major renovations or extensions.
- If you have current or old photos of your property, please include those with your application.
Renovation Guidelines for Heritage Areas
Single-hung Window
- Windows to be single hung unless other styles are approved by a City Inspector.
- Width of windows to be approximately half the height.
Trim for Windows/Doors
- Install wide trims on windows and doors. Install one by four-inch trims on top and sides. Install two by two-inch sills at the bottom. Angel sill trim to extend to the outer edges of the side trims to shed water.
Corner Board Trim & Siding
- Install six-inch corner board trims.
- Siding to be four-inch exposure. Please note that vinyl siding is not permitted in Heritage Area One. If wood siding is being installed, it must have a second plane of protection as required by the National Building Code of Canada. Install Wood siding to on vertical furring strips with a minimum thickness of 3/8”.
Exterior Rails & Stained Lumber
- Exterior handrail and guard to have its vertical members installed between top and bottom rail. Face nailed balustrades typical of new home construction is not acceptable within the heritage areas.
- No unfinished pressure treated wood at front of building or visible from a flanking street. Paint pressure treated wood or stained with solid color stain.
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