Is your property located in a Heritage Area? Do you own a heritage building? Are you considering a renovation?
Any change to a designated heritage building must be approved by the Built Heritage Experts Panel and approved by Council.
If you own a property in a Heritage Area, the Heritage Design Standards will apply for exterior alterations to their property, new construction or demolition. Get your approvals and building permit before you buy or order materials. There are requirements that may affect your proposed renovations and you may have to alter your plans to meet these requirements.
Heritage requirements will be reviewed as part of your development building permit application. City staff will assist with this once you make an application. Any conditions will be stated as part of your development or building permit approval.
The goal in a Heritage Area is to maintain or replicate the architectural design elements on your dwelling and to bring it back to its original facade.
Renovations that require heritage review
- replacement of windows and doors
- change in location of window and door openings
- creation of new window or door openings
- alteration to the roof line 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.
Work that does not require heritage review
Work that does not need heritage approval goes under a general repair permit. Visit our building, renovation and repair page for information on general permits.
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 get your building permit and start the process, contact the Permit Counter.
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
- Windows to be single hung unless other styles are approved by a City Inspector.
- Width of windows to be approximately half the height.
- 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.
- 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 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 tor stained with solid color stain.