Interior and exterior renovations

General Regulations

Are you considering renovating your kitchen or bathroom? Thinking of converting your space into an open concept? Have you recently purchased a house or condo and want to give it a more modern look? A building permit is required.

Interior renovations (modifications)

A permit is required for interior work, including but not limited to:

• modification of the building’s interior layout (partitioning)
• replacement of drywall panels
• replacement of flooring (affecting the subfloor or joists)
• full renovation of rooms (bathroom, kitchen, etc.)
• installation of a new heating or air conditioning system, removal of an oil tank
• work in a garage (slab or structure)

This list is not exhaustive. It is recommended to contact us to confirm the requirements applicable to your project. Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department.

Note: An engineer’s plan or report may be required for any structural changes (e.g., demolition of load-bearing walls). In certain cases, a technologist may prepare these documents, under specific conditions.

Exterior renovations (modifications)

A permit is required for exterior work, including but not limited to:

• replacement of windows, or the addition, sealing, or modification of the dimensions of a window, door, or similar opening;
• brick replacement;
• construction, expansion, or renovation of a porch, exterior staircase, access ramp, or similar structure in the front;
• construction, expansion, or renovation of an exterior walkway;
• façade staining and replacement of any exterior wall cladding material;
• flat roof replacement (slope less than 2:12 or 16%);
• modifications or repairs to the foundation;
• installation of a French drain
• installation of guardrails.

Exterior work on a visible façade is subject to the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP) by-law currently in force. Our coordinator can assist you with your projects. See Construction procedures.

This list is not exhaustive. It is recommended to contact us to confirm the requirements applicable to your project. Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department.

Note: An engineer’s plan or report may be required for any structural changes (e.g., addition, sealing, or modification of the dimensions of a window, door, or similar opening;). In certain cases, a technologist may prepare these documents, subject to specific conditions.

How to apply for a permit

1. Check the applicable regulations

1. All building modifications are regulated in the Construction By-law #2593 (PDF). 
2. Costs of permits and fees, including the damage deposit for public property, are listed in the Fee Schedule.
3. Zoning By-law No. 2217 (PDF)

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and other regulations may apply. If you have any questions pertaining to these regulations, please book an appointment to meet with a member of the Urban Planning Department.

2. Required documents (all items in this list are mandatory)

1. If the application concerns exterior renovations, a valid Certificate of Location, prepared by a licensed land surveyor may be required. Please consult the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Geomètres du Québec website for an example (PDF)
2. If the application concerns interior renovations in a condominium, approval from your condominium association in the form of a letter on official letterhead.
3. An itemized contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated costs of all materials and labour for the project.
4. If you are not the property owner as listed on Montreal’s property assessment roll, you must complete the following procuration form (PDF). 

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent.

Optional documents that may be required:

5. A scaled architectural plan showing the location and dimensions of all walls and rooms for both the proposed project and the existing layout, including the seal of an architect who is a member of the Ordre des architectes du Québec, or a technologist, provided that the required conditions are met
6. A scaled engineering plan indicating structural changes and calculations, including the seal of an engineer who is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, or a technologist, provided that the required conditions are met.
7. For exterior cladding modifications to a façade:
   • Specifications of the cladding (technical details and dimensions)
   • Physical samples of the selected cladding material(s)
   • Photos of the building’s four façades
   • Detailed quote for the proposed work
8. For modifications to openings:
   • Technical specifications of the new openings, doors, or windows
   • Photos of the existing façades affected by the modifications to openings or styles, or renderings showing before and after
   • Detailed quote for the proposed work

3. Submit a permit application

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the permit application can be easily completed and submitted online. 
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application.

4. Analysis of the permit application

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your permit application as soon as all required information is submitted.
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you.
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected].
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid construction permit.

5. Issuance and payment of the permit

1. When the analysis of your permit application request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the permit. A permit will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed.
2. Once issued, the construction permit must be visible from the street in front of the property.

6. Completion of work

1. Throughout the construction process, the City inspector will visit the site to ensure for compliance with the work listed in the permit description and the applicable municipal by-laws.
2. After the work is completed, please contact the designated inspector listed in the permit description.

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a permit? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department