About Heritage Permits

Do I need a permit to make changes to my heritage building?

A Heritage Permit is required to undertake external changes to a heritage-designated property under the Ontario Heritage Act. A designated property is defined in the Act as real property, and the buildings and structure on the real property.

The Act provides a process to ensure that any change to the exterior of a designated property does not alter the property in such a way that the reasons for designation are diminished.

Any external work that alters or changes the appearance of the real property, and buildings and structures on the real property, generally requires a Heritage Permit to include:

• all additions and alterations to a heritage property
• demolition of designated buildings and associated structures
• all new construction
• landscaping and / or alteration of the real property

Examples of external work that require a Heritage Permit:

• addition or alteration to an existing building or accessory structure on the property
• replacement of windows or doors
• change in window or door opening
• removal and / or installation of a deck, fence, gate, trellis, arbours and / or gazebos

Examples of work that do not require a Heritage Permit:

• routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not change the exterior appearance of the main building, accessory structure and / or landscaping
• re-roofing in material and colour similar to existing material and colour
• repairs to, and replacement of, eavestroughs and downspouts unless these are ornamental and integral to the heritage character and appearance of the building
• re-pointing of brick and repairs to chimney

Heritage Permit Application Form and Deadlines

Download the Heritage Application Guide and Form

*Heritage Permit Application Dates for 2012

*Schedule is tentative and may change. Please confirm dates with Planning Staff when submitting application