Planning Advisory Committee (PAC)

Consult by-law 1575 to establish a planning advisory committee

PAC Roles

The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) of the City of Westmount, given its exceptional built and landscape heritage, plays a significant role in its preservation and enhancement by ensuring that any development or modification respects the unique historic character of Westmount. The PAC acts as an advisory committee to the Municipal Council by providing recommendations on all applications subject to discretionary by-laws (SPAIP, minor exemption, SCAOPI, demolition and requests for zoning amendments).

Main responsibilities of the PAC

In order to formulate a recommendation to the Municipal Council in accordance with by-law 1305 on Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programmes (SPAIP) of the City of Westmount, the PAC reviews renovation, restoration and construction projects to ensure that they comply with the principles of architectural integration established in the by-law, while harmonizing with the built and natural environments that constitute the distinctive character of the City.

The PAC also provides recommendations to Council on applications for minor exemptions, SCAOPI, demolition and zoning amendments, with a particular focus on the potential impact on built heritage and landscapes. It ensures that any changes are compatible with the historic character of Westmount.

PAC composition

The PAC is composed of the following members appointed by resolution of the Municipal Council:

Two (2) members of the Municipal Council;
Five (5) other members, of whom three (3) must be architects, one (1) must be an urban planner and one (1) must be an urban planner, an architect or a professional in a related discipline.
Two (2) substitute members, one (1) of whom is chosen from among the members of the Municipal Council.

Important information:

Only applications that are complete and in compliance with the regulations (e.g. zoning, site planning and architectural integration programmes) may be presented to the PAC.
To plan the architectural concordance of your major project (e.g. new construction, building expansion, substantial window and door replacement), please contact the Urban Planning Department at permis@westmount.org
The PAC will issue a favourable or unfavourable recommendation to the municipal council, which will then approve or refuse the application. Please note that the PAC may also defer its recommendations in order to obtain a revision to the proposal to better meet regulatory requirements.
Once an application has been approved by Council, certain documents relating to construction or coordination may be required before the issuance of a permit.
Major applications (e.g. new construction, extension, substantial replacement of windows and doors), require longer analysis. Documentation for this type of application must therefore be submitted at least two (2) weeks BEFORE the deadline for submitting regular applications. To find out the application deadline, consult the PAC meeting schedule below.
Following Council’s decision, please allow one week for the issuance of the resolution detailing said decision. To find out the Council Sitting schedule, consult the PAC meeting schedule below.