New Buildings and Extensions

• Did you read the guidelines for renovating and building?
• Did you read the guideline #5 concerning new buildings?
• Did you read By-law #1303 concerning Zoning?
• Did you read By-law #1391 concerning Building?
• Did you read By-law #1387 concerning Noise?
• Did you read the Urban Planning By-laws?

Generally speaking, if your project affects the exterior of the property, it is subject to the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP) by-law and must be approved by City Council. However, restoration work on the original architectural components and identical replacement work are excluded. (By-law1305 to the SPAIP).

Process of an application subject to the SPAIP by-law

Required documents for a preliminary review:

• A letter describing the scope of the proposed work;
• A letter from the building owner authorizing the permit application, if the request is made by a third party;
• A copy of a recent certificate of location, showing the current conditions of the property;
• Clear and coulor photographs of the existing property as well as a street view showing the adjacent properties;
• A complete set of preliminary architectural drawings, scaled and dimensioned, demonstrating existing and proposed conditions and compliance to current regulation, including:
  • A site plan showing setbacks, property lines, existing buildings, extensions, retaining walls, steps, major trees and any mechanical or electrical equipment installed outside a building ,
  • A plan of each floor,
  • A roof plan,
  • An elevation of each façade,
  • A street scape elevation including the neighbouring buildings, to demonstrate integration into the context,
  • Longitudinal and transverse sections,
  • A topographic study, if the terrain is rugged.
• Clear and coulor photographs of a sample of main exterior materials to demonstrate integration;
• Images of a 3D model illustrating the massing of the new construction in its context. (Depending on the nature of the site and the complexity of the project, a physical model may be required.)

Additional documents that may be required for final analysis, after favorable screening:

• A work order from the selected windows and doors manufacturer, including an illustrated technical data sheet showing the considered model(s), including a coordinated numbering listed in a table and coordinated on photos and with the proposed elevations;
• Clear and coulor photographs of all exterior materials samples that were not previously presented;
• A complete set of working drawings (architecture, structure, mechanical, electrical), to scale, folded to a 8,5” x 14” format, stamped and signed by the appropriate professional (OAQ, OIQ);
• A construction management document, as described under article 69 of By-Law #1300;
• A preliminary landscaping plan or a letter describing the intent on the subject; the modifications to the site are subject to a distinct permit request;
• Detailed calculations of the floor areas;
• An official cost estimate, excluding taxes, provided by a general contractor.

This list is a summary. Please note that additional documents or information may be required in order to provide a better understanding of the project and contribute to the request process. 

Once all the necessary information is gathered, you can submit your application online or in person at the Urban Planning Department at City Hall.

• The applicable fees include the file analysis fees. Please note that the fees related to the issuance of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, will be added to this amount.
• The cost of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, is calculated based on the cost of the work.

Consult the tariffs by-law for up-to-date rates.

Once the application has been reviewed, the applicant will receive a follow-up by email. 

Even if the application has been authorized, the issuance of the permit or certificate, if applicable, is not automatic; the applicable fees must be paid and certain documents must be submitted. 

An official quote from the contractor including the detailed cost of the proposed work, before taxes, must be submitted.