Retaining Wall

• Do you know in which zone your property is located?
• Did you read By-law #1303 concerning Zoning?
• Did you read guideline #6 concerning landscaping?

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 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 letter from the association of co-owners authorizing the proposed modification;
• A copy of a recent certificate of location, showing the current conditions of the property;
• Clear and colour photographs from the wall showing the existing conditions and context;
• A scaled and dimensioned site plan showing setbacks, property lines and location of the retaining wall;
• A scaled section illustrating the topography of the existing and proposed conditions including the height of the walls;
• A detailed section of the wall structure, stamped and signed by an engineer, if the wall exceeds 3′-0” in height or is not a dry stone assembly;
• Clear and coulor photographs of samples or specifications for proposed materials;
• 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.