Heritage Permit Policies

Prior to the receiving any building permit or site plan approval in the HCD for demolition, renovations, or new construction, the property owner will contact the Planning and Building Department to determine whether a Heritage Permit will be required.

For work that may alter the appearance of the facade of a building in the Heritage Conservation District, or an individual property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, the application/approval process for Heritage permits is as follows:

1. A property owner within HCD considering a project impacting a street façade, or a owner of a property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act considering any exterior work, consults with the Building and Planning Department to determine whether or not a Heritage Permit will be required.
2. If the scope and nature of the work requires a permit, the property owner is given an application form to complete.
3. Property owner submits a completed Heritage Permit Application with all the required documentation.
4. Staff reviews the application and applies the standards contained in the Heritage Conservation District Plan.
5. Based on a review of the heritage permit application, staff determines that the proposed alteration(s) require a recommendation from the Heritage Advisory Committee (HCDAC). The application and support material is circulated for review.
6. The HAC submits its recommendation to Building and Planning staff indicating whether:
   • The application is recommended for approval.
   • The applicant is asked to modify the project to some extent.
   • The application is recommended for refusal.
7. If not in agreement, the applicant has the right to appeal to Council.
8. If the applicant does not agree with Council's ruling, there is a further right of appeal to the OMB.