Calculating the cost of work

The application fee for a renovation permit is proportional to the cost of your work and is also based on the type of building being renovated (residential, commercial, institutional, industrial or mixed-use).

The total cost of the work must include:

• fees for plans and specifications
• foundation excavation and backfilling fees
• professional fees
• materials and equipment related to architecture, structure, building mechanicals and electricity
• taxes

In your calculation, you must not take into account the cost of supplies and installation costs for:

• manufacturing equipment
• in a residential building, a lift device for people with disabilities, installed under the Residential Adaptation Assistance Program (RAAP) adopted by the Government of Québec

Cost of the permit

The cost of the permit is calculated as follows: cost of the work ÷ 1,000 x $9.80.

Regardless of the total cost for the work, you will be required to pay, at a minimum:

• $161 for a strictly residential building
• $473 for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building

Thus, for residential projects with a projected cost lower than $16,428.57, a processing fee of $161 is applied. For projects other than residential with a projected cost lower than $48,165.31, a processing fee of $473 is applied.

The fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation or denial of the application.

Heritage buildings and areas of significance

Certain buildings hold heritage status or are located in areas of significance (protected). Several neighbourhoods are also subject to special planning programs (SPP) governing specific types of work.

If that is the case, your permit application must be reviewed by a committee to ensure that your project complies with the additional standards aimed at preserving the historical, architectural or landscape value of your building or area.

Additional processing fees, which vary based on your borough, can then be added to the basic permit application fee.

Cost of renewing a permit

Do you need to renew your renovation permit? You will be required to pay 25 per cent of the cost of the original permit. The minimum amounts apply ($161 or $473).