Apply for a minor exemption
Are you a property owner? Do you want to get an exemption in connection with a zoning or urban planning by-law? The following information is designed to help you prepare your application.
A minor exemption is an exceptional provision concerning the application of certain by-laws. It can be required due to the specific characteristics of a property or building. It is applied only under exceptional circumstances and must meet the spirit of the applicable by-laws.
In certain cases, a minor exemption can serve to legalize errors that occurred during construction. However, a permit must have been issued initially, and the work must have been carried out in good faith.
The exemption does not make it possible to circumvent or amend the applicable regulations and must not hinder adjacent buildings.
My borough
No borough selected.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Examination fee: $1,943
Taxes are included. The fees are non-refundable.
Submit an application
Permit counter – Ahuntsic-Cartierville
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Suite 600
Montréal, QC H2N 2H8
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a land surveyor, if applicable, based on the application submitted
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Completed application for an exemption from the borough
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
Please refer to the tariff by-law for the current fiscal year.
Submit an application
In person
By appointment only.
Second floor
Montréal, QC H1J 2E9
Any questions?
You can contact us to ask for information or for an appointment :
- by phone : 514 493-5115
- by email: permis.anjou@montreal.ca
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form for a minor exemption
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Examination fee : $1,190
- Minor exemption (including the publication of the notice): $3,714
Document
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H3X 2H9
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
For residential use:
- New application: $750
- Formalize an existing situation: $500
For another use:
- New application: $1,500
- Formalize an existing situation: $1,000
The fees could be higher, depending on the cost of the work.
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H8S 2N4
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
For an existing situation, the minimum cost is $250.
Work to change, add to, or expand an existing construction:
- Residential building with four or fewer dwellings: $1,000
- Other buildings: $1,500
Other types of work:
- Residential building with four or fewer buildings: $1,500
- Other buildings: $2,000
Taxes are included.
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H8R 4A8
By appointment only.
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Fees
Examination fee: $2,869
The fees are non-refundable.
Documents
Required documents
- Signed and duly completed form (both sides)
- Payment of required review fees
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Property title, copy of property tax bill or proof of intent to purchase
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Project presentation document, one paper copy and in electronic format, including:
- Context
- Photographs of the site and its surroundings
- Detailed description of the project and how it diverges from regulations
- Plans and elevations illustrating existing and projected conditions of the building (prepared by an architect in the case of a construction or transformation project)
- Perspectives (in colour)
- All relevant studies (traffic, sunlight impacts, heritage value, wind, etc.)
- Copy of any previous variance authorization
Submit an application
In person
Fifth floor
Montréal, QC H2T 3E6
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
An application for a minor exemption must not concern the following elements:
- Use and density of ground occupancy
- A zone where ground occupancy is subject to specific constraints for public safety reasons
- The planting and protection of trees
- Acquired rights
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed form, provided by the permit counter if your application is admissible
- Certificate of location
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application
Approval steps
- Presentation to the urban advisory committee (UAC)
- Issuance of a public notice
- Adoption of a resolution by borough council
Fees
- Examination fee (including the publication of the notice): $2,833
The taxes are included and the fees are non-refundable.
Learn more
First floor
Montréal, QC H4C 2K4
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Examination fee: $1,444.40
Taxes are included.
Submit an application
In person
(on the 2nd floor, rear door of the citizen reception and public safety office)
Montréal, QC H9H 1C5
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Preliminary examination fee: $540
- Processing fee: $2,680
- Publication of the notice: $460
Taxes are included. The fees are non-refundable.
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H1N 1E1
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Approval steps
- Presentation to the urban advisory committee (UAC)
- Issuance of a public notice and posting on the property
- Adoption of a resolution by borough council
Required documents
Any application for a minor exemption must be submitted at the permit counter in the borough. It must be included in an application for an alteration or construction permit (except when the minor exemption legalizes non-compliance that occurred after the completion of the authorized work).
Make sure you have the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form for a minor exemption
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Preliminary examination fee: $1,150
- Examination fee: $3,900
The fees are non-refundable.
Document
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H1H 1S4
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
Examination fee:
- Application concerning mechanical equipment for residential buildings: $668
- Other application: $4,012
Notice publication fee:
- In the borough: $615
- In a neighbouring borough if necessary: $615
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H2V 1K9
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form for a minor exemption
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Residential buildings with three or fewer dwellings: $1,080
- Other types of buildings: $2,160
Document
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H9A 2Z4
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed application for a minor exemption (available at the permit counter)
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
- Preliminary assessment: $365
This assessment is to check whether your application is admissible.
These fees are deducted from the fees for a minor exception if an application is submitted within six months following the notice of admissibility.
- Minor exception: $1,250
Including review fees and publication of the notice.
Taxes are included.
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
In what cases can an application be submitted?
Applicable zoning and subdivision provisions that may be subject to a minor exemption are those related to:
- construction alignment
- curb extensions
- margins
- yard occupancy and constructions
- a building plan
- floor elevation on the ground floor
- depth of a building on or for which a minimum height is required
- authorizations to exceed maximum building heights
- minimum building width
- outdoor staircases
- building appearance
- loading areas and access to loading areas
- fences
- location, maximum number, dimensions and development standards for parking spaces, except in residential areas
- lot area and dimensions.
Conditions
A minor exemption may be granted only under the following conditions:
- The application meets the objectives of the borough’s Urban Plan.
- The minor exemption does not adversely affect the neighbouring building owners’ enjoyment of their property rights.
- The application does not concern the use or density of land occupancy.
- The regulatory application causes substantial harm to the applicant.
- The applicant is unable to comply with the applicable regulatory provisions.
In the event that a minor exemption is necessary and, for one reason or another, the work has already been completed or is in the process of being completed, you must prove that you received a construction permit for the work and that the work has been completed in good faith.
Steps
- Subsequent meeting and information gathered from a built environment agent
- Submission of application to the permit counter
- Analysis of the project by a professional from the Direction du territoire et des études techniques
- Recommendation issued by the urban advisory committee (UAC)
- Publication of a public notice 15 days prior to the borough council meeting
- Public consultation
- Adoption, by borough council, of a resolution approving or denying the application
- Issuance of the permit or certificate
Documents
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Payment of the fee set out in the by-law
- Copy of the certificate of location, along with a technical description or location plan prepared by a professional land surveyor (if the project concerns a building that is not built, a building plan is required)
- Property title, copy of tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Photos of the building concerned and adjacent buildings
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building (implementation, floor plan, elevations, roof plan).
Submit an application
In person
Second floor
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Projected cost of the project and cost of the work with a guarantee
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
Preliminary examination fee: $433
Publication of the notice:
- Residential building with five or fewer dwellings: $1,157
- Other type of building: $2,392
Taxes are included.
The preliminary examination fee will be deducted from the public notice fee if the application is accepted.
Submit an application
In person
Saint-Laurent, QC H4M 2M7
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form for a minor exemption
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Fees
Fees vary depending on your situation. Please contact the permit counter.
Documents
Submit an application
In person
Montréal, QC H1R 3B1
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Who can submit an application?
The property owner or their representative must make the application. In the latter case, a proxy document signed by the owner must be provided. It is essential to demonstrate that the by-law creates significant disadvantages or serious damages.
The application form provided by the borough must be completed in full and signed by the building owner or the building owner’s representative. The application processing fee must be paid at the time of application.
Fees
- Examination fee: $2,450
Taxes are included. The fees are non-refundable.
Document
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Submit an application
In person
Suite 109
Montréal, QC H4G 1M4
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Object of an application
Any provision in the planning regulations may be subject to a minor exemption, with the exception of the following provisions:
- Setback required for a high-rise construction
- Density
- Shoreline, coast and floodplain
- Uses
- Café-terraces
- Advertising signs
How to submit an application
Prior to submitting your application, you must meet with an agent, a built environment agent, or a planning advisor, who will identify the exemptions to the regulations required to complete the project and ensure that the situation justifies the exemption.
You must submit your application at the permit counter or by e-mail and include all the required documents.
Required documents
You must provide the following documents:
- Completed and signed application form for a minor exemption
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Details concerning any projected or existing exemption
- Letter showing power of attorney (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Payment of the applicable fees
- Photos of the concerned building
- Photos of adjacent buildings
- Letter explaining the exemption requested and citing the reasons justifying the application (damage)
- Plan illustrating the exemption and the immediate environment around the concerned building: Layout, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, etc.
- Layout plan for the projected construction, prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title to the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase
- Any other document required subsequent to the review of the application.
Steps to follow
- Meeting and information-gathering at the permit counter
- Submission of the application
- Analysis of the project
- Notice issued by the urban advisory committee (CCU)
- Publication of a public notice 15 days prior to the borough council meeting
- Decision by borough council
- Issuance of the permit or certificate of authorization
Processing times
Processing times for a minor exemption application vary from three to four months as of the submission of the complete application.
Fees
- Based on the area spanned and the nature of the work: Between $636 and $2,038
- Examination and notice publication fee: $563
Taxes are included.
Document
Required documents
Submit an application
ground floor
Montréal, QC H2L 4L8
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
Who can submit an application?
You must be the owner of the building and prove that the by-law creates significant inconveniences or causes substantial harm to you.
Please contact your local permit counter to find out if your application is admissible before you complete the required documents.
Approval steps
- Presentation to the urban advisory committee (UAC)
- Issuance of a public notice and posting on the property
- Adoption of a resolution by borough council
Fees
Examination and notice publication fee: $3,075
Taxes are included.
Document
Required documents
Any application for a minor exemption must be submitted at the permit counter in the borough. It must be included in an application for an alteration or construction permit (except when the minor exemption legalizes non-compliance that occurred after the completion of the authorized work).
Your application must be submitted in writing, by completing the form transmitted by the permit counter and attaching the following documents:
- Certificate of location with a technical description prepared by a professional land surveyor
- Title of the property or copy of the tax account or proof of intention to purchase (if the applicant is not the owner)
- Complete plans for the project or the existing building, illustrating the exemption and the environment immediately surrounding the building concerned
- Letter of power of attorney (if applicant is not the owner)
- Any other supporting document deemed useful for the application.
Submit an application
In person
Suite 111
Montréal, QC H3N 1M3
Contact 514 868-3509
Submit your application with the required documents.
Legislation
Overview of applicable by-laws.
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