Obtain a permit to construct a building
Do you want to construct a building? Before beginning work, make sure you comply with current regulations and obtain a permit.
A permit or authorization certificate is required to construct a building.
In some areas, preserving the neighborhood’s historical, architectural or landscaping value is essential. In such cases, you will need to submit a site planning and architectural integration program (SPAIP), and your application will be reviewed by a committee.
My borough
No borough selected.
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Rules to follow
- If a building must be demolished to erect a new one, you must first obtain a demolition permit
- The development project must integrate with adjacent buildings and the area
- Detailed plans must indicate all project dimensions and specify all materials and their colours
- All new construction is subject to regulatory approval by the Urban Advisory Committee
If the building is located in a heritage area or on a heritage site, additional requirements may apply.
Contact the permit counter to verify the rules applicable to your situation.
Submit an application
- Prepare the following information:
- Description of work
- Project address
- Your contact information
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1000 amount of w,ork.
No matter the cost of work, at a minimum you must pay:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
The permit can be paid by certified cheque, debit card or credit card.
Communication channels
In person
Suite 600
Montréal, QC H2N 2H8
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
Permit validity period
You must comply with the following rules:
- Permit is valid for 12 months
- Permit is no longer valid if work has not started within six months of the date of issue or if it is interrupted for more than six months
- Paving, earthmoving and exterior cladding work must be completed within 12 months of the date the permit was issued
- Interior construction work must be completed within 24 months of the date the permit was issued
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work, minimum $990.
No matter the cost of work, at a minimum you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
Required documents
- Certificate of location
- Drawings
- Architectural and structural plans
- Other relevant documents
Communication channels
Information
Second floor
Montréal, QC H1J 2E9
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the cost of work, at a minimum you must pay:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
If your application must also be approved as a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP), additional fees apply to the cost for the construction permit.
If your project is subject to a site planning and architectural integration program, there will be additional fees and further timelines.
Make an appointment
Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311
Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please send your request for information
Legislation
- Urban planning by-law
- By-law regarding building demolition (in French)
- By-law on Specific Construction, Alteration or Occupancy Projects (in French)
- By-law concerning the construction and conversion of buildings
- By-law concerning the sanitation and maintenance of dwelling units
- By-law concerning fees (in French)
- Construction code
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
Analysis of your application begins when all required documents have been received and the permit fee has been paid.
If your application must also be approved as a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP), additional fees apply to the cost for the construction permit.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the work cost, at a minimum you must pay $161.
Documents
Required documents
- Detailed scale drawings, including site plan, elevations, floor plan, structural details (two printed copies and one PDF)
- Building specification sheet applicable to your request
- Certificate of location of the property (if needed)
- Street address to be eliminated, if any
Information
Comptoir des permis
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the cost of work, at a minimum you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
Information
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
For all construction projects, please consult the expansions and new constructions page first (in French).
Information
Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311
Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fifth floor
Montréal, QC H2T 3E6
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. A designated representative with power of attorney can apply on behalf of the owner.
All plans for new buildings are subject to the By-law concerning site planning and architectural integration programs (in French) (RCA07 22019)
Applicable standards
- A demolition permit must first be issued if a building is to be demolished in order to erect a new one.
- The building project must blend in with adjacent buildings and the surrounding area.
- Detailed plans must show all dimensions of the project and specify all materials and colours.
- The urban advisory planning committee must give regulatory approval to all new buildings. Additional fees are added to the cost of the building permit when an application is subject to approval under a site planning and architectural integration plan.
Additional requirements may apply to historic sites or sectors. Contact the permit counter to find out which rules apply to your situation.
Required documents
The following documents are required for the preliminary review of your application:
- Certificate of location
- Building data sheet (exempt (in French) or non exempt (in French))
- Architectural drawings (existing and projected plans, facades, cross-sections and longitudinal sections, etc.)
- Estimates, including taxes and professional fees
- Power of attorney (if application is submitted by an individual other than the owner)
- Resolution from the board of directors (if application is submitted by a legal entity)
- Overview document (including all elements required pursuant to article 7 of the regulations on site planning and architectural integration programs (in French) )
- Heritage review (for large institutional buildings identified in appendix C of the urban planning by-law and/or a place of worship identified in the tables in appendix B of the site planning and architectural integration program by-law)
- Viability study by an expert in the field (in the case of occupancy involving sensitive use of land adjacent to the right-of-way of a switching yard or main railroad line)
Applications cannot be processed without all required documents and payment of the permit review fee.
Additional documents, related permits and financial contributions may be required to evaluate the project.
Examples of additional documents:
- Draft site plan prepared by a land surveyor
- Structural plans signed and sealed by an engineer
- Mechanical plans (plumbing, ventilation, electricity, fire lines)
- Storm water management plan
- Acoustic review
- Mechanical equipment on the roof (articles 428.1 et 428.2 of the Le Sud Ouest urban planning by-law - 01-280 (in French) )
- Occupancy of premises with sound equipment that may cause noise pollution pursuant to the By-law concerning noise - B3)
- Green roof data sheet (buildings covered by articles 27.1 and 27.2 of the By-law concerning the construction and conversion of buildings (11-018))
- Contaminated soil rehabilitation plan
- Landscape development plan (in French)
Some examples of related permits
- Excavation permit near public property
- Water and sewage connection
- Occupancy of public property
- Tree felling certificate
- Occupancy certificate
- Commercial sign permit
- Pool certificate
- Subdivision permit
- Preliminary review
- Commission des Services Électriques de Montréal (CSEM)
Examples of financial contributions and other additional costs:
- Market value appraisal costs for park fees (in French)
- By-law for a diverse metropolis financial contribution (when land or affordable housing is not involved)
- ARTM royalties (in French)
- Curb cuts for driveways (addition and/or removal)
- Add a street number
- Fees associated with other related permits (felling, pool, occupation, sign, excavation or cutting, permanent occupancy of public property, etc.)
The permit must be prominently displayed on site for the duration of the project.
If the lot to be built is more than 1,000 square metres and has an impermeable surface, you must provide calculations and 3 copies of plans for stormwater retention structures, signed and sealed by an engineer.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work, minimum $990 per dwelling unit or space.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
If a cadastral operation (subdivision permit) is necessary, park fees corresponding to 10 per cent of land value are assessed. Park fees may also be assessed when applying for a building permit.
Permit validity period
Permit validity varies depending on the type of construction work. Several conditions must be met.
The permit is no longer valid if:
- Construction work has not begun within 12 months of the permit’s date of issue, or within 18 months in the case of a building more than 4 storeys high or with a building area exceeding 2,000 square metres.
- Construction work is interrupted for more than 6 months.
Construction must be completed within 18 months of the permit issue date, or within 24 months in the case of a building more than 3 storeys high or with a building area exceeding 600 square metres.
Permit renewal
The permit validity period can be extended if:
- The work has not started.
- The renewal application is submitted before the validity period expires.
Renewal fee: 25 per cent of the cost of the original permit.
The processing fees are not taxable, but taxes are calculated in the projected cost of the work.
Learn more
For additional information, contact the permit counter.
Make an appointment
In person
First floor
Montréal, QC H4C 2K4
To apply for a building permit, you need to make an appointment with a building official. Please leave us a message in our voice mailbox at 514 872-4176 or e-mail us for upcoming availabilities.
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow and documents to provide.
If your application must also be approved as a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP), additional fees apply to the cost for the construction permit.
Information
Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311
Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(on the 2nd floor, rear door of the citizen reception and public safety office)
Montréal, QC H9H 1C5
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
In addition to your construction permit, be sure to obtain the necessary authorizations if you need to work on the water and sewer lines. Read also: Apply for a permit to carry out work on water and sewer service connections.
You must also obtain a temporary occupation permit to place equipment and materials on public property. This is also required for temporary closure of a street.
Fees
In addition to the cost of your permit, you must also make prepayments to cover the costs of repairs to any damage caused to public property during your work. Depending on the real area of public property to be repaired, as well as the time of year (summer or winter), the difference will be reimbursed or invoiced.
Fees are payable only by certified cheque at Bureau Accès Montréal.
Required documents
- Proxy document if you are acting on behalf of the building owner
- Copy of the excavator’s insurance endorsement
- If a water retention system must be installed:
- Technical sheet and retention calculation for all regulators
- Cadastral plan
- Detailed drainage plan
Information
By phone
Permit counter – Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work.
The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application if they have a proxy document.
Apply
- Prepare the required documents and your contact information
- Contact the permit counter for details about the steps to follow
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $10.50 for each $1,000 amount of work.
If approval for a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP) is required, supplementary fees are added to the cost of the construction permit.
Required documents
- Description of work
- Project Address
Information
Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311
Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Montréal, QC H1H 1S4
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow and documents to provide.
If your application must also be approved as a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP), additional fees apply to the cost for the construction permit.
Permit validity period
The following rules must be respected:
- Permit is no longer valid if work has not started within six months of the date of issue or if it is interrupted for more than six months
- Work must be completed within 12 months of the date the permit was issued
- In the case of a building greater than 3 storeys, or with an area greater than 600 sq. m., work must be completed within 24 months of the date the permit was issued.
Once the permit has been issued, any changes to plans and specifications must be authorized in writing, by the permit counter.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $160.45 for a residential building
- $472.16 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
Communication channels
Comptoir des permis – Outremont
Montréal, QC H2V 1K9
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow and documents to provide.
You must submit your documents via email, prior to going to pay your permit fee.
Permit validity period
These terms and conditions must be respected:
- Work must start within 18 months following the date permit was issued, except in the case of a building greater than four storeys, or with an area greater than 2000 sq. m., in which case the period is 18 months
- Permit is no longer valid if work has not started within six months of the date of issue or if it is interrupted for more than six months
- Work must be completed within 18 months following date permit was issued, except in the case of a building greater than four storeys, or with an area greater than 2000 sq. m., in which case the period is 36 months
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work, minimum $990 per dwelling unit or space.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
Information
Montréal, QC H9A 2Z4
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow and documents to provide.
If your construction project is located in an area of heritage character, your work may be subject to certain restrictions, or may even not be authorized.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
Information
By phone
Permit counter – Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow and documents to provide.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $ 473 for a commercial building
Document
Communication channels
In person
Second floor
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
If your application must also be approved as a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP), additional fees apply to the cost for the construction permit.
A subdivision permit may be required.
Commercial or industrial building
Required documents
- Permit application form, filled in and signed by the person making the request and the property owner
- Proposed site plan, to scale, prepared by a land surveyor
- Site plan showing the projected building, lot boundaries, exterior lay-out and the required parking spaces
- Landscape design plan showing the proposed green space and shading percentages for any parking area with more than 20 spaces
- Architectural plans, to scale, of professional quality
- Floor plan
- Roof plan showing if it is a white roof
- Elevation plans for exterior walls
- Wall sectional views and all construction details
- Building specification sheet duly filled out by plan designer
- Compliance review with regard to the Québec Construction Code done by an architect or qualified consultant
- Structural plans signed and stamped by a structural engineer member of the Ordre des ingénieurs
- Mechanical, electrical and sprinkler plans, signed by qualified engineers, members of the Ordre des ingénieurs
A retention permit and a connection permit, a water meter and a driveway entrance (curb cut) permit are also required for new construction.
Residential building
Required documents
- Permit application form, filled in and signed by the person making the request and the property owner
- Proposed site plan, to scale, prepared by a land surveyor
- Site plan showing the building, lot boundaries, exterior lay-out and the required parking spaces
- Landscape design plan showing the proposed green space and shading percentages for any parking area with more than 20 spaces
- Architectural plans, to scale, of professional quality
- Floor plan
- Roof plan, if a flat roof, technical sheet for materials
- Elevation plans for exterior walls
- Wall section plans and construction details
- Compliance review with regard to the Québec Construction Code done by an architect or qualified consultant
Other requirements
The following elements may be required for certain buildings:
- Architect’s stamp and signature on the plans, accompanied by a compliance review with regard to the Québec Construction Code
- Copy of structural plans signed and stamped by a structural engineer member of the Ordre des ingénieurs
- Copies of mechanical, electrical and sprinkler plans, signed by qualified engineers, members of the Ordre des ingénieurs
- Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plans approval
- Subdivision permit application
A retention permit may also be required for new construction.
Processing time
Review of the permit application for all types of buildings takes more than 60 days.
Permit validity period
The permit validity permit depends on the height and floor area of the building.
Fees
Fees for permit application analysis vary as a function of the builder’s estimated project cost, number of suites and floor area.
For example, estimated project value, to establish permit cost:
- $1,457 per sq. m. for a residential building
- $1,733 per sq. m. for a commercial or service building
- $1,122 per sq m for an industrial building
- $2,125 per sq. m. for an institutional building
Depending on the type of project, a contribution to the park fund may also be required.
Information
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The notice issued with the permit must be well- placed on the construction site, visible from the street.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
Permit validity period
The following rules must be respected:
- Work must start within 12 months following the date permit was issued, except in the case of a building greater than four storeys, or with an area greater than 2000 sq. m., in which case the period is 18 months.
- Permit is no longer valid if the work is stopped for more than six months
In some cases, the 12-month and 18-month periods can be extended for one time, contact your permit counter to learn about the process and see if it is possible.
Permit renewal
Permit validity period may be extended under the following conditions:
- Work has not begun
- Request for renewal has been made prior to expiration of the permit period
In all cases, regulations must be respected.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work, minimum $990 per dwelling unit or space.
No matter the amount of work, a minimum of $250 for a secondary building smaller than 25 sq. m.
Renewal: 25 per cent of the cost of original permit.
Documents
Required documents
- Building specification sheet applicable to your project
- Complete project plans, in two copies
- Architectural plans, signed and stamped by an architect
- Electrical plans
- Mechanical plans
- Structural plans
- Site plan prepared by a land surveyor
- Landscape design plan for the site
- If the cost of your work is more than $5 million, you must provide a detailed estimate for each component of the project, signed and stamped by a recognized professional, such as an architect or engineer
In some cases, the architectural plans must be signed and stamped by an architect. Check with the permit counter to see if this is applicable to your project.
If the land on which construction will take place is larger than 1,000 sq. m. and the surface is impermeable, you must provide calculations and three copies of plans related to rainwater retention facilities, signed and stamped by an engineer.
Information
Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311
Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Montréal, QC H1R 3B1
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
If your application must also be approved as a Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plan (SPAIP), additional fees apply to the cost for the construction permit.
Permit validity period
The permit is valid for 18 months following date of issue. Work must begin within 12 months following date of issue.
For a building with more than three storeys or covering an area of more than 600 square metres, the permit is valid for 24 months.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work, minimum $990 per dwelling unit or space.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a commercial, industrial or institutional building
For a secondary building, the analysis cost for a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work cost. You must bay $9.80 for each $1,000 of work minimum $250.
The estimated work value cannot be lower than the unit per-floor-area square-metre costs:
- For a residential building, not including the basement floor area if it is a single-family dwelling: $1,457
- For a commercial building: $1,733
- For an industrial building: $1,122
- For an institutional building, per square metre of floor area: $2,125
Documents
Required documents
- Building specification sheet applicable to your project
- Photos or images of the project facades
- Bid or estimate for work costs
- Samples of materials used
- Plan showing the projected use of each room or floor area, created by a technologist, architect or engineer
- Site plan created by a technologist or architect, or certificate of location created by a surveyor showing the location of:
- Buildings
- Parking spaces and driveways as well as their number and dimensions
- Pedestrian pathways, as well as their width
Make an appointment
Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311
Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Suite 109
Montréal, QC H4G 1M4
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. Notice issued with the permit must be well -placed on the construction site, visible from the street.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
If a cadastral operation (subdivision permit) is necessary. park fees corresponding to 10 per cent of land value are assessed.
Heritage area
If your project is in a municipal heritage area, other documents are required:
- A third, complete, set of plans
- Photos showing the location of the future building and adjacent buildings (digital format is acceptable)
- Samples of the proposed brick or exterior cladding
- Manufacturer’s description of the proposed windows and doors
If the proposed building is in an area with provincial heritage status, you must obtain authorization from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec (MCCQ).
Permit validity period
The following rules must be respected:
- Work must start within 12 months following the date permit was issued, except in the case of a building greater than four storeys, or with an area greater than 2,000 sq. m., in which case the period is 18 months
- Permit is no longer valid if the work is stopped for more than six months
In some cases, the periods can be extended for one time, contact your permit counter to learn about the process and see if it is possible.
Permit renewal
Permit validity period may be extended under the following conditions:
- Work has not begun
- Request for renewal has been made prior to expiration of the permit period
In all cases, regulations must be respected.
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work, minimum $990 per dwelling unit or space.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $1,457 per sq. m. for a residential building
- $1,733 per sq. m. for a commercial or service building
- $1,122 per sq m for an industrial building
- $2,125 per sq. m. for an institutional building
- $250 for a secondary building less than 25 sq. m.
- $498 for a secondary building greater than 25 sq. m.
Renewal: 25 per cent of the cost of original permit.
The amount for the review fee is not taxable, however, taxes are calculated in the evaluation of the cost of work.
Documents
Required documents
- Building specification sheet applicable to your project
- Project plans, two copies
- Architectural plans, showing elevations and sections
- Site plan prepared by a land surveyor
- Proxy document if you are acting on behalf of the building owner
- If the cost of your work is more than $500,000, you must provide a detailed estimate for each component of the project, signed and stamped by a recognized professional, such as an architect or engineer
You must also provide a document indicating the height and alignment of buildings adjacent to your project, signed by a land surveyor
In some cases, the architectural plans must be signed and stamped by an architect, check with the permit counter to see if this is applicable to your project.
If the land on which construction will take place is larger than 1000 sq. m. and the surface is impermeable, you must provide calculations and three copies of plans related to rainwater retention facilities, signed and stamped by an engineer.
Information
By e-mail
Legislation
You must obtain a permit before starting work. The person representing the construction company can also take care of the application.
Submit an application
Contact your permit counter for details about the steps to follow.
See also: Residential construction
Fees
The cost to analyze a permit request varies as a function of the estimated work project cost. You must pay $9.80 for each $1,000 amount of work.
No matter the cost of work, you must pay at least:
- $161 for a residential building
- $473 for a mixed-used buillding
Required documents
- Plan showing the projected use of each room or floor area, in two copies
- Two copies of plan showing the location of:
- Buildings
- Parking spaces and lanes as well as their number and dimensions
- Pedestrian pathways, as well as their length
- Certificate of location
Information
Permit counter – Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc Extension
Suite 111
Montréal, QC H3N 1M3
Legislation
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