Obtain a permit to construct a building

Last updated November 9, 2023

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.

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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
  • Make an appointment with your 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 $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.

Make an appointment

By phone

Permit counter – Ahuntsic-Cartierville

514-872-3020

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  • Permit is no longer valid if work has not started within six months of the date of issue or if it is interrupted for more than six months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

514-493-8086

By appointment
7171 Rue Bombardier
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.

Make an appointment

311

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

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

514-634-3471
Extension number 296

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

In person

By appointment
55 Avenue Dupras
Montréal, QC H8R 4A8

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

311

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.

201 Avenue Laurier Est
Fifth floor
Montréal, QC H2T 3E6

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

  • Make an appointment with your permit counter to submit necessary documents and to find out if you will need to present architectural plans.
  • If the cost of your work is more than $5 million, you must provide a detailed estimate for each component of the project.
  • You must also provide a document indicating the height and alignment of buildings adjacent to your project, signed by a land surveyor.

The permit must be posted in a visible way on the site throughout the work period.

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.

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, 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

The following rules must be respected:

  • Once issued, the permit is valid for six months
  • Permit is no longer valid if work has not started within 12 months of the date of issue or if it is interrupted for more than 6 months
  • Work must be completed within 12 months of the date the permit was issued
  • In the case of a building greater than three storeys, or with an area greater than 600 sq. m., work must be completed within 24 months of the date the permit was issued

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.

Make an appointment

815 Rue Bel-Air
First floor
Montréal, QC H4C 2K4

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

311

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.

15795, boulevard Gouin Ouest
(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.

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

514-872-6099

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

311

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.

4241 Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
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.

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

514-495-6234

1431 Avenue Van Horne, 2nd floor
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

13665 Boulevard de Pierrefonds
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

514-868-4343

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

5650 Rue D'Iberville
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

By e-mail

Contact 311 to make an appointment with the permit counter.

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

311

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.

8400 Boulevard Lacordaire
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

311

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.

4555 Rue de Verdun
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

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

514-868-3509

Legislation