Renovations and extensions

A renovation or an extension must respect three fundamental principles: the character of the neighbourhood as a whole, the visual aspect of the street, and the particular style of the building.

As well, it must respect the building’s original appearance and enhance its architectural features.

Architectural approval

Throughout the territory, any project that is:

  • a new construction;
  • an extension that alters the façade facing the street or visible from the street;
  • a renovation that alters the façade facing the street or visible from the street;

must be approved through the Siting & Architectural Integration Plan (SAIP) process. This architectural approval process ensures that the project will comply with existing by-laws. Members of the Urban Planning Advisory Committee (UPAC) evaluate the project and submit their recommendations to City Council. A permit may only be issued after the project has been approved by Council.

A maximum of three materials is permitted, including two for the front façade. The cladding of each façade must consist of 60% stone or clay bricks. The rest may be made of stucco, stucco with exposed aggregate, wood or aluminium.

The colour, texture, and dimension of cladding materials must harmonize with the existing cladding. A maximum of two colours is allowed for the cladding of a building, and these colours must harmonize together. Fluorescent colours are prohibited throughout the territory of the city.

Exterior cladding and finishing materials must be maintained so as to preserve their original appearance. Buildings must be maintained to the same standard as neighbouring buildings.

All extensions must be built on concrete foundations. Pillars may be used if the extension does not exceed 23 m2 or 25 % of the area of the main building, whichever of these dimensions is smaller.

A request for an authorization certificate to build an extension or garage attached to the main building, if the proposed extension or garage is located 1 m (3.3 ft.) or less from the minimum required setbacks in the table of specific provisions of the zoning by-law, must be accompanied by a detailed layout plan prepared by a land surveyor. When the work is completed, a certificate of location prepared by a land surveyor must be submitted to the Urban Planning, Permits and Inspection Department.

Permit or certificate of authorization

A certificate of authorization is required for:

  • all work worth more than $3,000; that doesn't affect the facade or the structure of the building;
  • any new construction;
  • any extension;
  • any renovation work.

A permit or certificate is not required for regular maintenance work such as indoor or outdoor painting, unless the outdoor colours change. A demolition permit is also required to demolish a building or an ancillary building.

When making a request, you must submit two copies of the following plans and documents:

  • Plan of the work (if applicable);
  • Structural plan (if applicable);
  • Detailed list of work;
  • Contractor’s contact information;
  • Work schedule;
  • Cost of the work.

When making a request, you must submit two copies of the following plans and documents:

  • Duly completed PIIA form (in French);
  • The certificate of location prepared by a land surveyor showing the distance of the new window(s), the overhanging window(s), or the projecting window(s) from the property lines;
  • Manufacturer’s documentation illustrating the type of proposed window;
  • Description of the materials used in the fabrication of the window;
  • Series of photos of the building (if applicable);
  • Structural plan: if an existing opening is enlarged or a new opening is created, the lintel over this opening must be described;
  • If an overhanging window will be installed, a scale plan of the interior layout is required (the plan must illustrate the structure of the overhanging window);
  • Contractor’s contact information;
  • Work schedule;
  • Cost of the work.

When submitting a request, the following plans and documents must be drawn to an exact scale, and two copies are required:

Site plan prepared by a land surveyor, illustrating the proposed extension and including the following:

  • Cadastral identification of the land
  • Location and ground dimensions of the land, the existing main building, the proposed extension, any ancillary building and the swimming pool, as the case may be
  • Distances between the proposed extension and the property lines (limits) and any other ancillary buildings and swimming pool, as the case may be
Detailed plans and estimates:
  • Elevation drawings of the façades, indicating the ground level, openings, and proposed wall cladding and roofing
  • Plan drawings of each floor level of the extension, indicating the usage of each room, and the dimensions and placement of all structural elements
  • Structural drawings
  • Building cross-sections showing the levels, stairways, floor/ceiling height, and structural components
  • Wall cross-sections and a description of the materials to be used in the wall composition
  • Sample of the materials and the colour
  • Other details if required
  • The contractor’s contact information
  • Construction schedule
  • Cost of the work

Procedure

The steps vary, depending on the nature of the work.

The steps are as follows:

  1. Before the file can be evaluated, the request must be signed and paid for, and all the required documentation must be completed.
  2. Your request will then be reviewed. Due to the high volume of permit requests, we are unable to provide an exact processing time. When you submit your request, an estimate of the time it will take will be provided.

  3. The inspector will issue the certificate of authorization.

The following documents are required:

  • Duly completed permit and/or certificate application form (in French);
  • Series of photos of the building and of all neighbouring buildings (if applicable);
  • Plan showing the height of the proposed building with the extension and the height of buildings on neighbouring properties. The height is measured in relation to the centre of the street;
  • Any documents or drawings showing the final appearance of the building and its surroundings (if applicable).

The steps are as follows:

  1. Before the file can be evaluated, the request must be signed and paid for, and all the required documentation must be completed;
  2. Evaluation of the application: an estimate of the time it will take will be provided;
  3. Evaluation and recommendations by the Urban Planning Advisory Committee (UPAC);
  4. Approval or refusal by City Council;
  5. Submission of complete plans;
  6. Permit is issued.

A fee is added to the cost of a permit or a certificate:

  • New construction and extension: $300
  • Renovations: $125
  • Signs: $125

The request for a minor exemption must be the subject of a neighbourhood consultation and must be published in a local publication before it can be approved or refused by City Council. This procedure takes longer, so you should allow more time. You must also complete the request form below.

Request for a minor exemption

Cost of a permit or a certificate

The cost of a certificate of authorization depends on the nature of the work involved. Consult the price list for all the details.

Please refer to the Territorial development page to know all the provisions of the urban planning by-laws in force on the territory of the Ville de Saint-Lambert.

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