What work are requiring a permit?
- Pascal Lamontagne
- Jun 13, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Whether it's updating your interior or adding a structural element to your property, many residential projects require careful planning. This planning isn't limited to aesthetic choices or budgetary considerations: it also involves legal obligations, including obtaining a building permit.
This document is required by most Quebec municipalities for certain projects to ensure compliance with urban planning regulations, guarantee building safety, and maintain a cohesive built environment.
A building permit is essential because it provides a clear legal and technical framework for renovations. It allows municipal inspectors to ensure that the planned work complies with current standards, does not compromise the safety of residents, and integrates well with the surrounding environment. So, what work are requiring a permit?
Work generally exempt from permits
There are exceptions. Many minor maintenance or renovation projects can be carried out without a permit, provided they do not alter the building's structure or function. For example, superficial repairs such as painting, replacing flooring, or changing kitchen cabinets can usually be done without formal authorization, as long as they do not affect load-bearing elements or the plumbing or electrical systems.
Outdoors, it is generally permitted to repair a balcony or porch, redo stairs, or install a fence without a permit. The same applies to building a deck at the rear of the property. However, these rules may vary from one municipality to another, particularly regarding permitted dimensions or distances from property lines. It is therefore essential to check these aspects with your city's planning department before beginning work.
Work requiring a building permit
As soon as a project affects the structure of a building, modifies its volume or function, or may impact the safety of occupants or neighbors, a permit becomes mandatory. This includes, among other things, the complete replacement of a balcony, the construction or expansion of a terrace, the modification or addition of windows and exterior doors, excavation for an in-ground pool, or the transformation of the interior divisions of a dwelling.
When it comes to load-bearing walls, expansions, or major structural modifications, a permit is not sufficient. Detailed plans, sometimes drawn up by an architect or engineer, must also be submitted and certified, confirming compliance with construction standards. These requirements aim to prevent the risks of:
collapse
infiltration or overloading, particularly in the case of older buildings or large-scale projects.
Work requiring a contractor's license
Tous les travaux de construction, de rénovation, de démolition ou d’entretien qui ne sont pas réalisés par le propriétaire lui-même nécessitent généralement que l’entrepreneur engagé détienne une licence appropriée. Cela inclut, par exemple, les travaux d’excavation, de fondation, de coffrage, de charpente, d’électricité, de plomberie, d’isolation, ainsi que l’installation d’appareils fonctionnant au gaz ou au mazout.
Même si vous êtes propriétaire occupant, certains types de travaux, en raison de leur complexité ou de leur nature réglementée, ne peuvent être effectués sans la présence d’un entrepreneur titulaire d’une licence valide. C’est le cas notamment des interventions touchant les installations électriques ou les systèmes de chauffage au gaz. Ces mesures sont mises en place afin de protéger les occupants contre les risques d’incendie, de fuites ou de malfaçons.
La Régie du bâtiment du Québec tient à jour un registre des entrepreneurs licenciés accessible en ligne. Avant d’engager qui que ce soit, il est donc recommandé de vérifier la validité de sa licence, sa catégorie et ses antécédents.
Furthermore, legislation requires that certain work be carried out by specialists. This is the case for:
- excavation work;
- construction of a framework;
- formwork for foundation walls;
- insulation and plumbing work;
- electrical work, installation of oil and gas equipment.
Cost, validity and duration of permits
The cost of a building permit varies depending on the municipality and the type of project. For example, in Montreal, the fee is $9.80 per $1,000 of work, with a minimum of $161. In other cities, the fee may be calculated based on the area to be built, the type of building, or the nature of the project. Administrative fees are sometimes added if the application requires a more in-depth analysis, particularly for projects in heritage zones or near protected natural areas.
A permit is generally valid for a period of 12 months. If work does not begin within this time frame or is interrupted for more than six months, it may expire. In some cases, an extension request may be accepted, but it must be submitted before the deadline.
Risks associated with work without a permit
Carrying out work without a permit carries significant legal and financial risks. In the event of a violation, the municipality can order an immediate halt to the work, impose fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, or even require the complete demolition of non-compliant developments. Furthermore, in the event of a claim, your insurance company could refuse to cover the damage if it deems the work was unauthorized or non-compliant.
Another often overlooked risk concerns the resale of the property. A notary, an inspector, or even an informed buyer may refuse a transaction or demand corrective action if major work was carried out without a permit. This can harm the value of your property and complicate the sale process.
Where to find out more and how to proceed
Contrary to popular belief, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec does not issue building permits. Municipalities are responsible for this task. However, the RBQ plays a crucial role in supervising contractors, issuing the required licenses, and informing the public about the obligations related to construction work.
Before starting a project, the first step is to contact your municipality's urban planning department. This department can inform you about applicable regulations, required documents, processing times, and any zoning constraints. In some cases, a permit can be issued in a few days, but for complex projects, it can take several weeks. It is therefore advisable to begin the process as soon as possible.
For work requiring a license, you can consult the RBQ's register of license holders to ensure that the chosen contractor is in good standing. This will also allow you to know his complaint history, if any, and the type of work he is legally authorized to carry out.
Conclusion: work requiring a permit
Before starting your work, take the time to learn about municipal regulations and legal requirements. Obtaining a building permit or hiring a licensed contractor are not unnecessary formalities: they guarantee the safety, compliance, and value of your property.
A well-managed project from the start will avoid costly complications and delays. If in doubt, contact your urban planning department or consult the RBQ website.
Don't wait for a problem to arise: plan your steps now to successfully complete your renovations.
