Question 1

Do you need a permit for a pool in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

A permit (certificate of authorization) is required for any in-ground, semi-in-ground, above-ground or portable pool; no new application to reinstall the same portable pool in the same spot.

Question 2

Do you need a permit for a shed in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

In all 3 boroughs, no permit for an outbuilding of up to 15 m² and 4 m high that meets the standards; a permit above 15 m² (and, in Rosemont and Ville-Marie, if all outbuildings together exceed 25 m²).

Question 3

How high can a fence be in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

Varies by borough: no permit in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie; in Ville-Marie, a permit for a front-yard fence only; in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, a permit only in a heritage area or around a pool.

Question 4

Do you need a permit for a deck or balcony in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

A permit is required to build, enlarge, alter or replace a deck, balcony, gallery or front steps, with rare exceptions; no permit for maintenance.

Question 5

What are the rules for a hot tub in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

No permit for a hot tub of 2,000 litres or less (and less than 60 cm deep in Ahuntsic-Cartierville); the standards still apply.

Question 6

What are the rules for a home extension in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

An extension requires a permit from the borough.

Question 7

Can you add a basement apartment in Montreal?

Accepted Answer

Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: building a dwelling entirely in the basement is prohibited everywhere (except large projects approved as a PPCMOI, a specific construction proposal); a habitable basement is still allowed if it extends the ground-floor unit and is less than 60% of its area.