Commercial Roofing in Lachine

The minimum fee that applies

Permit review fees are $9.80 per $1,000 of work. The floor depends on the building. Whatever the cost of the work, the City charges at least:

• $491.70 for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building
• $167.40 for a strictly residential building

The word "strictly" matters. A building with a store on the ground floor and apartments upstairs is not strictly residential, and the lower minimum does not apply to it. The procedure does not define "mixed", and the permit counter confirms the fee if in doubt. These fees are the same for flat and sloped roofs.

Materials, with no commercial-specific rule

The data the City publishes for Lachine makes no distinction by use. For a flat roof, the distinction is between existing buildings and new construction.

• On an existing building, the City publishes a list of allowed materials, including heat-welded or self-adhesive membranes, copper and zinc. This list sets no reflectance threshold.
• On new construction, you need a material with a solar reflectance index of at least 78, a green roof, or a combination of the two.

The City page does not say whether an extension is treated as new construction. For an industrial building being enlarged, that question goes to the permit counter.

Rooftop mechanical equipment

A commercial roof often carries air conditioning or ventilation units. The City provides that material requirements do not apply to the part of the roof taken up by mechanical equipment, or by a deck. The rest of the roof remains covered by the rules.

What a property manager should plan for

The permit itself. Maintaining or repairing the roof needs no permit. Replacing the covering, changing the structure or touching the insulation needs one.

The structural plan. For a flat roof, the City asks for a structural plan approved by a professional, when the law requires it. The procedure does not say when the law requires it. Ask the counter before having plans drawn up.

The power of attorney. A manager who files the application for the owner acts as an agent. The City then requires a power of attorney authorizing the manager to act on the owner's behalf.

Condo ownership. If the building is a condo, you need a letter of authorization from each co-owner or a resolution of the syndicate.

Heritage. Extra fees may apply if the building or its area has heritage value or is subject to special architectural standards.

Tenants. The City procedure does not deal with leases. Reread yours and consult a legal adviser if needed.

Frequently asked questions