Mixed-use buildings pay the higher minimum
The City keeps its lowest minimum fee for strictly residential buildings. A building that combines a store and apartments is not strictly residential. The City does not define "mixed-use", so have your building's category confirmed at the permit counter.
The minimum permit fee
Whatever the cost of the work, the City charges at least $491.70 for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building. The minimum is $167.40 for a strictly residential building.
Above the minimum, fees follow the estimated cost of the work. In Montréal-Nord, the rate depends on the roof type:
- $11 per $1,000 of work for a flat or low-slope roof
- $9.80 per $1,000 of work for a sloped roof
The estimate must include all costs related to the work, taxes included. The City mentions plans, labour and equipment. Fees are non-refundable.
Materials: no commercial-only rules
The flat roof requirements apply regardless of use. The roofing must be a white material, reach a solar reflectance index of at least 78, be a green roof, or combine these. For sloped roofs, the City publishes no list of materials.
One point matters a lot on commercial roofs. According to the City, the requirement does not apply to the part of the roof taken up by mechanical equipment or a deck. The page does not say how that area is calculated. Ask the permit counter.
What a property manager should plan for
Power of attorney. If you manage the building without owning it, the City asks for a power of attorney authorizing you to act on the owner's behalf.
Condominium. In a building held in co-ownership, you need an authorization letter from each co-owner or a resolution of the syndicate.
Technical file. It includes the quote or cost estimate grid, the certificate of location and the material data sheet with the solar reflectance index.
Heritage. Extra fees may apply if the building or its area has heritage value or is subject to special architectural standards.
Occupants. The City's procedures say nothing about notices to tenants, work hours or use of the street. Reread your leases, and ask the borough about the rest.
Where to apply
You can apply online, with an account on montreal.ca and payment by credit card, or at the Montréal-Nord permit counter, 4243, rue de Charleroi. For a green roof, the City requires you to apply at the counter.
The City does not publish the review time.
Frequently asked questions
Does a duplex with a store on the ground floor pay the commercial rate?
A mixed-use building falls under the $491.70 minimum, based on what the City publishes. The $167.40 minimum applies to a strictly residential building. The City does not define "mixed-use", so have your building's category confirmed at the permit counter.
Do the white roof rules apply to a warehouse?
The material requirements published for flat roofs in Montréal-Nord do not distinguish by building use. The City's page sets no exemption for industrial buildings. Have your case checked with the borough.
Can I get a quote for a commercial building?
Yes, this site takes quote requests for commercial buildings in Montréal-Nord. Give the building's use, the roof type and the equipment on it, without going up to count it. Ask us for our RBQ licence number and check it in the RBQ public register, as with any contractor.
Official sources, consulted October 3, 2026: