Flat Roof in Montréal-Nord

When the permit applies

The permit covers replacing the roofing. It also covers any work on the insulation or structure of the roof, even when the job started as a simple repair.

Maintenance and minor repairs need no permit. Adding tar is one of the City's examples.

Approved roofing

The borough allows four options on a flat roof:

• a white material, painted white, or covered with a reflective coating or white gravel
• a material with a solar reflectance index (SRI) of at least 78
• a green roof
• a combination of these

The City requires the index to be certified by the manufacturer's specifications or by a professional's opinion. Ask us for the data sheet of the product we propose, with the index written on it.

Parts of the roof that are exempt

In Montréal-Nord, the part of the roof taken up by a deck or by mechanical equipment, such as an air conditioner or heat pump, is exempt from the material requirements, according to the borough page.

The City's page does not say how to measure these areas or what roofing is accepted there. If your roof carries a deck or several units, have the plan approved at the permit counter.

Green roofs

For a green roof, the City states that you must apply in person at the permit counter. The Montréal-Nord counter is at 4243, rue de Charleroi.

The page says nothing about studies required for this type of roof. Ask at the counter.

Permit fees

The review fee depends on the estimated cost of the work. For a flat roof in Montréal-Nord, the City lists:

• $11 per $1,000 of work
• a minimum of $167.40 for a strictly residential building
• a minimum of $491.70 for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building

The rate per $1,000 is specific to flat roofs. For a sloped roof in the same borough, the City lists $9.80.

The estimate must include all costs related to the work, taxes included, such as plans, labour and equipment. Fees are non-refundable. Extra fees may apply if the building or its area has heritage value or is subject to special architectural standards.

Documents to gather

• the quote or a cost estimate grid, taxes included
• the certificate of location
• the material data sheet, showing the solar reflectance index
• any other document useful for the review

In a condominium, the City also asks for an authorization letter from each co-owner or a resolution of the syndicate. An agent must provide a power of attorney.

Frequently asked questions