A full roof replacement always needs a permit
Redoing a roof means replacing its roofing. In Montréal-Nord, the City requires a permit for this work on a flat or low-slope roof, and also on a sloped roof.
Maintenance and minor repairs are exempt.
The steps, in order
- Establish the roof type. The fee and material rules change depending on whether the roof is flat or sloped. We measure the slope when we come to see the roof.
- Get a detailed quote. It must give the cost of the work, taxes included, and name the materials. On a flat roof, the roofing must be white, reach a solar reflectance index of at least 78 or be a green roof. For a sloped roof, the City publishes no list.
- Gather the documents. The list is below.
- File the application. Online or at the permit counter.
- Pay the review fee. It is non-refundable.
- Wait for the permit before ordering materials and starting. If the planned roofing is not accepted, better to learn it before delivery.
What the permit costs
The review fee is based on the estimated cost of the work. The City publishes two rates for Montréal-Nord, by roof type:
- flat or low-slope roof: $11 per $1,000 of work
- sloped roof: $9.80 per $1,000 of work
In both cases, the minimum is $167.40 for a strictly residential building and $491.70 for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building.
The estimate must include all costs related to the work, taxes included. The City mentions plans, labour and equipment. Extra fees may apply if the building or its area has heritage value or is subject to special architectural standards.
The file to put together
The City asks for the same documents for both roof types:
- the quote or a cost estimate grid, taxes included
- the certificate of location
- the material data sheet, with the solar reflectance index
- any other document useful for the review
Depending on the case, add an authorization letter from each co-owner or a resolution of the syndicate, and a power of attorney if someone files on your behalf. If you hand that task to us, have the contract state who files the application and who pays the fees.
Online or at the counter
The online application groups all renovation permits in a single submission. You need an account on montreal.ca and a credit card.
The Montréal-Nord permit counter is at 4243, rue de Charleroi. A green roof application must be made there in person. The City does not publish the processing time, how long the permit stays valid or which inspections are planned. Ask those three questions when you file.
Frequently asked questions
Who should apply for the permit, the owner or the roofer?
Either one. The City allows an agent to file the application with a power of attorney authorizing them to act on the owner's behalf. Have the contract state who takes care of it.
How long does it take to get a roofing permit in Montréal-Nord?
The City's procedures give no timeline. Ask at the permit counter when you file, and leave some margin before your preferred start date.
What happens if a roof is redone without a permit?
The City's procedures do not state the consequences of a roof redone without a permit in Montréal-Nord. Contact the borough before starting.
Official sources, consulted October 3, 2026: