Approved materials
The City names three possibilities for a flat or low-slope roof in the borough:
- a light-coloured material, or one covered with a reflective coating or light-coloured ballast, with an SRI of at least 66
- a green roof
- a combination of these
The SRI must be certified. The City accepts two forms of proof, the manufacturer's specifications or a professional's opinion. These requirements come on top of the borough's permit rules.
Parts of the roof that are exempt
In Pierrefonds, the City excludes from these requirements the part of the roof taken up by mechanical equipment, such as an air conditioner or heat pump. The requirements do not apply to the part taken up by a deck either.
When a permit is required
The borough requires a permit to renovate or replace the roofing of a roof made of materials other than asphalt.
The same procedure lists work that needs no permit. In its own words, it names:
- maintaining or repairing "a sloped roof", for example changing a few shingles or adding tar
- changing asphalt or asphalt shingle roofing "with an identical material"
The procedure adds that any change of material requires a permit.
One point needs checking. This list sits in the flat roof procedure, but it refers to a "sloped roof". The page does not say clearly whether a flat roof that is repaired, or redone like for like in tar and gravel, is exempt from a permit. It also does not say whether the SRI threshold then applies. Do not take the exemption for granted, and have your case confirmed by the permit counter before signing.
Green roofs are requested at the counter
For a green roof, the City states that you must go to the permit counter to apply. The Pierrefonds-Roxboro permit counter is at 13665, boulevard de Pierrefonds.
The page says nothing about the studies or plans required for this type of roof. The counter will tell you.
Permit fees
The City publishes a review fee of $9.80 per $1,000 of work. The minimum is $167.40 for a strictly residential building. The minimum is higher for a commercial, industrial, institutional or mixed-use building.
The cost estimate must include all costs related to the work, taxes included. Fees are non-refundable.
Documents specific to flat roofs
For a flat roof, the City asks for:
- the quote or a cost estimate grid, taxes included, stating the roof slope
- the certificate of location
- the data sheet of the planned materials, with the SRI
- any other document useful for the review
Stating the slope on the quote is specific to the flat roof procedure. Ask us to write it down clearly. We measure the slope, and you do not need to go up on the roof.
Frequently asked questions
What reflectance index is required for a flat roof in Pierrefonds?
For light-coloured or reflective roofing, the borough requires an SRI of at least 66. The index must be certified by the manufacturer's specifications or a professional's opinion, and the data sheet goes with the permit application.
Is gravel allowed on a flat roof?
The City accepts light-coloured ballast with an SRI of at least 66. It does not name any particular type of gravel. Have the product approved by the permit counter.
Does the rule apply under a heat pump or a deck?
No, the part of the roof taken up by mechanical equipment or a deck is not subject to these requirements.
Official sources, consulted October 3, 2026: