Application for Heritage Alteration Permit

Heritage Permit

The heritage permit process informs and enables municipalities to monitor and better guide proposed changes to heritage properties.

Applicable Properties

Some proposed changes to designated properties require applications for heritage permits. If demolition is proposed, all designated and listed heritage properties require applications for heritage permits.

Types of changes to structure requiring heritage permits include:

• Alteration
• Addition
• Construction
• Demolition
• Erection
• Maintenance
• Removal
• Repair
• Signage in the Sandwich Heritage Conservation District

Application Process

1. Contact the Heritage Planner before filling out any application to learn about:
   • The level of review anticipated (if any)
   • Details necessary for submission
2. The Heritage Planner will advise on any necessary additional materials or details (for example, drawings, photographs, etc.) and determine if the application will be processed under: 
   • Minor Heritage Permit (Delegated Authority approval)
   • Major Heritage Permit (Development and Heritage Standing Committee and City Council approval)
3. Complete the application form for the heritage permit and provide any other necessary attachments (for example, drawings, photographs, etc.) that will help facilitate the review of your permit application. Note that all drawings submitted must be in high resolution and must be provided in a compressed format (no layering of file is permitted).
4. The Ontario Heritage Act permits 90 days for Council to make a decision on the application upon confirmation of complete application.

Heritage Permit Application Form (Fillable PDF)

Demolition

Demolition requests for heritage-listed (non-designated) properties are to be evaluated along with the additional submission requirements:

Application for Demolition of Heritage-Listed Property - Requirements and Procedures

Once an application is submitted, the City Planner shall determine if the application is sufficient within 30 days of receipt. Following this, there is a period of 60 days for Council to make a decision on the application.

Although the resource guide found under the "Historical Research on Properties" section of the Resources for Heritage Property Owners web page can assist in some of the information search, applicants may find it helpful to engage a research consultant to compile the required information submissions.

Application Deadlines

In order to allow for the timely processing of your application in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act, please note the following deadlines. The deadline is only met if complete information has been confirmed to be received by Heritage Planning staff. 

Only complete applications submitted prior to a deadline will be accepted for a certain meeting, as there are statutory timelines as per the Ontario Heritage Act, and additional information may be required. Please contact the Heritage Planner for more information.