Demolition Permits in Montreal: What You Need to Know in 2025

Getting a demolition permit in Montreal can seem complicated, but the rules are clear once you understand them. This guide covers when a permit is required, what timelines to expect, and how to simplify the process.

When Is a Permit Mandatory?

In Montreal, a permit is generally required for any demolition work that affects structural elements, changes the layout of a space, or involves mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing, gas).

Purely cosmetic work, such as removing flooring or dismantling free-standing cabinets, generally does not require a permit, but the rules vary from one borough to another.

Work That Almost Always Requires a Permit

Certain types of demolition require a permit in the vast majority of Montreal boroughs.

• 1
  Accessory structures

  Demolishing a garage, carport or shed larger than 10 m² generally requires a permit. Requirements vary depending on the size and the borough.

• 2
  Balconies and decks

  Removing a balcony, a concrete terrace or a deck structure requires a permit in most boroughs. The application must include the structure's plans and the demolition method.

• 3
  Interior load-bearing walls

  Any demolition affecting a load-bearing wall requires a permit, usually accompanied by engineering or architectural plans.

• 4
  Partial or complete demolition of a building

  This type of project always requires a permit and generally involves longer timelines.

• 5
  Heritage areas

  Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont and Outremont include heritage protection zones with strict requirements and timelines that can reach 3 to 4 months.

Exceptions: Work That Is Generally Exempt

Some minor work, such as removing non-structural interior finishes or dismantling small, lightweight structures under 10 m² in certain boroughs, is sometimes exempt from a permit. These exceptions vary from one borough to another, however, and it is risky to assume a project is exempt without checking first.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?

Since January 2025, the City of Montreal has committed to processing all permit applications within 120 days at most. In practice, timelines mostly depend on the borough and the type of work.

• Outer boroughs (NDG, Ahuntsic, Saint-Laurent, LaSalle, Verdun): 15 to 25 business days.
• Central boroughs (Plateau-Mont-Royal, Villeray, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont): 30 to 55 business days.
• Heritage areas: up to 3 or 4 months.

An incomplete file or follow-up questions from the borough can extend these timelines. The more complete the application is from the start, the faster it gets processed.

How a Permit Application Works

What Happens If You Demolish Without a Permit?

Demolishing without the required permit exposes the property owner to serious consequences: fines, the obligation to restore the site at your own expense, refusal of a future building permit for the same property, and complications when selling the property. These risks apply even if the work itself is done well.