The Ontario Heritage Act (Sections 33, 34 & 41) requires owners to obtain permission from City Council for any alteration or demolition to a designated property if it is likely to affect the property's heritage attributes.

The City will not issue a building permit for a designated property or a property within a Heritage Conservation District without formal approval from the Director of Heritage Services or City Council.

Heritage Permit Process

1. Confirm the status of your property. Is the property designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act or is it a listed heritage property?
2. If your property is a designated heritage property, you are required to submit an application for any alteration to or any demolition taking place on your property.
3. If your property is a listed (a non-designated) heritage property, you are encouraged to discuss any alterations with the City's Heritage Planning staff, but no formal approval is required.
4. Contact the City's Heritage Planning staff to discuss your alteration plans prior to submitting your application. Present any plans, photographs or sketches to staff for comment. Some alterations can be approved by the Director of Heritage Services, without the need for review by the Heritage Properties Committee (see Delegated Authority). Heritage staff will determine what type of permit is required. Call 613-546-4291 ext. 3180, email HeritagePlanning@CityofKingston.ca or stop by the Heritage Resource Centre to discuss your project.
5. Submit a Heritage Permit Application, through the online submission and review program – DASH.
6. Complete the application online and upload all necessary plans, photos and supporting information to DASH prior to 4:30 p.m. on the appropriate deadline date.
7. Applications that require Council approval are reviewed by City staff and provided to the  Heritage Properties Committee for review and a recommendation to Council. The agenda for each committee meeting is posted on the City website on the Friday before the meeting.
8. You (or your appointed agent) should attend the committee meeting. At the meeting, you can discuss your application with the committee. The committee will forward its recommendation to City Council, as applicable.
9. Recommendations of the Heritage Properties Committee are considered by City Council, which will either approve, not approve or defer your application. This will normally occur at the Council meeting approximately two weeks after the committee meets. In some cases, where recommendations of the Committee are supported by staff and the owner, the approval of the application can be rendered by the Director of Heritage Services without the need for Council consideration.
10. The Clerk's Office will send you a written notice of Council's decision. The Heritage Planning staff will then send you a Scope of Work Form (your permit) for posting on the job site.
11. The Building Department can then issue a building permit (if required) for the work.

Select a heading for more information.