Planning an addition, a new roof or a finished basement in Brossard? Before you start, you need to know whether a permit is required and how to apply for one. This guide sums up the general rules published by the City of Brossard, the documents to prepare, the basic fees and the checks to make with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (Quebec’s building authority). Last checked: October 2026.
At a glance
- All major work or structural changes to a home require a permit (additions, sunrooms, replacing exterior siding, etc.).
- Check the regulations before any interior or exterior work, equipment installation, demolition or tree cutting.
- The City’s addition and renovation form is submitted by email to the Direction de l’urbanisme (planning department) or in person at City Hall.
- For residential renovations, the base fee is $51 plus $3.50 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of the work (2026 form).
- A permit is generally valid for 12 months.
- Check your contractor’s licence in the RBQ register before signing.
When is a permit required?
According to the City of Brossard, all major work or structural changes to a dwelling require a permit. The City specifically mentions additions, sunrooms and replacing exterior siding. It recommends checking the regulations and the permits or certificates of authorization before undertaking any interior or exterior work, any equipment installation, any demolition or any tree cutting.
The City’s website lists separate procedures for many types of projects. Here is an overview, grouped by category:
| Category | Examples of projects with a dedicated procedure |
|---|---|
| Main building | Addition, roof, façade and siding, doors and windows, insulation, interior remodelling, basement finishing, garage conversion, demolition, relocation |
| Exterior structures | In-ground or above-ground pool, spa, shed, balcony, porch, exterior staircase, garage, carport, pergola, gazebo, deck |
| Lot and trees | Tree cutting and pruning, backfill and excavation, driveway widening, French drain, landscaping |
| Equipment | Indoor fireplace, geothermal system, generator, retaining wall or noise barrier, air conditioning or refrigeration units |
This table is a reference only: it does not replace the regulations. When in doubt, even for a small project, contact the City before buying your materials. The addition and renovation form covers, among other things, additions, converting a garage into living space, repairs after a fire, interior remodelling, three-season verandas, attached garages, permanent carports, roof framing, exterior siding, mezzanines and the installation of fireplaces or wood stoves.
How to apply
- Prepare your project. Before submitting a renovation, addition or reconstruction project, the City offers the option of booking an appointment with the municipal architect for advice.
- Find the right procedure. The « Démarches » (procedures) section of the City’s website groups the forms by type of work. The bciti citizen portal is used for online requests and payments when the procedure allows it.
- Fill out the form. For an addition or renovation, use the City’s form no. 20 (Agrandissement / Rénovation).
- Attach the required documents. The application is only considered admissible if the mandatory documents are provided (see below).
- Submit the application. Send the form and documents by email to the Direction de l’urbanisme (address shown on the form) or drop them off in person at City Hall, 2001, boulevard de Rome.
- Wait for the permit before starting. Work must only begin once the permit has been issued, in compliance with the conditions written on it.
Documents to provide
According to the City’s form, the following documents are required when you apply, as applicable:
- a power of attorney if the applicant is not the owner;
- proof of payment of the review fees, if applicable;
- a site plan, prepared by a land surveyor when required;
- architectural plans, to scale;
- a detailed quote or an estimate of the cost of the work, if applicable.
Other documents may be requested during the review: foundation or structural plans (a report signed and sealed by an engineer is required for a sunroom or an addition on piles or a concrete slab), mechanical and electrical plans, a drainage or landscaping plan. Structural plans signed by an engineer are not required for residential projects with fewer than four dwellings. After the permit is issued, the City may ask in particular for a certificate of location once the work is completed.
Additional approvals
Some projects must be approved by city council under by-law REG-361 before the permit is issued. A permit to occupy the public domain may also be needed if your work encroaches on the street or sidewalk (container, scaffolding), and a certificate is required to cut down a tree.
How much does a renovation permit cost?
According to the addition and renovation form published by the City (2026 version), here are the basic residential fees:
| Type of work (residential) | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Renovation or alteration | $51 + $3.50 per $1,000 (or fraction) of the estimated cost | 12 months (3 months for a fireplace) |
| Addition | $51 + $3.50 per $1,000 (or fraction) of the estimated cost | 12 months |
| Veranda (sunroom) | $126 | 12 months |
Sample calculation: for work estimated at $40,000, the fee would be $51 + (40 × $3.50) = $191. Other fees may apply to certain projects, for example the REM-related transit fee for added floor area, or park fees. Always check the current fee schedule with the City before budgeting.
This is general information, not legal advice. Only the City of Brossard’s regulations are authoritative.
Choosing a contractor: check the RBQ licence
Before signing a contract for work such as a heat pump, a roof, a bathroom or a kitchen, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec recommends checking the contractor’s licence. Its register of licence holders shows, among other things, the licence number, the subcategories held and any claims. The RBQ points out that a licensed contractor provides a financial guarantee in the event of a dispute. See the RBQ website: Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
To compare quotes, see our page on renovation contractors in Brossard.
Energy-efficient renovations: think Rénoclimat
If your project involves insulation or mechanical systems, Quebec’s Rénoclimat program offers financial assistance. Assistance for insulation is calculated based on an energy evaluation carried out before the work, so look into it before you start. Details on Québec.ca: Rénoclimat.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to redo my bathroom?
Interior remodelling is one of the City’s listed procedures. The answer depends on the scope of the work (partitions, plumbing, structure). Contact the City before you start.
How long does it take to get a permit?
The City does not publish a processing time. Submit a complete application as early as possible: an incomplete file is not considered admissible.
Who should apply: me or my contractor?
The owner or an authorized representative. If the contractor submits the application, they must provide a power of attorney from the owner.
What happens if I do work without a permit?
Work done without a permit may have to be regularized. The simplest approach is to contact the City to find out the steps to follow before going any further.
How long is the permit valid?
Generally 12 months for residential renovations and additions, and 3 months for a fireplace, according to the City’s form.
Learn more
After the work, remember to dispose of debris properly: our guide to collections and ecocentres explains what to do. Buying a property to renovate? See our house and condo prices, the welcome tax calculator and the property tax calculator. For a plumbing problem, see our plumber in Brossard page, and find all our home services. Brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard (Ville de Brossard).
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.