Ottawa has two types of heritage property designations under the Ontario Heritage Act: Part IV — Individual Designation: Specific properties designated for their cultural heritage value. The designation applies to the property as a whole and protects specific heritage attributes identified in the designation bylaw.
Ottawa has two types of heritage property designations under the Ontario Heritage Act: Part IV — Individual Designation: Specific properties designated for their cultural heritage value. The designation applies to the property as a whole and protects specific heritage attributes identified in the designation bylaw. Part V — Heritage Conservation District (HCD): Entire neighbourhoods designated for their collective heritage character. Ottawa's HCDs include areas in the Glebe, Sandy Hill, Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, and other historically significant neighbourhoods. Both designations affect what alterations can be made to the exterior of the property. Interior renovations are generally NOT restricted by heritage designations unless they affect structural integrity or designated heritage attributes. Check whether your property has a heritage designation through GeoOttawa (maps.ottawa.ca) or by contacting the City of Ottawa's Heritage Planning department at 613-580-2424.
A heritage permit is required for alterations to the exterior of a designated property that would affect its heritage character. This includes: changes to windows (size, style, material, or configuration), changes to exterior cladding (siding, brick, stone), porch modifications or additions, roof changes (material, profile, dormers), additions visible from the street, demolition of any part of the structure, and changes to significant landscaping features. A heritage permit is generally NOT required for: interior renovations (with exceptions for structural changes), maintenance and repair using same materials and methods, rear additions not visible from the street (in some cases), and minor repairs that don't alter the heritage character. Heritage permit fees are typically $0–$200 (many heritage applications have no fee). The review process takes 4–8 weeks.
Step 1 — Pre-consultation: Contact the City of Ottawa's Heritage Planning staff to discuss your project before submitting an application. They can advise on what requires a permit and what's likely to be approved. This free consultation can save significant time and money. Step 2 — Prepare application: Include photographs of existing conditions, proposed drawings or plans, description of materials to be used, heritage impact assessment (for significant changes), and any supporting documentation. Step 3 — Submit application: Submit to Heritage Planning through the City of Ottawa. Include all required documents. Step 4 — Staff review: Heritage planners review the application against the applicable heritage guidelines (HCD plan or designation bylaw). They may request additional information or suggest modifications. Step 5 — Decision: For minor alterations, Heritage Planning staff may approve the application directly. For significant alterations, the application may go to the Built Heritage Sub-Committee for review and decision. Step 6 — Conditions: Approval may include conditions such as specific material requirements, colour specifications, or construction methods. Ensure your contractor understands and follows all conditions.
The most successful heritage renovations work within the designation framework rather than against it: Windows: Restore original windows when possible ($300–$600/window). When replacement is necessary, use heritage-appropriate styles — wood or painted fibreglass with divided lites matching the original pattern ($800–$2,000/window). Standard vinyl windows with flat grilles are typically not acceptable for heritage properties. Additions: Design additions to be compatible with but distinguishable from the original structure. Rear additions are generally preferred. The addition should be subordinate to the original building in scale and design. Brick and masonry: Never paint or clad heritage brick. Repoint with lime-based mortar (NOT Portland cement) to match the original. Clean brick with gentle methods — no sandblasting or harsh chemicals. Porches: Repair rather than replace when possible. If replacement is necessary, match original materials, proportions, and details. Document the original porch thoroughly before demolition. Roofing: Match original roofing material and colour when possible. If the original was slate, consider synthetic slate as an approved alternative. Architectural shingles are generally acceptable for heritage properties.
Ottawa's Heritage Planning staff are generally supportive of renovation projects that respect heritage character. They can be valuable allies in your renovation process: Engage early. Contact Heritage Planning before finalizing your design. They can identify potential issues and suggest solutions before you invest in detailed drawings. Be collaborative. Present your project as a partnership in preserving Ottawa's heritage. Show that you value the property's heritage attributes and want to maintain them. Provide thorough documentation. Complete, well-organized applications are reviewed faster and more favourably. Include historical photographs if available. Consider hiring a heritage consultant ($1,000–$3,000). For complex projects, a heritage consultant can prepare the heritage impact assessment, liaise with City staff, and ensure your project meets heritage requirements. Be patient. The heritage review process adds 4–8 weeks to your timeline. Factor this into your project schedule and don't pressure your contractor to start before heritage approval is received.
Check GeoOttawa (maps.ottawa.ca), contact the City of Ottawa Heritage Planning at 613-580-2424, or search the City's heritage register. Your real estate lawyer may also have this information from the property's title search.
Generally yes. Interior renovations are not restricted by heritage designations unless they affect the building's structural integrity. You still need regular building permits for interior work involving structural, electrical, or plumbing changes.
Staff review takes 4–8 weeks. Minor alterations may be approved faster. Applications requiring Built Heritage Sub-Committee review may take 2–3 months. Pre-consultation with Heritage Planning can speed the process.
Typically no. Heritage guidelines require windows that match the original style and proportions. Wood or painted fibreglass windows with appropriate divided lites are usually required. Standard vinyl with flat grilles is generally not acceptable.
Work with Heritage Planning to understand the reasons for denial and modify your proposal. Most applications are approved with modifications rather than outright denied. You can appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal if necessary.