Heritage Permit Review Process

A Heritage Permit is required when making exterior changes to any heritage property in the City of Vaughan and involves a Heritage Review by Cultural Heritage Staff and by the Heritage Vaughan Committee.

General maintenance work, such as repainting of exterior trim, replacement or repairs to an existing asphalt roof, or alteration and repairs to property features that are not covered by the designation by-law, does not usually require Heritage Review.  However, you may still need a building permit or other City approvals.

Section 69 of the Ontario Heritage Act allows for imposition of a fine of up to $1 million for any person found illegally demolishing a property in a Heritage Conservation District. This amount recognizes that illegal demolition of designated heritage properties is one of the most serious offences under the Act. Provisions are also made for municipalities to recover the costs of restoring illegally altered buildings or structures designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

• All additions and alterations to structures on the property
• Demolition of structures on the property
• All new construction
• Landscaping and/or alteration of the property (including grading and tree removals)

Some examples of work that requires heritage approval include:

• Addition or alteration to an existing structure on the property
• Replacement of windows or doors
• Change in window or door openings
• Removal and/or installation of porches, verandahs, canopies, cladding and chimneys
• Change in trim, cladding and painting of building exterior
• Removal and/or installation of a deck, fence, gate, trellis, arbours and/or gazebos

Heritage Review for Non-Designated Properties