What is a Heritage Alteration Permit?
If you own a designated heritage property in Wrenford, you must get a Heritage Alteration Permit before making changes to the outside of your building. This permit is required under the Ontario Heritage Act and Wrenford's Heritage Alteration Permit By-law 2025-148. The goal is to protect the features that make your building historically and architecturally important.
When do you need a permit?
You need a permit for most exterior changes, including:
- New construction or additions, like porches or sunrooms
- Replacing or altering windows and doors
- Applying new siding, cladding, or stucco
- Changing or adding fascia, soffits, or trim
- Painting previously unpainted masonry
- Installing or removing signs and awnings
- Demolishing part or all of the building
- Reponting brick or stone walls
- Adding accessibility features like ramps
When do you not need a permit?
You usually do not need a permit for routine work, such as:
- Interior renovations (unless your designation includes interior features)
- Painting painted surfaces
- Replacing eavestroughs and downspouts
- Installing external heating or cooling units that do not damage historic features
- Re-roofing with the same material and specifications
- Standard repairs to existing materials
How to apply
Start your application through the Wrenford Development Portal. You will need to upload the following:
- Completed Heritage Alteration Permit Application form
- Letter of Authorisation signed by the property owner
- Detailed drawings or photos showing the proposed changes
- Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
We strongly recommend booking a Heritage Alteration Permit Pre-Application Review. This is a free meeting with a heritage planner who can walk you through the requirements and answer questions before you submit your paperwork. You can request a meeting by emailing [email protected].
Fees
The application fee is $175.00. Payment is processed securely when you submit your application online. If your project is approved, the permit is issued through your portal account. If your project is refused, the fee is not refunded.
What happens next?
A senior planner will review your application to ensure it protects the heritage value of your property. You will receive an email when the review is complete. Most straightforward applications are approved within 30 business days. If more time is needed, the planner will contact you to ask for additional information.
Once approved, follow the conditions listed on your permit exactly. Major changes may require inspections at different stages of the work.
Need help?
The Heritage & Archives team is here to help you navigate the process. Visit the Heritage register search to confirm if your property is designated. Check out the Heritage grants and incentives page to see if you qualify for financial support to cover conservation costs. For general history and local archives, tour the Old Mill Museum & Archives.
Email us at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100.