Need a Permit?
SOUTH ROSEDALE HERITAGE DISTRICT
Q. When do you need a Heritage Permit?
A. When you alter any part of your property that is visible from the public realm. In some cases, this can include side and rear elevations. It should be noted Rosedale is very unique in terms of the placement of homes on the property.
Should you want to make changes to your Rosedale property’s façade, you will need a Heritage Permit! Always check before you begin any work.
South Rosedale Heritage Conservation District (HCD)– what does it mean?
Conservation District is designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act by City of Toronto By-law
No. 115-2003, enacted on February 7, 2003.
The Designated Area: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bylaws/2003/law0115.pdf.
This distinction reflects the historic, architectural, and cultural significance of the area as outlined within an HCD Plan and is protected under a municipal by-law. South Rosedale is recognized for its value as a historic Toronto neighbourhood, benefiting from unique architectural diversity, history, streetscape character, and wooded ravine boundaries.
As part of the designation of this historic district, this means a Heritage Permit is required for exterior alterations that are visible from the sidewalk or public realm. This includes but is not limited to alterations to your windows, doors, porches and railings, decorative detailing and trims, masonry, installation of new skylights or applying a tint or coating to the existing masonry.” a. (s.42(1) Ontario Heritage Act and s. 103-3.2 of the Toronto Municipal Code)
What if I want to construct an addition to my house or begin work that requires a Building Permit?
Prior to any renovations, an application to the City of Toronto Building Permit may be required. An application should be submitted before you begin any work. The application will be circulated to the City’s Heritage Planning Services where they will review your permit and provide clearance should they have no comments or concerns with the proposal. This clearance will serve as your heritage permit for the work outlined in your approved building permit drawings. It is recommended that you consult with Toronto Heritage Planning Services prior to applying for a building permit. For more information on how to apply for a
building permit, please visit: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/apply-for-a-building-permit/building-permit-application-guides/renovation-and-new-house-guides/small-residential-additions/
When is a Heritage Permit required?
A heritage permit is required for any work to the exterior of your home that is visible from the public realm, regardless if your property is (rated or un-rated. In many instances, a heritage permit can be obtained concurrently with your City of Toronto Building Permit. .
It is important to note that a heritage permit, and a building permit are different approvals. If a proposed alteration does not require a building permit, it may still require a heritage permit. An example of this can be the replacement of the windows at the front and side of your house. While a building permit is not required for this type of alteration, a heritage permit is because this alteration is to the exterior of the property and can be seen from the public realm. Heritage permits are free of charge and typically issued within a few business days if they comply with applicable policies and guidelines. To apply for a Heritage Permit, a request should be made directly to Heritage Preservation Services (HPS) within the City Planning Department. To get started, please visit: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/heritage-preservation/heritage-conservation-districts-planning-studies/ or email heritageplanning@toronto.ca. For more information on what alterations can be accepted by Toronto Heritage Planning Services, please review Section 5.3 of the South Rosedale HCD Plan: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/95e9-CityPlanning_South-Rosedale-HCD.pdf.
When is a Heritage Permit not required?
Section 5.2.1 of the South Rosedale HCD Plan states when a heritage permit is not required:
· Interior alterations that do not have an impact on the exterior of the property as can be seen from the public realm.
· Landscaping, including plants, walkways and driveways.
· An alteration that is not visible from the street (i.e. replacing your windows at the rear of your property when they cannot be seen from the public realm).
· Exterior painting of wood, stucco or metal finishes.
· Repair, using the same materials, of existing exterior features, including roofs, wall cladding, dormers, cresting, cupolas, cornices, brackets, columns, balustrades, porches and steps, entrances, windows, foundations and decorative wood, metal, stone or terra cotta.
· Installation of eavestroughs.
· Weatherproofing, including installations of removable storm windows and doors, caulking and weatherstripping.
· Installation of exterior lights.
Although a heritage permit is not required for the above classes of alterations, property owners and tenants are still encouraged to reach out to Heritage Planning Staff to ensure that their works conform to the spirit and intent of the HCD Plan and do not require a heritage permit.
For more information and to access the South Rosedale HCD Plan, please visit:
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/95e9-CityPlanning_South-Rosedale-HCD.pdf
What constitutes a change that would need a Heritage Permit?
All the listed alterations require a heritage permit only if they can be seen from the public realm. This means that alterations to the rear of your property that cannot be seen from the public realm will not require a heritage permit. However, they may still require a building permit and will automatically be circulated to Toronto Heritage Planning to ensure conformity with applicable policies and guidelines. Heritage Planning’s review is free of charge and done concurrently with the Building Department’s review.
1. Replacement, alteration or demolition of architectural elements that are visible from the public realm. This includes but is not limited to windows, doors, openings, chimneys, masonry, lintels, sills and other decorative architectural elements.
2. Alterations and additions to any part of a building or structure that is visible from the public realm (including rear lanes).
3. Construction, demolition or removal of a building or structure.
4. Painting or applying a tint or coating to existing masonry.
5. The installation of aerials, antennas, skylights, vents, exterior air conditioning units
Are there Financial Incentives for Heritage Properties?
Yes, the City of Toronto has two financial incentive programs for heritage properties: the Heritage Grant Program, and the Heritage Property Tax Rebate program. Both programs provide property owners with financial assistance to repair and retain heritage attributes on their property.The Heritage PropertyTax Rebate (HPTR) program is only for heritage properties with commercial or industrial uses. The Heritage Grant program is for heritage properties with residential, or non-profit uses. This program is what likely applies to your property with it being in South Rosedale. You can be awarded up to $10,000 for the repair or restoration of architectural elements on your property. For example:
· Repairing your original front door
· Repairing, cleaning and repointing your masonry as can be seen from the public realm
· Repairing or reinstating the appearance of original windows on the front and sides of your home, based on documentation and evidence. You can also receive up to $20,000 for the restoration of a slate or cedar roof.
More information on the Heritage Grant Program can be found via the following link: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/heritage-preservation/tax-rebates-grants/heritage-grant-program/
Is there a Heritage Advisory Committee for my HCD? What do they do?
The South Rosedale Ratepayers Association has a Heritage Advisory Committee. The Committee maintains a helpful website with up-to-date news and information: https://southrosedale.org/
Below are the duties of the Heritage Advisory Committee with regards to Heritage Permit-related matters:
• To act as a resource for property owners to understand policies and regulations in the South Rosedale HCD.
• To serve as ambassadors of South Rosedale and provide a community voice in heritage-related matters.
• To advise Toronto Heritage Planning on heritage permit applications that involve alterations and developments within the District.
While the SRRA Heritage Advisory Committee does not serve as an official approval authority; it is customary to consult with your neighbourhood association to discuss your proposed alterations or other construction-related activities. To contact the South Rosedale Ratepayers Association, please visit https://southrosedale.org/. Alternatively, you may reach out to the Heritage Planner assigned to South Rosedale to put you in contact with the Committee.
How do I apply for a Heritage Permit?
How to Apply for a Heritage Permit:
The following is typical of the process to obtain a Heritage permit. Homeowners are encouraged to contact City staff prior to applying for a permit to discuss their proposal with the Heritage Preservation Services unit. South Rosedale’s Heritage Planning contact is Will Thomas – Assistant Heritage Planner.
Prepare a sketch showing the location of the proposed work on the building.
Prepare drawings, sketches, or plans of the proposed work.
Take photographs of the building, showing its current condition in the area where the work is to be done.
Gather any additional documents that support approval of the proposed project.
Meet with Heritage Preservation Services staff to discuss the application.
If City staff determines the application conforms to the community’s HCD guidelines, they will expedite the necessary Heritage and building permits. If the application does not meet the guidelines, City staff will suggest ways to modify the project to secure the required heritage permits. It is very important to determine if a Heritage permit is required as failure to do so can result in fines, stop work orders and removal of for example newly installed un-permitted windows that do not conform to the spirit of and intent of the Heritage characteristic of the heritage area, property, or original windows.
To apply for a heritage permit, to go https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/heritage-preservation/heritage-permit-guide/
Or you can contact the following City of Toronto Heritage Preservation staff:
Will Thomas – Assistant Planner | Heritage Planning – City Planning
Division – Urban Design, Heritage | Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street, West |
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 Tel: 416-392-6434 |will.thomas@Toronto.ca 
Since Heritage Planner assignments
change from time to time, you can also email heritageplanning@toronto.ca to
confirm the planner assigned to your area.
Last Comment ––
Please keep your neighbours and SRRA in the loop:
It is always recommended you engage your surrounding neighbours (north, south, east and west) by sharing any plans that require a Heritage Permit and a City Build Permit as your plans will most likely impact on your neighbours day-to-day enjoyment and access to their properties. Better to have them aware and supportive of your planned renovations.