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Heritage alteration permits in Whitby, Ontario
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Check Whitby’s Heritage Register before changing a designated property. Both individually designated properties and properties in a Heritage Conservation District can need a heritage permit.
Key information
Check Whitby’s Heritage Register before changing a designated property. Both individually designated properties and properties in a Heritage Conservation District can need a heritage permit.
On this page
Prepare the heritage application at a glance
- Confirm the designation and the district guidelines that apply to the property
Confirm the designation and the district guidelines that apply to the property. Ask Heritage Planning whether the planned work requires approval.
- Prepare drawings
Prepare drawings, site plans, photographs and material samples appropriate to the work. Show existing and proposed structures, additions, setbacks, demolition and placement.
- Submit through the town’s Online Application Portal
Submit through the town’s Online Application Portal. Staff review proposals against heritage requirements; larger applications may also go to the monthly Heritage Whitby Advisory Committee.
Sources: Heritage property permits
Prepare the heritage application
- Confirm the designation and the district guidelines that apply to the property. Ask Heritage Planning whether the planned work requires approval.
- Prepare drawings, site plans, photographs and material samples appropriate to the work. Show existing and proposed structures, additions, setbacks, demolition and placement.
- Submit through the town’s Online Application Portal. Staff review proposals against heritage requirements; larger applications may also go to the monthly Heritage Whitby Advisory Committee.
Sources: Heritage property permits
Evidence for the proposed change
| Item | What it should explain |
|---|---|
| Architectural drawings | Proposed alteration |
| Site plan | Existing and proposed structures and position |
| Photographs | Property and neighbouring context |
| Material samples | Proposed finish or building material |
| Application fee | Currently no heritage permit fee |
Sources: Heritage property permits
What heritage review protects
Heritage attributes can include building materials, architectural details, layout, historic associations, significant trees and the streetscape. A change outside the building can therefore matter too.
District plans and guidelines depend on the property location. Historic Brooklin and Whitby signage guidelines are available from the town. A heritage application is a distinct approval; do not assume it answers every building or zoning requirement.
Sources: Heritage property permits
Questions and answers
Where do I check whether my property is designated?
Use the town’s Heritage Register before planning the alteration.
Source: Heritage property permits
Does a district property count even without an individual designation?
Yes. Properties in Heritage Conservation Districts are included in the town’s permit guidance.
Source: Heritage property permits
Is there a heritage application fee?
The current page says there is no fee to apply.
Source: Heritage property permits
Can I submit online?
Yes. The town uses its Online Application Portal for heritage permits.
Source: Heritage property permits
Should drawings show the existing building too?
The site-plan guidance asks for existing and proposed structures so the change can be assessed.
Source: Heritage property permits
Are neighbours' photographs relevant?
Yes. The application guidance includes photographs of surrounding properties.
Source: Heritage property permits
Must material samples be physical?
No. The town accepts physical or visual samples.
Source: Heritage property permits
Are trees part of heritage review?
Significant trees and streetscapes can be character-defining heritage elements.
Source: Heritage property permits
Does every application go to committee?
No. Staff handle compliant applications; larger or more complex proposals may also be reviewed at monthly committee meetings.
Source: Heritage property permits
Where do I get historic signage guidance?
Ask the town for Guidelines for Signage in Historic Brooklin and Whitby.
Source: Heritage property permits
Sources: Heritage property permits