Under the Heritage Conservation District (HCD) designation, can I do what I please with my house?

In most cases, yes.

In general, HCD designation does not:

  • Restrict the use of property
  • Interfere with renovations or alterations to the interior of a house (such as installation of modern conveniences or contemporary designs on the interior)
  • Interfere with renovations, alterations or additions to the exterior of a house that are not visible from the street
  • Prevent renovations or alterations to the front of a house that are in keeping with the heritage character of the HCD
  • Impose onerous obligations or undue expenses to maintain property
  • Restrict the sale of property

No Heritage Permit is required for the following types of projects:

  • Interior renovations or alterations
  • Exterior renovations, alterations or additions not visible from the street
  • Exterior painting of wood, stucco or metal surfaces
  • Repairs of existing exterior features using the original types of materials
  • Installation of eaves troughs or weatherproofing
  • Seasonal installation of removable storm/screen windows and doors
  • Installation of exterior lights.

A Heritage Permit is required for:

  • Any renovations, alterations or additions that are visible from the street and are not listed above.
  • Repairs using a different material than the original or the existing material.
  • Renovations that have an impact on the building’s heritage attributes, or involve demolition.

For more general information, see the Toronto Heritage Preservation Services website at: www.toronto.ca/heritage-preservation/heritage_questions.htm

Requirements under the Ontario Heritage Act are in addition to requirements in municipal building codes or by-laws.

For information on Heritage Permits, see the Permit Process section of this website or refer to the question on Heritage Permits below.