Heritage Alteration Permits

A Heritage Permit is a permit that has no cost to the applicant and allows property owners to present their projects to the Heritage Committee.  The Heritage Committee reviews the project to ensure the proposal has followed the policies and guidelines in the Heritage Conservation Plan.  The policies will be clear and easy to understand with graphics illustrating the intent. 

Not all work requires a Heritage Permit.  Exempted work can include; general maintenance, re-roofing with the same material, adding skylights, amenity lighting, eaves troughs, downspouts, soft landscape, replacing hardscape elements with like materials, fencing, porches, decks, storm windows, stairs and steps, maintenance items like painting, replacing awnings or canopies, etc.  Exemptions will be clearly defined in the plan.

As an owner of a property within an HCD, you should always have regard for the existing built form and character of your neighborhood with respect to the massing of structures, height of structures, materials that are used, etc. Regardless of the classification of a property, work on any property should be executed in a way that conserves or enhances the district’s character. Working together as a community can ensure that the heritage and character of Amherstburg are not lost and that our community continues to tell our unique history.