Urbanism Guides
Guides to help you through the permit process
To cope with the ever-increasing number of permit applications, the Urban and Land-Use Planning DepartmenT has produced guides to assist anyone embarking on a housing project. They are aimed at individuals, architects, designers and builders alike.
With these guides, we hope to make it easier for you to assemble all the required documents. It's essential to present a complete and admissible file so that the department can process your request efficiently.
Architectural Guide
In March 2024, the Town of Sutton adopted a brand-new architectural guide entitled “Architecture et aménagement du territoire à Sutton” (Architecture and Land Use in Sutton), with the aim of providing a reference framework in terms of architecture and land use for anyone wishing to undertake a construction or development project in harmony with the environment.
The guide identifies four types of inhabited environment in Sutton: village cores, peri-urban developments, holiday resorts and agricultural areas. It suggests guiding principles for each.
Guide – Regulatory Framework for Steep-Slope Areas
This document is a regulatory guide for areas with steep slopes (30% and more). It defines slope measurement methods and the types of work authorized, such as slope stabilization and replacement of existing structures. New constructions are restricted to specific distances from slopes to ensure safety. Measurements must be carried out by professionals, and must be accurate and evenly distributed.
Guide – Help in searching for Information on a Property
This guide explains how to access the tools needed to verify and validate essential information about a property, before committing to a project: graphic matrix, planning regulations, natural development constraints, agricultural zoning or contaminated land.
Guide – Preliminary Analysis of a Construction Project
Before submitting an application for a building permit, the Urban and Land-Use Planning Department suggests that you go through a preliminary analysis request, which summarizes for you all the documents required and the checks to be carried out.
Please note! You will not receive confirmation of the validity and conformity of your project. You will only get a more detailed opinion that will enable you to prepare a complete permit application.
Guide – Preliminary Analysis of a Residential or Commercial Development Project
A development project, whether residential or commercial, involves the construction of one or more main buildings and the subdivision of one or more lots (see exact definition in the document).
Before submitting a permit application for such a project, the Urban and Land-Use Planning Department suggests that you go through a preliminary analysis request, which summarizes for you all the documents required and verifications to be made.
Please note! You will not receive confirmation of the validity and conformity of your project. You will only get a more detailed opinion that will enable you to prepare a complete permit application.
Guide – Certification of a new Commercial Occupancy
This guide explains the detailed procedure for applying for certification of authorization for a new commercial occupancy of a building: this authorization is required for any change of use or occupancy of a building or part of a building for non-residential purposes as a principal use, or by a micro-business. It is also required for any work to improve the premises, including exterior lighting or the installation of a sign.
Guide – Certification for an Accessory Dwelling Unit
An accessory dwelling unit is a self-contained dwelling accessory to a main dwelling located inside a main building or in an accessory building located in the side or rear yards of a main building.
This guide explains the conditions and detailed procedure to follow when applying for authorization for an accessory dwelling unit, depending on whether it is integrated into the main dwelling or detached from it.