Are you planning a renovation or construction project in Longueuil? You're not alone.

In 2024, the City of Longueuil issued over 1,800 building permits, an increase of 12 % over the previous year. This proves that the residential market is booming on the South Shore.

But here's the reality: getting a building permit isn't always easy. The forms, the documents to provide, the waiting times... it can quickly become a headache if you don't know the steps.

Why is it so important? Because building or renovating without a permit is risky business. We're talking fines of up to 10,000 $, not to mention potential problems when reselling your property. Compliance isn't just a formality-it's a protection for you and your family.

At Cartago Construction, we have been assisting our customers with their permit applications for the past two years in Longueuil and on the South Shore. Our founder, Yassine Troudi, has over 10 years' experience in residential construction in Quebec. We know the ins and outs of the City of Longueuil, the requirements of the RBQ, and above all, we know how to avoid refusals.

Need help with your permit application? Contact Cartago Construction for local support and free advice.

Why a building permit is mandatory in Longueuil

It's simple: in Quebec, the Construction Code and Bill 16 govern all construction and renovation work. These regulations exist to protect the safety of occupants and ensure that buildings meet minimum standards.

In Longueuil, as elsewhere in Quebec, you need a permit for virtually any work that affects the structure of your home, changes the use of a space, or costs more than 5,000 $.

Ignoring this obligation? Not a good idea. Municipal inspectors make regular rounds. If you get caught, you risk not only a hefty fine, but also the obligation to stop work until everything is in order. In some cases, you may even have to undo what's been done.

Requirements of the Québec Construction Code

The Quebec Construction Code is clear: any work involving structure, electricity, plumbing, heating or ventilation must be carried out by or under the supervision of an RBQ-certified contractor.

Permits are required for:

• House extensions
• Major renovations (kitchen, bathroom with plumbing relocation)
• Work on foundations or roofs
• Installation of new windows or exterior doors
• Basement finishing work with room additions
• Any modification that affects the building's fire resistance or airtightness

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) actively monitors compliance with these rules. In 2024, it imposed over 2,500 fines across the province for non-compliant work.

Do I need a permit for interior renovations?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. And the answer surprises many people.

Yes, even for interior renovations, you often need a permit. If you're redoing your kitchen and it involves moving pipes, modifying the electrical circuit or touching a load-bearing wall, it's mandatory.

According to Ville de Longueuil data, around 15 % of permit fines relate to interior work carried out without authorization. Homeowners thought it was going on «inside», so no one would know. Not so.

At the time of resale, the building inspector will check whether the work has been done with a permit. Without proof of compliance, the buyer may demand a substantial price reduction or even cancel the sale.

Avoid fines and hassle! Consult our team before starting work to find out if you need a permit.

Steps to obtain your building permit in Longueuil

Now that we know why it's important, let's take a look at how to do it right. The process is simpler than it used to be since Longueuil digitized many of its services.

Here are the three main steps to follow.

1. Prepare your essential documents

Before even filling out the application form, you must gather several documents. The Ville de Longueuil will not begin processing your file if only one document is missing.

Here's what you'll need:

Layout plan: This document shows the exact location of your property, existing buildings, and where you plan to build or expand. It must be drawn up by a land surveyor.

Certificate of location: If your work affects the exterior or changes the footprint of the building, this document is mandatory. It is generally less than 10 years old, unless modifications have been made since then.

Technical drawings and specifications: Depending on the nature of the work, you'll need detailed plans signed by an architect or architectural technologist. For simpler projects, a precise sketch with dimensions may suffice.

Contractor's RBQ license: The contractor doing the work must have a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. The city systematically verifies this.

Completed application form: Available on the Portail Citoyen de Longueuil since July 2024. You can now do everything online.

Proof of insurance: Some projects require proof of liability insurance.

A word of advice from experience: double-check that all your documents are up to date and complete. This is the main cause of delays in processing applications.

2. Submit the request via the Citizen Portal

Since July 2024, the City of Longueuil has made electronic submission of permit applications mandatory. No more waiting in line at the counter!

The Citizen Portal is accessible 24/7. You create an account, upload your documents in PDF format, and digitally sign your request. The system sends you an e-mail acknowledging receipt within 24 hours.

Interesting fact: since the implementation of the digital system, online requests have increased by 35 % in Longueuil. Why is this? Because it's faster and you can track the status of your file in real time.

Once submitted, your application is assigned to a municipal inspector who will analyze it. If anything is missing or unclear, he or she will contact you by e-mail or telephone.

Practical tip: keep your phone handy in the days following your application. Inspectors prefer to deal with small problems quickly, rather than refusing an application.

3. Deadlines, costs and inspections

How long does it take? That depends on the complexity of your project.

For a standard residential project (enlargement, For a major renovation project, allow between 25 and 35 working days. For a commercial or more complex project, you're looking at 45 to 60 days.

These times are averages based on our recent projects in Longueuil and Saint-Hubert. If your file is complete from the start, you may even receive your permit sooner.

What can cause delays? Missing documents, plans that don't comply with urban planning regulations, or projects requiring additional approvals (such as in certain heritage sectors of Vieux-Longueuil).

On the cost side, here's what you can expect:

• Single residential license: 150 $ to 500 $
• Major renovation or extension: 500 $ to 1,500 $
• New residential construction: 1,500 $ to 2,500 $
• Commercial project: 2,500 $ and more

These amounts include basic costs and inspection fees. The city generally calculates the cost based on the estimated value of the work.

Once the permit has been issued, you must post a clearly visible copy on the building site. The municipal inspector will pass by at various stages: before pouring the foundation, before closing the walls, and at the end of the work for the final inspection.

Need a conforming plan to speed up approval? Cartago can prepare it for you and take care of all the coordination with the City.

Costs, deadlines and pitfalls to avoid

Let's face it: even with the best of intentions, mistakes can creep into your permit application. And those mistakes can cost you time and money.

Here's what we see all too often after 10 years in the business.

How much does a permit cost in Longueuil?

We've just looked at the basic amounts, but there are other costs to consider in your budget.

If you need to have a certificate of location prepared by a land surveyor, add between 800 $ and 1,500 $. This is not included in the permit fee.

Architectural or technological plans, if required, can cost from 1,000 $ to 5,000 $, depending on complexity. For a simple extension, we're closer to 1,500 $. For a new build, it can go up.

And if your project requires specialized studies (soil report, If you need to remove a load-bearing wall (e.g. a structural study), expect to pay between 500 $ and 2,000 $ more.

According to the Ville de Longueuil's official rates published in January 2025, permit fees are calculated at approximately 1 % of the value of the work, with minimum and maximum fees depending on the type of project.

Tight budget? Talk to your contractor right from the start. A good RBQ contractor can help you optimize your project to reduce costs without compromising quality.

Common causes of refusal

In our experience and according to city statistics, about 20 % of permit applications are refused at first submission. Why is this?

File incomplete: This is by far the number one reason. A missing document, a forgotten signature, an illegible plan. The city can't process your application if everything isn't there.

Plans not in compliance with town planning regulations: Each sector of Longueuil has its own rules. Setbacks, maximum height, permitted siding... if your project doesn't meet these standards, it's automatically refused.

No RBQ professional visa: The contractor must be licensed for the type of work involved. An electrician, for example, cannot sign for plumbing work.

Projects in protected areas: Some areas of Longueuil, especially near the river or in Old Longueuil, have additional restrictions. Check first.

Non-compliance with drainage rules: In Longueuil and throughout the South Shore, stormwater management rules are strict. Your project must show how water will be drained without affecting neighbors.

A little tip: before submitting your final application, make an appointment with an information officer at the city counter (virtual or in person). They can do a preliminary check and save you weeks of delay.

Avoid delays with a certified contractor

Want to keep it rolling? Hire a contractor who knows music.

An experienced RBQ contractor in Longueuil knows exactly what documents to prepare, how to fill out the forms, and what the expectations of local inspectors are. It makes all the difference.

At Cartago Construction, we handle the entire process for our customers. We prepare the plans, assemble the documents, submit the application, and coordinate the inspections. You have nothing to worry about.

The result? Our files are approved on the first try in over 90 % of cases. No refusals, no delays, no stress.

Have your plans validated by an RBQ-service expert free of charge with Cartago Construction when you submit your project.

Special cases and new trends in Longueuil

The world of construction is changing fast. Here's what we're seeing more and more of in Longueuil and on the South Shore.

Permits for eco-buildings and green projects

Homeowners are increasingly aware of their environmental impact. And the good news is that the City of Longueuil is encouraging this trend.

Since 2023, there has been an 18 % increase in permit applications for projects incorporating green technologies: solar panels, rainwater harvesting, high-performance insulation, geothermal energy.

If you follow Novoclimat 2.0 standards, you may even be eligible for provincial grants. These programs can cover up to 5,000 $ of your construction costs.

To obtain these benefits, your contractor must be Novoclimat-certified, and your plans must demonstrate that you meet the required energy efficiency thresholds. It's not automatic, but it's definitely worth it if you're planning new construction or a major renovation.

The city also appreciates projects that incorporate green roofs, recycled materials or energy-efficient ventilation systems. This can speed up the processing of your permit.

Modular housing and extensions

You may have heard that prefabricated or modular homes are gaining in popularity? It's true in Longueuil too.

With the passage of Bill 66 in Quebec, requirements for prefabricated constructions have been relaxed. But beware: you still need a permit!

Whether it's a tiny house, a habitable garden cottage or a modular extension, the city must approve the project. Especially if the dwelling is on a permanent foundation or connected to municipal services.

Expansions, regardless of construction method, follow the same permit process. Adding a bedroom over the garage? Permit required. Turning the garden shed into a garden office? If you're drawing electricity and it's heated, you need a permit.

An important point for Longueuil and Montérégie: zoning regulations may limit the number of buildings on your lot. Always check before buying a prefabricated structure.

Post-flood permits and climate resilience

The floods of spring 2025 hit certain areas of the South Shore hard, particularly in Saint-Lambert and near the river in Longueuil.

In response, the City issued over 250 emergency permits between March and August 2025 to allow homeowners to quickly repair their damaged foundations, drainage systems and basements.

If your property has been affected, special programs are available. The permit process is accelerated (about 10 days instead of 25) and some fees may be reduced or waived.

The city is now encouraging homeowners in flood-prone areas to raise their structures, install backwater valves, and improve drainage around foundations. These works all require a permit, but are given priority.

Saint-Hubert and Brossard, which share similar issues, have also implemented climate resilience protocols. If you're in these areas, find out about the new standards before planning your work.

Facts vs. myths about building permits

We hear a lot about building permits. Some are true, some are completely false. Here are three myths we often hear.

3 misconceptions to correct

Myth 1: «I don't need a permit for interior work.»

Wrong. We've said it before, but it bears repeating. If your work involves plumbing, electrical, heating or structural work, you need a permit. Even indoors.

Redo the paint or change the floating floor? Okay, no permit. But as soon as you open up a wall or move fixtures, it's a different story.

Myth 2: «Quebec permits are valid everywhere.»

Also false. Each municipality issues its own permits according to its own bylaws. A Montreal permit is worthless in Longueuil, and vice versa.

Even between Longueuil, Brossard and Saint-Hubert, the rules may differ. It's important to check with your specific city.

Myth 3: «I can self-issue a small license.»

No, never. Only the city can issue building permits. Even for a tiny project, you have to go through the official process.

According to the Ville de Longueuil's official FAQ updated in 2025, these three errors account for about 15 % of the fines issued to homeowners. It's expensive to be misinformed.

The truth is simple: when in doubt, call the City or talk to a certified contractor. Five minutes of clarification can save you thousands of dollars in trouble.

Why work with a certified local contractor

You might think that applying for a permit is just paperwork. But in reality, it's much more complex than that.

Working with an experienced, local RBQ contractor ensures that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Local expertise and RBQ compliance

At Cartago Construction, we've been working in Longueuil and on the South Shore since the beginning. Our founder, Yassine, has over 10 years' experience in residential construction in Quebec.

We know municipal inspectors. We know how they work, what they look for, and how to present a file that passes the test the first time.

Our RBQ license is always up to date. We hold the necessary certifications to manage all aspects of your project: structure, electrical (via our certified subcontractors), plumbing, and finishing.

More importantly, we're insured. That means you're protected if anything goes wrong during the work. It's not just about compliance, it's about peace of mind.

Many of our customers come to us after trying to manage their permit applications themselves. They've wasted time, been turned down, or worse, started work without a permit and got caught.

We go back to the drawing board, correct the mistakes, and get things moving quickly.

Full support from application to completion

Our approach at Cartago is the turnkey service. You call us with your project idea, and we take care of everything.

Here's how it works:

Step 1: Free consultation - We come to your home, evaluate your project, discuss your needs and your budget. We'll tell you right away if a permit is required and what it entails.

Step 2: Preparing the file - We prepare all the required documents: technical plans, forms, coordination with the surveyor if necessary. You don't have to do a thing.

Step 3: Submission and follow-up - The permit application is submitted via the Citizen Portal. We follow the file and answer the municipal inspector's questions directly.

Step 4: Carrying out the work - Once the permit is in hand, we start work on schedule. We coordinate all municipal inspections at the required times.

Step 5: Final inspection and closing - We make sure everything is in order for the final inspection. You receive your certificate of conformity, and your project is officially complete.

Our goal is simple: to provide you with hassle-free, transparent, human service. No surprises, no hidden fees, no avoidable delays.

We work with trusted subcontractors we've known for years. Electricians, plumbers, roofers... everyone is RBQ-certified and insured.

Get your free estimate today! Call us at 438-932-4326 or visit cartagoconstruction.ca

FAQ - Building permits in Longueuil

These are the questions we're asked most often. If yours isn't here, give us a call and we'll be happy to help.

How long does a building permit last in Longueuil?

A residential permit is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you don't finish within this period, you can apply for a renewal before it expires.

Can I apply without an architect?

It depends on the project. For simple projects such as a garden shed or small terrace, a precise sketch may suffice. For an extension or a new build, professional plans are mandatory.

What work requires a permit?

Anything that affects the structure, electricity, plumbing, heating or changes the use of a space. Also: additions, in-ground pools, terraces over 60 cm high, fences in certain areas, changes to exterior siding.

How do I extend an expired permit?

You must apply for renewal before the permit expires. If the permit has been expired for more than 30 days, you will probably have to reapply and pay the fees again.

What to do in case of refus?

First, read the refusal letter carefully to understand the reasons. Then, correct the points raised and submit a new application. An experienced contractor can help you identify and correct problems quickly.

What documents are required?

Site plan, certificate of location (if applicable), technical drawings, application form, contractor's RBQ license, and sometimes specialized studies. The exact list depends on your project.

Are there any incentives for green projects?

Yes, the Rénoclimat and Novoclimat programs offer provincial grants. Some municipal programs also exist. For more information, contact Transition énergétique Québec.

How do I track my application online?

Via the Portail Citoyen de Longueuil. Log in with your account, go to «My requests», and you'll see the status in real time. You'll also receive emails at important milestones.

Is the permit transferable?

If you sell your property before the work is completed, the permit can usually be transferred to the new owner. You must notify the city and provide the necessary documents.

What happens if I build without a permit?

The inspector may issue a notice of violation, requiring you to stop work immediately. You'll have to pay the fine (which can be as high as 10,000 $), obtain a retroactive permit, and possibly redo some of the work if it doesn't comply. It can also complicate the future sale of your home.

Ready to get your project off to a flying start?

Getting a building permit in Longueuil isn't rocket science when you know the steps and do things right the first time.

Remember the key points:

• A permit is required for most construction and renovation work.
• Prepare your documents well before submitting your application
• Allow 25 to 35 days for a standard residential project
• Work with an RBQ-certified contractor to avoid refusals and delays
• The most common mistakes can be avoided with the right advice

At Cartago Construction, we simplify the whole process for you. From our Longueuil office at 2580 Cartier Street, we help dozens of homeowners every year transform their homes while respecting the rules.

Our local experience makes all the difference. We know the inspectors, we understand the specific regulations of Longueuil and Saint-Hubert, Brossard and the surrounding area, and we know how to prepare a solid business case.

Cartago Construction guides you step by step to obtain your permit and start your work in full compliance. Call us at 438-932-4326 or request your free estimate at cartagoconstruction.ca

We're here for you. Let's talk about your project!