Does a Dundas heritage property need a permit to renovate?
Yes, when the work is likely to affect its heritage attributes. The City of Hamilton says a heritage permit is needed to alter a designated property in that way, and that a building or sign permit will not be issued until the heritage permit is approved. A review subcommittee meets monthly, so the date belongs in the schedule.
What is the Downtown Dundas Built Heritage Inventory?
A City of Hamilton heritage inventory for the downtown, listed on the same heritage properties page. Check whether a building is in it, and whether it is designated, before planning exterior changes such as a new storefront, windows or an addition. A storefront fit-out downtown starts here.
Which zoning by-law applies in Dundas?
Either Hamilton's 05-200 or the former Town of Dundas by-law 3581-86. The City's zoning page explains that the majority of properties are under 05-200 and the rest still use the former communities' by-laws. The applicable one sets what an addition can be.
Do the escarpment and the valley add approvals?
They can. Dundas sits below the escarpment, where the Niagara Escarpment Commission may need to issue a development permit first, and near creeks and the valley Hamilton Conservation Authority requires written approval before building on a regulated lot.
What should a Dundas brief include?
The address, whether the property is designated or in the inventory, photos of the front and the part being changed, and any drawings. Whole-home renovations and additions list the approvals in order.
| Check | Where to look | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage designation | City of Hamilton heritage properties. | A heritage permit comes before the building permit. |
| Downtown heritage inventory | Downtown Dundas Built Heritage Inventory. | Shows which downtown buildings the City has recorded. |
| Zoning by-law | City of Hamilton zoning by-laws of former communities. | 05-200 or Dundas 3581-86 sets what can be built. |
| Escarpment and valley | Niagara Escarpment Commission and Hamilton Conservation Authority. | Their approval can be needed first. |