Permits and Certificates
Why and when do we need a permit?
To ensure compliance with zoning and land use regulations, the Town of Brome Lake requires a permit or certificate for many types of construction projects and work. This process helps verify that planned work complies with applicable regulations and promotes harmonious development throughout the municipality.
Before undertaking any construction, renovation, expansion, demolition, or change of use, you must contact the Urban Planning Department. This requirement may also apply, including but not limited to, the addition of a garage, swimming pool, spa, or swimming pond.
The Urban Planning Department will advise you on the regulations applicable to your project and inform you whether a permit or certificate is required. Review and issuance fees may apply, depending on the nature of your application.
As the review process may take some time, you must submit your application before hiring a contractor or scheduling any work. In some cases, a site visit or additional review may be required.
Please complete the proxy form if the applicant is someone other than the owner.
Estimated* response time
- 8 to 12 weeks for the issue of a permit, which must be analyzed by the urban planning advisory committee and approved by the council.
- Processing times only begin once all the required documents have been received.
- 6 to 8 weeks for the issue of a more complex permit: new construction, extension, major renovation, etc.
- Processing times only begin once all the required documents have been received.
- 3 to 5 weeks for the issue of a simpler permit: swimming pool, secondary building, change of use, minor renovation, etc.
- Processing times only start when all the required documents have been received.
- 7 working days for a response to calls, emails or online requests
* Varies according to volume of applications and the period of the year. Do not call back: each request will be answered one at a time.
Do you need to apply for a minor derogation? Use these PDF forms:
List of the Town’s By-law and charges applicable to applications for permit and certificates.
Short-Term Rental
The Town of Brome Lake has a regulatory framework for short-term rental (31 days or less).
This economic activity has its advantages and disadvantages for municipalities, which is why it must be adequately regulated to protect the rights of citizens.
Here is a summary of the measures that Town of Brome Lake has put in place:
- It is possible to do short-term rental in a principal residence
- For secondary residences, it is allowed only in commercial areas
- The Town requires certain obligations of those wishing to provide short-term rental, regardless of the type of building involved.
Examine the activity report of the citizen committee on short-term rentals.
View the by-law 599-04 amending by-law 599 on permits and certificates.
Read the resolution explaining the Council’s decision.
Consult the public notice on the coming into force of By-law 599-04 (permits and certificates).
Rental of a principal residence
Quebec’s Tourist Accommodation Act came into force on March 25, 2023. As a result of this law, short-term rentals (31 days or fewer) are now permitted on the territory of Brome Lake for principal residences.
“Principal Residence” means the residence where a natural person usually lives and centers their family and social activities and whose address is the one the person gives to most government departments and bodies.
Before renting, the first step is to apply for registration with the Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ).
In addition to the Application for Registration, you must complete the Notice of Municipal Compliance. Part 4 of the Notice must be completed by the Town. Send the notice to the Town Clerk, Me Owen Falquero, at greffe@lacbrome.ca.
When you receive confirmation of your registration from the CITQ, the second step is to apply for a Certificate of Authorization (principal residence) from the Town.Click here to access the form.
You must submit the application for a Certificate of Authorization (Principal Residence) to the Town Clerk, Owen Falquero, at greffe@lacbrome.ca.
Rental of a secondary residence
Short-term rentals (31 days or fewer) are only permitted in the 17 zones indicated on this map.
Before taking any action, we strongly recommend that you contact the Town Clerk, Me Owen Falquero (greffe@lacbrome.ca), to verify if you are eligible for short-term rentals and to validate the details of your application.
Once you have the Town Clerk’s approval, you will need to apply to the CITQ for registration and obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the Town.
Residential Swimming Pool Compliance
Residential Swimming Pools: Permit Required and Safety Standards
Before installing a pool, a municipal permit is required, regardless of the type of installation: in-ground, semi-inground, above-ground or removable pool.
The safety standards applicable to residential pools are established by the Residential Pool Safety Regulation, adopted by the Government of Québec. These standards cover, among other things, access to the pool, enclosures, gates, equipment and safety devices.
Sources:
- Zoning By-law No. 596, sections 74 and 75
- Permits and Certificates By-law No. 599, section 33
September 30, 2027 Deadline
Pools installed since 2021 must comply with the provincial standards in effect at the time of installation.
Owners of pools installed before 2021 have until September 30, 2027, to ensure that their installation complies with the standards set out in the Residential Pool Safety Regulation, regardless of when the pool was installed. Grandfathered rights no longer apply.
Source: Chapter S-3.1.02, r. 1, Residential Pool Safety Regulation, section 10
Municipal Inspections
As part of its inspections, the Town verifies the compliance of pools installed before 2021. When an installation does not meet the applicable standards, a letter outlining the non-compliant elements is sent to the owner. The letter specifies the corrective measures required to bring the installation into compliance.
Wondering whether your pool meets the safety standards? The Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH) has prepared a practical guide outlining the main requirements applicable to residential pools.
Consult the Practical Guide to Residential Pool Safety(in French only)
Neighborhood Meetings
Drawing inspiration from initiatives already in place in other municipalities, the Town of Brome Lake is proposing, in the interest of transparency, to hold neighborhood information meetings in connection with certain construction
The goal is to allow project proponents to engage with their immediate neighbors before work begins, in order to present the project, answer questions, and prevent misunderstandings that sometimes arise once construction has started. This meeting may take the form of an “open house” or a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
This is first and foremost a forum for information and dialogue, not a mechanism for challenging projects. Through this initiative, the Town aims to foster a spirit of good neighborliness and a better mutual understanding of the projects that shape our living environment.
Have you received an invitation to attend a neighborhood meeting?
You are in the best position to share your perspective on the reality of the neighborhood where the project will be located. Your presence, your observations, and your experience as a resident provide valuable insight into these discussions.
The Town does not participate in these meetings: the project is still in the design phase, and the Town prefers to let the dialogue unfold freely between neighbors and the person presenting the project.
If you are unable to attend, the contact person listed on the invitation is available to provide you with the presentation materials, answer your questions, and add you to the mailing list so you can stay updated on the project’s progress.
Further details will follow, including information on the types of projects involved and how to participate.
You have more questions?
Urban Planning Department
Telephone: (450) 243-6111 #241
The offices are located at 122 Lakeside Road, Brome Lake.
