Heritage Permits

A heritage permit is required to undertake changes to properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Properties that are listed (not designated) in the Heritage Register do not require a heritage permit. 

To find out if your property is designated or listed, see the town’s Heritage Districts & Properties.

Apply for a heritage permit

• Our Heritage Permit Guide (pdf) provides an overview of the application process.
• Our Heritage Permit Application Form (pdf) is a fillable document and should be submitted to staff digitally.
• Our Guide to Heritage Specialists (pdf) contains contacts for tradespeople and companies in southwestern Ontario who have experience working with historic properties and structures.

If your property is designated as part of a Heritage Conservation District, you may want to consult the relevant heritage district plan which provides guidelines on how to ensure alterations are sympathetic to your home and the surrounding district.

Heritage permit applications are reviewed by Heritage Planning staff and the Heritage Oakville Advisory Committee at monthly meetings. Meeting dates and submission deadlines are outlined in the 2025 Heritage Permit Application Deadlines Calendar (pdf).