Why a new SPAIP bylaw?

Although Outremont was a pioneer in adopting its SPAIP bylaw in 1992, said bylaw is no longer adapted to today's realities. In fact, the current bylaw does not outline objectives, does not provide a framework for contemporary interventions and does not address the notions of ecology and sustainability in the context of the fight against climate change. In 2020, the borough of Outremont has therefore chosen to renew its SPAIP bylaw by proceeding with a complete revision. The current draft bylaw is the result of a year’s work by the borough's urban planning and architecture professionals in collaboration with an urban planning consultant. The members of the Outremont Planning Advisory Committee also participated in the works. At several key moments in the development of the regulatory revision, their expertise was sought. This collaborative approach helped improve the final document.

The new SPAIP bylaw will :

• Protect and preserve the quality of Outremont's built environment, while leaving room for creativity and innovation

• Inform the population and property owners about the Borough's expectations regarding interventions to the built environment

• Focus on a sustainable development of the Outremont territory and integrate the concepts of resilience and ecology

• Remove certain types of works from the SPAIP review process

As an example of projects that are not subject to an SPAIP review:

• Backyard decks at ground level with a height of less than 0.9 metre

• Certain accessory buildings such as sheds and detached garages

• Certain interventions on rear facades, not visible from the street

• The majority of commercial signs

This new approach will accelerate the issuance of these permits and certificates. In addition to the adoption of the new SPAIP bylaw, certain adjustments to the zoning bylaw and the bylaw on permits and certificates are proposed in order to better control the types of work that will not be subject to and SPAIP review.