Shingles and metal in the inventory
The City's architectural heritage inventory lists 171 principal buildings in Sainte-Rose. Asphalt shingles cover 77 of these buildings, profiled sheet metal 35 and standing seam metal 14.
The inventory covers heritage buildings only. This survey still shows that roofing in Sainte-Rose can carry shingles as well as metal on an older building.
When the PIIA applies
The Code de l'urbanisme (Laval's urban planning code) covers changes to the roofing materials of a principal building located in a territory of heritage interest. Such a change may require a PIIA. The same rule applies to a building of heritage interest, wherever it is.
The Code provides three exemptions:
- replacing a material with the same material of a similar colour
- replacing it with a material that preserves or restores the original or traditional characteristics
- renovation work on a flat roof
Three projects, three readings
Similar shingles. Asphalt shingles replaced with asphalt shingles of a close colour match the first exemption.
A different colour. The Code speaks of a similar colour. A clear change of colour may fall outside that reading, and the project may then require a PIIA.
Metal instead of shingles. The material changes. The project may require a PIIA, unless the metal restores the building's original or traditional characteristics. Ask the Service de l'urbanisme (urban planning department) whether an old photo of the house can be used to show this.
In all three cases, the City decides. Write to the City before signing.
What the City looks at
For all territories of heritage interest, the Code sets out this criterion: the roofing materials respect the significant dominant characteristics of the territory, including type, dimensions and installation pattern. Another criterion requires the eaves to blend with the main roof.
The village of Sainte-Rose also has its own criteria. These criteria name the dominant styles: the Second Empire house, the mansard house, the Victorian eclectic house, the French-Québécois house and the boomtown house. They favour brick and horizontal wood siding, but for the walls. None of these specific criteria names a roofing material.
Materials allowed in Laval
The Code's list applies to the whole city. For a sloped roof, it includes asphalt or wood shingles, factory-painted and pre-baked metal, galvanized standing seam, batten seam or Canadian-style sheet metal, slate tiles and copper. Asbestos shingles are prohibited.
The permit, on top
For a residence, the City requires a permit when the material is new, not when it stays the same, without defining what same material means. The PIIA does not replace the permit. The Code makes it one more condition for issuing the permit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the colour of my shingles in the village of Sainte-Rose?
The PIIA exemption covers the same material of a similar colour. A clearly different colour may send the project through a PIIA. The Service de l'urbanisme can tell you where things stand for your address.
Is metal required on an older house in Sainte-Rose?
No criterion specific to the village names a roofing material. The general criterion requires materials that respect the dominant characteristics of the territory.
Does replacing my shingles with the same ones require a PIIA?
The Code exempts replacement with the same material of a similar colour. For a residence, the City does not require a permit in that case either.
Official sources, consulted on October 8, 2026: