Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof in Moncton, Dieppe or Riverview?
For a straightforward residential roof replacement, you often do not need a building permit in Moncton, Dieppe or Riverview — but there are important limits.
All three municipalities publish exemptions for typical residential re-roofing. However, those exemptions generally apply to replacing shingles or other roof coverings without making significant structural changes. Once the project involves framing, major sheathing replacement, changes to the roofline or other structural work, a permit may be required.
There is another important distinction homeowners should know: a building permit and a development permit are not necessarily the same thing. A project may be exempt from a municipal building permit while still being subject to separate planning or development requirements.
Here is what the rules currently say across Greater Moncton.
Do You Need a Building Permit to Replace a Roof in Moncton?
For most straightforward residential reroofing projects, no building permit is required in Moncton.
The City of Moncton’s Building By-law specifically exempts re-roofing on single- and two-unit dwellings, as well as associated accessory buildings, provided that no more than 25% of the roof sheathing is replaced.
That means a typical project involving the removal of old shingles and installation of a new roofing system can generally fall within the exemption.
The situation changes when the scope becomes more extensive.
For example, if a contractor removes the existing roof and discovers substantial rotten decking or structural damage, replacing more than 25% of the sheathing may take the project outside the published exemption.
Structural changes to rafters, trusses, dormers or the roofline can also trigger additional permitting requirements.
What about a development permit in Moncton?
This is where the distinction becomes important.
Moncton regulates building permits and development permits separately. Even though a qualifying residential reroof may be exempt from the City’s Building By-law permit requirement, homeowners and contractors should still confirm whether a development permit is required for the specific project.
If there is any uncertainty, the City encourages residents to contact Planning and Development before work begins.
City of Moncton Planning and Development
655 Main Street, 2nd Floor
506-856-4375
info.plans@moncton.ca
Do You Need a Building Permit to Replace a Roof in Dieppe?
Dieppe’s rules are also clear.
The City’s Building By-law specifically exempts re-roofing and the replacement of asphalt shingles or other finishing materials.
Dieppe’s Zoning By-law also includes a roofing exemption for qualifying single- and two-unit dwellings and their accessory buildings.
For a normal asphalt-shingle replacement that does not substantially alter the structure of the roof, a building permit is therefore generally not required.
If the project involves structural changes, major reconstruction or work beyond replacing the roof covering, the requirements can change.
Homeowners or contractors dealing with anything beyond a straightforward reroof should confirm the project with Dieppe’s Planning and Development Department.
City of Dieppe Planning and Development
333 Acadie Avenue
506-877-7900
construction@dieppe.ca
Do You Need a Building Permit to Replace a Roof in Riverview?
Riverview also publishes a specific residential reroofing exemption.
For single- and two-unit dwellings and associated accessory buildings, the Town’s Building By-law exempts re-roofing where no more than 25% of the roof sheathing is replaced.
So, just like Moncton, a normal shingle replacement will generally fall within the exemption as long as significant structural repairs are not required.
If more than 25% of the roof sheathing needs replacement or the project involves structural alterations, the scope should be confirmed before proceeding.
Riverview also regulates development separately from its Building By-law, so homeowners should not assume that a building-permit exemption automatically answers every municipal approval question.
Permit and development services for Riverview are handled through Plan360.
Plan360 / Riverview Planning Services
506-382-5386
When Does a Roof Replacement Usually Need a Permit?
The published exemptions are designed around straightforward reroofing — essentially replacing the existing roofing system without substantially modifying the structure underneath it.
A project should be reviewed with the municipality if it includes work such as:
- Replacing or significantly repairing rafters or roof trusses
- Replacing more than 25% of the roof sheathing in Moncton or Riverview
- Changing the roof pitch
- Raising or substantially modifying the roofline
- Adding a dormer
- Adding or enlarging structural openings such as certain skylights
- Making substantial structural alterations to support a different roofing system
- Reconstructing significant portions of the roof assembly
If damaged framing or extensive rotten sheathing is discovered after the existing roofing is removed, a project that originally qualified as a straightforward reroof can potentially become a permit-required project.
That is one reason it is important to work with a contractor who understands local requirements and can deal with the municipality if the scope changes during construction.
What Does a Roofing Permit Cost?
If your project qualifies for the residential reroofing exemptions described above, there may be no building-permit fee at all.
If the project goes beyond the exemption and a building permit is required, fees are generally calculated using the estimated value of the construction.
| Municipality | Building Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Moncton | $8 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $25 |
| Dieppe | $7.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost, minimum $25 |
| Riverview | Residential permits generally start at $6 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $25 |
Separate development-permit fees may also apply depending on the municipality and the type of work being completed.
Because municipal fee schedules and classifications can change, the final permit cost should always be confirmed when the application is made.
Who Is Responsible for Getting the Permit?
Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for making sure any required permits are in place.
However, an established roofing contractor can usually handle the permitting process on the homeowner’s behalf.
Before signing a roofing contract, it is worth asking three simple questions:
- Does this project require a building or development permit?
- Who will apply for it?
- Who is responsible for the fee and for dealing with any required inspections or changes?
The answer should be clear before the work begins.
At Artisan Roofing, we confirm the permitting requirements that apply to the scope of the project rather than assuming every roof is treated the same way.
What Happens if You Skip a Required Permit?
If your project is exempt, there is obviously nothing to skip.
But if the work goes beyond the exemption and a permit is required, starting without approval can create unnecessary problems.
Depending on the municipality and circumstances, consequences can include:
- Stop-work orders
- Additional permit fees
- Required inspections
- Corrective work
- Delays while approvals are obtained
- Potential complications with insurance or a future property transaction
Riverview’s Building By-law, for example, provides for increased permit fees when work that required a permit is started before the permit is issued.
The permit itself is usually a very small part of the overall cost of a major roofing project. If one is required, avoiding it is rarely worth the potential problems later.
Are Roofing Projects Governed by the National Building Code?
Yes.
New Brunswick currently uses the 2020 National Building Code of Canada, which came into force provincially on May 1, 2025, along with applicable provincial regulations and municipal by-laws.
The National Building Code establishes minimum requirements affecting areas such as structural performance, roof assemblies, ventilation and other building components.
Municipal building and zoning by-laws determine how those requirements are administered locally.
The Simple Answer for Greater Moncton Homeowners
If you are simply replacing the shingles or roofing material on a normal residential home, a building permit is generally not required in Moncton, Dieppe or Riverview when the work falls within the municipality’s published reroofing exemption.
The important limits are:
Moncton: Residential reroofing is exempt when no more than 25% of the roof sheathing is replaced.
Dieppe: Re-roofing and replacement of asphalt shingles or other roof-finishing materials are specifically exempt.
Riverview: Residential reroofing is exempt when no more than 25% of the roof sheathing is replaced.
Once significant structural work is involved, the answer can change.
Development-permit requirements are also separate from building-permit exemptions, which is why the safest approach is to confirm the final scope before construction begins.
Let Us Handle the Details
You should not have to become an expert in three different municipal by-laws just to replace your roof.
Our Moncton and Dieppe roofing team works throughout Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and the surrounding communities. Before construction begins, we can confirm the permitting requirements that apply to your project and clearly document the scope, materials, warranties, timeline and price.
Artisan Roofing is a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, allowing us to offer GAF’s Golden Pledge Limited Warranty on qualifying roofing systems.
From the first inspection through the final cleanup, our goal is to leave you with a properly installed roof and clear documentation of exactly what was done.
Call 506-315-1868 or request your free estimate online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit to replace my roof in Moncton?
Usually not for a straightforward residential reroof. Moncton’s Building By-law exempts re-roofing on qualifying single- and two-unit dwellings and accessory buildings when no more than 25% of the roof sheathing is replaced. Structural work or more extensive sheathing replacement can change the requirement. Development-permit requirements should be confirmed separately.
Do I need a building permit to replace shingles in Dieppe?
Generally no. Dieppe specifically exempts re-roofing and replacement of asphalt shingles or other roof-finishing materials. Structural alterations or projects that go beyond an ordinary roof-covering replacement should be confirmed with Planning and Development.
Does Riverview require a permit to replace a roof?
A normal residential reroof is generally exempt from Riverview’s Building By-law permit requirement when no more than 25% of the roof sheathing is replaced. If the work goes beyond that exemption, contact Plan360 to confirm what permits are required.
What happens if rotten roof decking is discovered?
Minor sheathing replacement can still fall within the reroofing exemption in Moncton and Riverview. However, if more than 25% of the roof sheathing needs to be replaced, the project may no longer qualify for the exemption. Structural damage to rafters or trusses should also be reviewed before work continues.
Does replacing a roof require a development permit?
Possibly. Building permits and development permits are separate municipal approvals. A project can qualify for a building-permit exemption while still being subject to planning or development requirements. Your contractor or the local planning office can confirm the requirements for your property.
Should my roofing contractor pull the permit?
The property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring required permits are obtained, but a roofing contractor can handle the application on the owner’s behalf. Your contract should clearly identify who is responsible for permits, fees and any required inspections. At Artisan, we handle all the permit requirements for our customers, if the need for one arises.
Does structural roof work require a permit?
Structural alterations should always be confirmed with the municipality before proceeding. Work involving rafters, trusses, changes to the roof pitch, major roofline modifications, dormers or significant structural openings can fall outside normal reroofing exemptions and may require a building permit or additional documentation.
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