Building Permits

Building inspection services help to protect public health and safety by ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with current building codes and regulations.

Where do I apply for my permit?

You may apply for your permit by visiting our office.
You may wish download our building and development permit application (2.7 MB) or demolition permit (414.75 kB).

What is the status of my permit?

You should be contacted within approximately three weeks of submitting your permit application. By this time, your permit should be either approved, rejected, or more information may be requested of you. Review of an application will involve file processing, examination of construction drawings and site plans provided, confirmation of zoning and setback, civic numbering, and possibly approval from the Department of Environment and the Department of Transportation.

Which building inspectors are in?

Building Officials are frequently out of the office, and their schedules vary daily. To make an appointment with a building official please contact us. You may also visit the municipal office to see if a building official is available by chance, or to schedule an appointment.

For what do I need a permit?

The following is a list of items where permits are necessary, and the information that is required at the time of application.

Non-Structural Building Permit

  • A building permit is not required for non-structural work (such as replacement of windows, siding doors or shingles) costing less than $5,000 in total. Non-structural work costing more than $5,000 requires a permit, and ALL structural work requires a permit.

Fee: 0.1% of value plus $5.00

Garage/Shed

  • detailed building plans are required with application
  • a plot plan is required showing all existing buildings on lot, proposed location for the new garage/shed, driveway location, and relevant measurements (see application)
  • garages over 600 sq ft or are two stories or more require an engineer’s design for slab on-grade plans with A3 and A9 unless it is being placed on a 4 foot frost wall.

Fee: $0.02 per sq ft plus $5.00

New Construction/Additions

  • one set of building plans showing all construction including a cross section
  • a plot plan is required, showing existing dwelling(s) on a lot, along with proposed construction/additions, driveway location, and relevant measurements (see application)
  • copy of approval from Department of Environment for installation of on-site sewage disposal
  • copy of approval from the Department of Transportation for erection of a structure within 100m of the centreline of a public highway, where applicable

Fee: $0.06 per sq ft plus $5.00

Change of Use

  • a development permit is required when changing the use of a building or converting a single family dwelling to two or more units.
  • zoning of property must be checked to be sure that the new use is permitted
  • a plot plan is required, showing existing dwelling(s) on the lot, and proposed location of change of use.

No fee for Development Permit

Demolition

  • a demolition permit is required for demolition
  • the permit requires a plot plan showing location of building to be demolished, along with any buildings on the property that will remain
  • indicate on the demolition permit if you plan to rebuild following demolition (as it may affect the civic addressing system).

No fee for Demolition Permit

 When do I need inspection?

Construction projects are required to be inspected at the request of the applicant at all of the following stages:

  • when footings are in place
  • foundation, prior to backfill (before framing is placed on foundation)
  • framing, prior to insulation
  • rough-in plumbing, prior to drywall insulation
  • insulation & vapour barrier, prior to drywall insulation
  • plumbing, mechanical, heating, prior to occupancy of structure
  • occupancy, when structure is completed and ready for occupancy

Call our Inspection line at (902) 667-1142 and speak with Melissa, or leave a detailed message including your building permit number, type of inspection, and location.

FAILURE TO ARRANGE INSPECTIONS AT THE REQUIRED STAGES MAY RESULT IN PROSECUTION OF THE OWNER AND THE CONTRACTOR, AS WELL AS ORDERS TO REMOVE THE CONSTRUCTION TO ALLOW FOR CONCEALED CONSTRUCTION TO BE INSPECTED.

48 HOURS NOTICE TO ARRANGE AN INSPECTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, AND 72 HOURS NOTICE MAY BE NECESSARY.

What else do I need to know?

  • your permit is valid for one (1) year from the date issued
  • if construction is not completed before one (1) year, you will need to renew your permit $5.00 fee
  • waiting period for permit review is approx. 3 weeks
  • your structure must be built to the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada 2010 & Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations.