BUILDING PERMITS

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It is a legal requirement in Nova Scotia to obtain a building permit for any construction project. This applies to all construction projects; from a new home to shopping mall renovations. The building inspector will review the plans to ensure they meet all applicable National Building Code requirements, obtain approval from the municipal engineer, and where necessary, the Departments of Transportation and Environment and the Fire Marshall. The inspector will conduct on-site inspections at various stages of the construction project to ensure the building standards are met. The processing of an application takes an average of three weeks.

In areas where there is a Land Use By-law in effect, it is also necessary to obtain a development permit. This permit is required for all new construction and any change in use to an existing structure. It is confirmation the project is in compliance with the regulations of the Land Use By-law with regards to the use, lot requirements and any development requirements. Processing time for the development permit averages a week and it must be issued prior to the issuance of the building permit. Application for both permits may be made at the same time.

911 CIVIC ADDRESSING
At the time of applying for a building permit for new construction you should also apply for a 911 civic address. The application can be made either on the building permit application form or by calling the 911 addressing co-ordinator at the RCBDPC. We will require the names and civic addresses of your nearest neighbours as well as a mailing address for you. It may take up to four weeks to issue a new address. The new number is determined through a measurement from existing addresses to the new address.

INSPECTIONS
Inspections are required for all work for which a building permit has been issued and the request for the inspections must be made by the applicant as certain stages of construction are complete. The applicant is informed as to when inspections are required at the time the permit is issued. The inspections are conducted by the inspection staff of the District Planning Commission, using the National Building Code as a reference when evaluating the safety of the project. The following is a list of inspections which are normally conducted:

Inspection Installations Required
Footer
  • location certificate required in zoned area
  • all step footings to comply with NBC 1995
Foundation
  • operational drain tile
  • damp-proofing
  • floor system to provide lateral support (where applicable)
Framing
  • any underground plumbing
  • all support framing
  • plumbing waste and vent system
Pre-dry wall
  • insulation and vapour barrier
  • mechanical ventilation
Occupancy
  • structure complete, ready for occupancy

BUILDER'S CHECKLIST
This checklist provides the general process prior to and during construction. You will be advised by the Building Inspector of the specific requirements at the time of application.

ü Two copies of the site plan or survey plan
ü Two complete sets of the building plans, including foundation plan, floor plan, detail section; plumbing schematic and where applicable, electrician's application
ü Completed development permit (where required) and building permit application
ü Permit fee submitted with completed permit applications (refer to Permit Fee Schedule)
ü Development permit issued (where applicable)
ü Department of Transportation approval (where applicable)
ü Department of Environment approval (where applicable)
ü Public Works approval (where applicable)
ü Building permit issued
ü Building permit posted in a prominent on-site location
ü Foundation inspection requested and completed
ü Surveyors location certificate submitted (for planned areas and areas serviced by municipal water and sewer only).
ü Framing inspection requested and completed
ü Insulation inspection requested and completed
ü Occupancy inspection requested and completed
ü Occupancy permit issued.

PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE
PLEASE NOTE: fee schedule is subject to change from time to time. Consult with the Building Inspector when submitting your application

All Applications must be accompanied by the required fees, cheques or money orders made payable to the Rural Cape Breton District Planning Commission or in Victoria County, to the Municipality of the County of Victoria. Refunds of 50% of the fee are issued only if the application is withdrawn within 30 days of being issued and if no construction has begun.

Any construction, repair or alteration commenced without the benefit, of a permit will be subject to double the standard fee.

Building permits are valid for one year, This may be extended further upon application for a permit renewal.

For further information, or to obtain a building and/or development permit application form, please contact the Building Inspector for your area.

 

 Antigonish County

Inverness County

Richmond County

Victoria County

Town of Port Hawkesbury

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