Building Inspection Division of Community Development - Frequently Asked Questions
Building Code:
Q: What is the Building Code?
A: Nova Scotia Building Code Act and Regulations adopt the current National Building Code for use in all municipalities in Nova Scotia. The main purpose of the Building Code is to establish a uniform set of construction standards to help ensure your building is safe for structural sufficiency, fire protection and general building safety.
Building Permit:
Q: Who needs a Building Permit?
A: A building permit is required for ALL types of construction – building, renovating, demolishing or relocating.
Q: How do I apply?
A: To apply, click here to access a building permit. If you have questions regarding the application please feel free to contact one of our Building Inspectors.
When you do apply, you must have the following:
i) A completed application signed by all registered owners
ii) A set of building plans
iii) A detailed site plan
iv) Department of Environment approval (if applicable)
v) Department of Transportation approval (if applicable)
Q: How do I get approved?
A: Upon completion of application and all required documentations are received, staff will ensure your proposed project complies with land use, engineering regulations, and the Building Code. If all these components comply, a permit will be issued with 7 days.
Q: How long is the permit valid?
A: The permit is valid for up to 3 years as long as an inspection is scheduled prior to 1 year from the date of issuance or prior to 1 year from the last inspection.
Q: What are the Permit fees?
A:
|
New Residential Units |
$25.00 + $0.10 per square ft. |
|
Residential Additions |
$25.00 + $0.10 per square ft. |
|
Residential Renovations |
$25.00 + $1.00 per $1,000.00 of estimated value |
|
Commercial & Industrial |
$25.00 + $0.15 per square ft. |
|
Accessory Buildings |
$25.00 + $0.06 per square ft. |
|
Agricultural Buildings (less than 50,000 square ft.) |
$25.00 + $0.03 per square ft. |
|
Agricultural Buildings (greater than 50,000 square ft.) |
$25.00 + $0.01 per square ft. |
|
Change of Use |
$50.00 + $1.00 per $1,000.00 of estimated value |
|
Locating/Re-locating an existing building |
$50.00 |
|
Demolition |
$25.00 |
** Please Note: If your property is located within a planning area, an additional $10.00 development permit fee will be added to the building permit fee outlined above. Click here to see maps of planned areas. **
Building Inspection:
Q: When do you need an inspection?
A: Provincial Building Code Regulations require a total of 7 mandatory inspections. It is the permit holder’s responsible to notify the Building Inspector that they are ready for the appropriate inspection, and must provide 48 hours in advance.
Q: What are the 7 inspections required?
A:
Stage 1: Footings
Stage 2: Subfloor Plumbing & Radon Gas Protection
Stage 3: Subfloor & Foundation Insulation
Stage 4: Pre-back-fill
Stage 5: General Framing & Roof Tight
Stage 6: Pre-drywall
Stage 7: Final (before occupancy) – This inspection must be completed prior to occupying the new building. You are required to schedule a final inspection to ensure all work completed complies with the Building Code and no unsafe conditions exist. This is mandatory!
Municipal Services:
Q: What if I need a water and/or sewer connection?
A: If you are interested in connecting to municipal water and/or sewer, you must indicate this intention on your building permit application under “Applicant Remarks”.
