Within all zones, fences up to a maximum of six (6) feet in height are permitted to be built and a permit is not required. The fence and the supporting posts must be wholly on your own property.

Any swimming pool capable of holding a depth of water greater than 24 inches of water does require a permit. An enclosure is required in the form of a fence on the property or around the edge of the pool. Please refer to the Swimming Pool By-law (By-law 73) for more detail. The permit fee is $50.00. For more information please contact a Building Official at 902-690-6152.

The current Land Use By-law requires new residential uses to locate between two existing dwellings or an existing dwelling and a public road (for a corner lot property) where the two dwellings or dwelling and public road are no more than 300 feet apart. The existing dwellings are required to have been in existence on November 21, 2019. The distance is measured at the required front setback (40 feet) on a perpendicular line extending from the road to the nearest applicable point to the adjacent dwelling or public road. The lot requirements to create a lot for a new residential use are 200 feet of lot frontage and 30,000 square feet of lot area. For more information please contact a Development Officer at 902-690-6152.

Yes, dwellings are permitted on eligible building lots around a lake. The Lakeshore zones also permit one Recreational Vehicle on eligible building lots in lieu of a cottage or dwelling. A permit is required.

New public roads are permitted generally in and around our Growth Centres and depending on the zone. Private roads are permitted in some zones in the rural areas, mostly around the lakes and along the shore. Some zones in the Growth Centres allow for multiple dwellings on one property which are accessed by a named driveway. For more information please contact a Development Officer at 902-690-6152.

A variance is a process typically used to request a reduction in the required setbacks from property lines. The Municipal Government Act outlines the process for approval or refusal and notification to surrounding property owners. It also identifies the criteria that the variance must meet to be approved. The fee for a variance application is $100.00. Other expected costs for an approved variance are a Location Certificate prepared by a Nova Scotia Land Surveyor.

Yes, sheds, garages, etc. are accessory buildings and a permit is required. Each zone has requirements for the location of accessory buildings on lots.

Yes, a Development Permit or a Building and Development Permit may be required for the new or changed use of a building or lot. For more information please contact a Development Officer at 902-690-6152.

The Land Use By-law allows for some types of Home Based Businesses in many of the zones. There are limitations on the size, type, and number of employees who do not live in the home. A permit is required for a Home Based Business. For more information please contact a Development Officer at 902-690-6152.

Generally only one dwelling per lot is permitted in most of the zones in the Land Use By-law. In some zones the dwelling may contain one or two residential units. For more information please contact a Development Officer at 902-690-6152.

In many areas of the Municipality the Land Use By-law allows for a Bed and Breakfast Operation in the principal residence of the owner. Up to four bedrooms may be made available to overnight guests. A permit is required for the Bed and Breakfast Operation. For more information please contact a Development Officer at 902-690-6152.