Building in Cumberland County
TYPES OF PERMITS
Before you break ground on your new project, you need to obtain the required permits. Typically, to build or develop land you need both a building permit and a development permit. These permits can be applied for at the same time, but you cannot get a building permit before your development permit.
Development can occur without a development permit ONLY when…
Renovations or alterations to a structure that do not result in a change in volume or gross floor area, number of dwelling units, or a change in use of the structure.
Fences or other salvage yard enclosures
Signs less than 0.2sqm in areas where signs are permitted.
Up to two accessory structures on a lot, each less than 20sqm in area and less than 4.5 meters in height, except the outdoor furnaces and recreational vehicle parking sites, which shall require a development permit.
A change in land grade or vegetation
Applying for Permits
To apply for a development and/or building permit, you need submit an application to the Municipality of Cumberland County. The application must include the following information to adequately assess the application.
A Fully completed application form, signed by all property owners.
Plans for development, this included any drafted floor plans or site plans created for the site.
Any additional permits required or obtained in relation to the proposed development.
It is not uncommon for additional documents to be required for a permit application. If there are missing documents from your application, a development officer or building official will be in touch with you. Unless it was discussed with a development officer or building official in advance of submission, applications with missing documentation are not considered in progress until ALL required materials are received at the Upper Nappan Service Center.
*** The standard time it takes for issuing a permit is 3-4 weeks from the date the application is recorded as “started” or “in progress”. This timeline is highly subject to change due to wait times for approval from external agencies (provincial and federal government agencies), the nature of application, and the volume of applications received by the Municipality.
Find a professional
The Municipality of Cumberland County cannot provide recommendations on who to hire for your professional service, but we do recommend you hire a licensed professional. Below are directories for licensed professionals in the province;
Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors