Related/Additional Permits

Your ability to develop your property is dependent on the Land Use By-laws specific to the region you live in. Halifax Regional Municipality  is divided into several zones, please refer to the Interactive Property Information map to identify which By-law zone governs your property. From the map you can directly access the By-laws for your zone.

A General Permit for Demolition is required for the removal of a structure from a site. Permits are required for demolition projects such as demolition of a house, accessory structure, and commercial or industrial buildings.

Once you're aware of the development limitations of your property, you can begin to plan your project.

Other potential related permits include:
If the proposed work interferes with the municipal right of way, a Right of Way Permit will be required.

Note: All required related permit applications must be submitted before your Demolition Permit can be issued.

A Demolition Permit Expiry Date is variable and determined by Building Standards staff on a case-by-case basis.

For important Demolition Permit Information, please refer to the Demolition Permit Info Sheet.

Per By-law S-600 (Section 16) Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris generated within the municipality is not permitted to be disposed of outside of municipal boundaries. Debris must be disposed at a licensed C&D facility. 

• C&D facilities are required to divert a minimum of 75% of material away from landfill disposal. This plan provides builders a means of ensuring materials are being recycled or properly disposed. 

 All vehicles transporting debris to a C&D facility must be properly secured and/or tarped to prevent litter/blowing debris

A waste management plan must be submitted as part of the permit process (By-law S-600, Section 12.1). These plans allow HRM to track the amount and types of material from a demolition for waste diversion purposes. The waste management plan is a fillable PDF that can be downloaded. It is also available within the online application wizard on the Upload Documents page. The plan shall include: 

• The scope of work, types of materials to be removed as well as estimates of tonnage of material. 
• The contact information of the owner and of all contractors involved in the demolition.
• Which licensed facility the materials are to be disposed at.

If the property was built prior to 1980 a hazardous material (HazMat) assessment must be completed prior to the demolition. This assessment is separate from the waste management plan.

• Hazardous materials identified must be removed (abated) prior to the demolition. 
• A copy of the HazMat report must be submitted to the C&D facility, along with a letter from a recognized abatement contractor stating all hazardous materials have been removed and properly disposed, prior to the remaining debris being delivered to the facility. 
• Materials which must be included in the HazMat assessment include:
      Asbestos (friable / non-friable)
      Lead Paint
      PCB Ballasts
      Mercury switches
      Florescent Lights and fixtures
      Smoke detectors
      Fuel Tanks
      Any other hazardous materials such as mold, chemicals, lead-containing materials, batteries, etc.

Supporting documents are always required as part of making a permit application: 

Eastward Energy Confirmation Letter - Written confirmation from Eastward Energy that either the gas has been disconnected or that there is no gas connected to the building.  Applicants can contact Eastward Energy via email. 

Photographs - Photographs of all four elevations of the existing building.

Waste Management Plan - must be submitted and approved prior to demolition permit issuance. See the Mandatory Waste Management Information section above for details. 
The plan shall outline:
- The scope of work, types of materials to be removed as well as estimates of tonnage of material. 
- The contact information of the owner and of all contractors involved in the demolition.
- Which licensed facility the materials are to be disposed at.

Municipal By-law L-200 requires waste generated by Construction or Demolition activity in the region be transported to an HRM licensed facility for recycling, 75 % of materials are diverted away from landfill disposal. This plan is designed to assist contractors to meet compliance with the L-200 and S-600 By-laws, and provide builders and contractors with a means of ensuring the material are disposed of properly - thus increasing the amount of C and D materials being recycled.

Certificate of Insurance (Always required for Commercial Buildings) - Required for Residential Buildings - Multiple Unit Dwelling or Townhouse. Optional for all other types of applications. Certificate of Insurance must include general liability for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of $2,000,000.00 per occurrence which includes the Halifax Regional Municipality as an additional insured.

Solid Waste Notification Letter - Letter notifying Solid Waste of the debris hauling schedule.

Document Naming
Automated workflows have been built to expedite the application process when customers use the document naming convention. 
If these Document names are not used during the application phase, the applicant will be required to manually assign the correct document type to each document so the system will know what document has been submitted.

View the important inspection-related information sheet (PDF).

Discretionary Inspections may occur.

Demolition fees are per application and engineering related fees may apply. 

For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Permit Fees page.

Payment Options
Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of application submission.

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process online using a credit card.

In Person
If you prefer to pay in person you can visit our Planning & Development Counter at:
5251 Duke St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays

To do any demolition work, you are going to apply for a DEMOLITION PERMIT.

Our new online system allows you to apply for permits 24/7 through your personal customer portal account.

To apply for permits online:

1. You need to register for a customer portal account
2. If you are a contractor, you will need to create your contractor profile.
3. Ensure you have all of the information required before you apply for your permit. Refer to the Before You Begin Checklist.
4. Learn how to Navigate the Customer Portal.
5. For additional support, refer to our quick guide on how to Apply for a Permit Online.

Visit the applying for a permit page to view a library of support documents, videos and common questions to help you best use the customer portal. 

Apply Online

Grade Alteration Permits typically apply to Commercial Properties (greater than 0.5 hectares) for the alteration to the grade of land including filling, dumping, extracting, or moving soil must be performed in compliance with By-law G-200, and requires a Grade Alteration Permit. 
This By-law was enacted to prevent drainage issues within the municipality and to protect groundwater and the environment from contamination. 

Grade Alteration Permits are for the development of all lots in the municipality where the work applies to:
(a) grading associated with:
      (i) the change in elevation or contour of a parcel of land greater than 0.5 hectares (5,000 square meters) in area;
      (ii) the construction or reconstruction of parking lots; or
      (iii) the construction of retaining walls over 1 meter in height;
(b) a Multi-Unit Residential, Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial (MICI) project including:
      (i) a renovation or addition of an existing MICI use that involves changes to the
      building footprint or changes to the grading of the property and drainage patterns; or
     (ii) the construction of accessories to MICI uses use that involves changes to the
      building footprint or changes to the grading of the property and drainage patterns;
(c) development of land associated with a Subdivision Agreement*
*Refer to By-law G-200 for more information.

Your ability to develop your property is dependent on the Land Use By-laws specific to the region you live in. Halifax Regional Municipality  is divided into several zones, please refer to the Interactive Property Information map to identify which By-law zone governs your property. From the map you can directly access the By-laws for your zone.

Once you're aware of the development limitations of your property, you can begin to plan your project.

A Grade Alteration Permit is required for the following work:

New or an Addition to an Institutional, Commercial, Industrial, or Large-Scale Residential Project 
New or Addition to Commercial Building is required for any alteration to the grade of land through raising and/or lowering the levels of land for the development of Multi-unit Residential, Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial projects which require a building permit.

New Commercial Accessory Structure 
New Commercial Accessory Structure is required for any alteration to the grade of land through raising and/or lowering the levels of land in order to build the commercial accessory structure.

Retaining Walls over 1m in height
Retaining Wall is required for a retaining wall over 1m in height for large-scale construction. A retaining wall is rigid wall that is structurally designed and constructed to support fill materials between areas of land of different elevations

Change of Grade Contour
Change of Grade Contour is required for any alteration to the grade of land through raising and/or lowering the levels of land.

Topsoil Removal
Topsoil Removal is required for any alteration to the grade of land when hauling away soil.

Parking Lot Excavation or Regrading
Parking Lot Excavation or Regrading is required for any alteration to the grade of land through raising and/or lowering the levels of land in order to excavate or regrade a parking lot.

A Grade Alteration permit is typically a required related permit for other permit types. 
It is also commonly a standalone permit.

A Grade Alteration Permit expiry date is set by the reviewing Engineering Technologist at Review Stage. 

Q. What is the difference between a Lot Grading Permit and a Grade Alteration Permit?

A. The biggest difference is the scale of work being done. Lot grading permits typically apply to residential properties (less than 0.5 hectares, less than 600m2, and 3 or less story’s), while Grade Alteration Permits(greater than 0.5 hectares, greater than 600m2, and greater than 3 or more story’s) typically apply to larger scale Commercial Projects.

Supporting documents are always required as part of making a permit application. The following documents are usually required:

Stormwater Management Site Plan
Showing the final grading of land for a property subject to a Grade Alteration Permit, prepared in accordance with the Halifax Stormwater Management Standards, and includes stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control features.

Professional Retaining Wall Design
Stamped from a professional engineer showing structural supports and fill materials between areas of land of different elevations, is required when the work involves a retaining wall.

Document Naming
Automated workflows have been built to expedite the application process when customers use the document naming convention. 
If these Document names are not used during the application phase, the applicant will be required to manually assign the correct document type to each document so the system will know what document has been submitted.

There are no physical inspections for this permit, however, you will be required to submit a final grading compliance document by a qualified engineer when the work is complete.

Process for Final Lot Grading Certificate and/or Owner Undertaking

• When landscaping and final grading of the property has been completed, you must submit a Final Lot Grading Certificate, produced by a professional engineer or registered surveyor. 
• When landscaping cannot be completed, such as during winter months,  you must submit a Deficiency Report, produced by a professional engineer or registered surveyor, and an Owner Undertaking, which must be signed by the owner.  Both are required to be submitted. 
• You must then submit the Final Lot Grading Certificate within nine (9) months, after having submitted the Deficiency and Owner Undertaking.
• The final lot grading certificate and/or deficiency report with owner undertaking, must be submitted to the associated Lot Grading permit or Grade Alteration permit.
• You must request a Lot Grading Inspection in the associated Lot Grading permit or Grade Alteration permit. The final lot grading certificate and/or deficiency report with owner undertaking are to be uploaded as supplemental documents.

For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Permit Fees page.

Payment Options
Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of application submission.

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process online using a credit card.

In Person
If you prefer to pay in person you can visit our Planning & Development Counter at:
5251 Duke St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays

Apply for a GRADE ALTERATION PERMIT.

Our new online system allows you to apply for permits 24/7 through your personal customer portal account.

To apply for permits online:

1. You need to register for a customer portal account
2. If you are a contractor, you will need to create your contractor profile.
3. Ensure you have all of the information required before you apply for your permit. Refer to the Before You Begin Checklist.
4. Learn how to Navigate the Customer Portal.
5. For additional support, refer to our quick guide on how to Apply for a Permit Online.

Visit the applying for a permit page to view a library of support documents, videos and common questions to help you best use the customer portal. 

Apply Online

A Blasting Permit is required for the controlled detonation of explosives to alter existing topographical conditions. As per By-law B-600, a Blasting Permit is required prior to all blasting. 

Your ability to develop your property is dependent on the Land Use By-laws specific to the region you live in. Halifax Regional Municipality is divided into several zones, please refer to the Interactive Property Information map to identify which By-law zone governs your property. From the map you can directly access the By-laws for your zone.

Once you're aware of the development limitations of your property, you can begin to plan your project.

Anyone can apply for this permit, but an insured Blasting Contractor is required as the prime contractor on the permit.

A deposit will automatically be charged if the total blasting volume is greater than 50m3.

Other related required permits include:
A Grade Alteration permit is always required in addition to a Blasting Permit
• The Grade Alteration Permit must be applied for before the Blasting Permit can be
issued

A Blasting Permit expires 6 months from the date of issuance. The permit can't' be renewed but can be amended.
 

Supporting documents are always required as part of making a permit application.

 The following documents are required when making the initial permit application:

Pre-blast Survey
Site plan of the proposed blast area

Pre-blast Notification Letter
Indicate which neighboring addresses were notified of the proposed blasting

Blasting Plan
A sketch showing the location of the work site, all structures and utilities surrounding the work site.” The level of detail provided on the sketch should be commensurate with the level of complexity of the infrastructure in the vicinity of the site.
Certified blaster information

Certificate of Insurance
A certificate of insurance on a form acceptable to the Inspector which provides a policy of commercial general liability for bodily injury and property damage in the amount of $2,000,000.00 per occurrence which includes the Halifax Regional Municipality as an additional insured, a cross liability clause and a Blasting endorsement for the full limits of the policy.

Map of Area
A sketch showing the location of the work site, all structures and utilities surrounding the work site.

After the BLASTING PERMIT IS ISSUED, the following documents are required:

Blast Readings
The Air Blast and Particle Velocity monitoring reports shall be submitted to the Inspector at least once per week after permit issuance to ensure that readings are consistent with the values calculated in the blast design.

Cert. of Compliance for Blast Monitoring Reports
The Qualified Monitor shall submit this report to the Inspector stating that the results meet the requirements of By-law B-600. This certificate shall be submitted in the form of Appendix "B".

 
Document Naming
Automated workflows have been built to expedite the application process when customers use the document naming convention.

If these Document names are not used during the application phase, the applicant will be required to manually assign the correct document type to each document so the system will know what document has been submitted.

After the BLASTING PERMIT IS ISSUED, the following documents are required to be submitted to the inspector:

Blast Readings
The Air Blast and Particle Velocity monitoring reports shall be submitted to the Inspector at least once per week after permit issuance to ensure that readings are consistent with the values calculated in the blast design.

Cert. of Compliance for Blast Monitoring Reports
The Qualified Monitor shall submit this report to the Inspector stating that the results meet the requirements of By-law B-600. This certificate shall be submitted in the form of Appendix "B".

Final Inspection
A Blasting Final Inspection will occur.

For blasting less than 50 cubic meters of rock, there is a $100 application fee. All other blasting applications are $600. 
A deposit will automatically be charged if the total blasting volume is greater than 50m3.

For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Permit Fees page.

Payment Options
Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of application submission.

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process online using a credit card.

In Person
If you prefer to pay in person you can visit our Planning & Development Counter at:
5251 Duke St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays

Anyone can apply for this permit, but an insured Blasting Contractor is required as the prime contractor on the permit.
Apply for a BLASTING PERMIT.
 

Our new online system allows you to apply for permits 24/7 through your personal customer portal account.

To apply for permits online:

1. You need to register for a customer portal account
2. If you are a contractor, you will need to create your contractor profile.
3. Ensure you have all of the information required before you apply for your permit. Refer to the Before You Begin Checklist.
4. Learn how to Navigate the Customer Portal.
5. For additional support, refer to our quick guide on how to Apply for a Permit Online.

Visit the applying for a permit page to view a library of support documents, videos and common questions to help you best use the customer portal. 

Apply Online

Lot Grading is typically associated with residential work and includes any alteration to the grade of land including filling, dumping, extracting, or moving soil must be performed in compliance with By-law L-400. This By-law was enacted to prevent drainage issues within the municipality and to protect groundwater and the environment from contamination. 

A Lot Grading Permit is required for the development of all lots located within an area where a sanitary sewage system is provided (HRM Wastewater Boundary) or is to be provided in the municipality where the structure is:
(a) a residential building;
(i) 600 square meters or less in building area; and
(ii) three (3) or fewer story’s in building height;
(b) a swimming pool;
(c) an accessory building associated with a residential use;
(d) a retaining wall over 1 meter in height.

Your ability to develop your property is dependent on the Land Use By-laws specific to the region you live in. Halifax Regional Municipality is divided into several zones, please refer to the Interactive Property Information map to identify which By-law zone governs your property. From the map you can directly access the By-laws for your zone.

Once you're aware of the development limitations of your property, you can begin to plan your project.

There are 3 categories of Lot Grading Permits:

1. Residential Accessory Structure is required if lot grading is necessary to level the land to build the structure. Lot grading includes shaping and grading the land to direct surface runoff away from buildings and towards a Municipal right-of-way (lane or street). This permit is for a residential accessory structure; common examples include: detached garages; garden sheds; gazebos; carports; playhouses; and greenhouses.

2. Retaining Wall is required for the construction of a retaining wall over 1m in height on a residential serviced lot. Lot grading includes shaping and grading the land to direct surface runoff away from buildings and towards a Municipal right-of-way (lane or street).

3. Swimming Pool 
•    Lot Grading Permits are not required for seasonal pools. These are pools purchased at department stores such as Walmart, Costco or Canadian Tire which are set up by property owners at the beginning of the pool season and then dismantled for winter. 

•    For in-ground pools a Lot Grading Plan prepared by a Professional Engineer is required with the application.

•    For above-ground and on-ground pools, if you are serviced by municipal sewer, a Lot Grading Permit is required however, a Lot Grading Plan prepared by a Professional Engineer may not be required unless the construction for your pool creates a change to the lot grading and drainage patterns, either due to altering surface grades or if the pool blocks a drainage path.  
If you believe the lot grading and existing drainage patterns on the property will not be impacted, then you may submit a Site Plan as the required document on your Lot Grading Permit.
Engineering staff will review and confirm that lot grading and drainage patterns will not be impacted.  This most likely will require a site visit by Engineering staff to confirm.
If Engineering staff determine that a Lot Grading Plan prepared by a Professional Engineer is required, the applicant will be contacted.  Otherwise, the Site Plan will be kept in the permit record.  
 
A lot grading permit is typically a required related permit for other permit types. 
It is a standalone permit for a retaining wall installation.

A Lot Grading Permit expiry date is set by the reviewing Engineering Technologist at Review Stage.

Q. What is the difference between a Lot Grading Permit and a Grade Alteration Permit?

A. The biggest difference is the scale of work being done. Lot grading permits typically apply to residential properties (less than 0.5 hectares, less than 600m2, and 3 or less story’s), while Grade Alteration Permits (greater than 0.5 hectares, greater than 600m2, and greater than 3 or more story’s) typically apply to larger scale Commercial Projects.
 

Supporting documents are always required as part of making a permit application. The following documents are required when making the initial permit application:

Site Plan
Must include lot dimensions and the footprint of the existing building, and any projections such as decks, roof overhangs and doorsteps.

Lot Grading Plan
Is the design from a professional engineer or a registered surveyor.
 
Document Naming
Automated workflows have been built to expedite the application process when customers use the document naming convention. If these Document names are not used during the application phase, the applicant will be required to manually assign the correct document type to each document so the system will know what document has been submitted.

A Lot Grading Inspection is performed by a Development Engineer when ALL work is complete. Do not request the inspection until the work is complete.

Process for Final Lot Grading Certificate and/or Owner Undertaking

• When landscaping and final grading of the property has been completed, you must submit a Final Lot Grading Certificate, produced by a professional engineer or registered surveyor. 
• When landscaping cannot be completed, such as during winter months,  you must submit a Deficiency Report, produced by a professional engineer or registered surveyor, and an Owner Undertaking, which must be signed by the owner.  Both are required to be submitted. 
• You must then submit the Final Lot Grading Certificate within nine (9) months, after having submitted the Deficiency and Owner Undertaking.
• The final lot grading certificate and/or deficiency report with owner undertaking, must be submitted to the associated Lot Grading permit or Grade Alteration permit.
• You must request a Lot Grading Inspection in the associated Lot Grading permit or Grade Alteration permit. The final lot grading certificate and/or deficiency report with owner undertaking are to be uploaded as supplemental documents.

For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Permit Fees page.

Payment Options
Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of application submission.

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process online using a credit card.

In Person
If you prefer to pay in person you can visit our Planning & Development Counter at:
5251 Duke St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays

Apply for a LOT GRADING PERMIT.

Our new online system allows you to apply for permits 24/7 through your personal customer portal account.

To apply for permits online:

1. You need to register for a customer portal account
2. If you are a contractor, you will need to create your contractor profile.
3. Ensure you have all of the information required before you apply for your permit. Refer to the Before You Begin Checklist.
4. Learn how to Navigate the Customer Portal.
5. For additional support, refer to our quick guide on how to Apply for a Permit Online.

Visit the applying for a permit page to view a library of support documents, videos and common questions to help you best use the customer portal. 

Apply Online

An occupancy permit is a permit issued under the Nova Scotia Building Code Act which specifies the authorized use and classification for a building, such as ‘office’ or ‘retail’. The legislation requires that the owner and occupiers of all buildings (except for single dwellings, sheds or pools etc.) obtain occupancy permits before building spaces can be occupied and used. An occupancy permit shall not be issued for any building unless a valid building permit is in effect.

An occupancy permit is required after a change of use or tenant (Except for a change of a residential tenant, like in the selling of a home), including any change in the number of either commercial or residential units.

The permit remains valid for as long as there is no change of operator and the activities practiced on the premises under the same conditions cited in the permit applications. A new permit is required if there is a change of operator, if the floor area of the premises is altered, if the uses are changed, or if new uses are added.

An Occupancy Permit does not expire. The permit is valid as long as there is no change in operator or activities.

Common Related Required Permits:
For Commercial Occupancy, sign permits are frequently required if a new sign is being installed.
 

Q. When will I need an Occupancy Only Permit?
A. You will need a stand-alone Occupancy permit if there is a change in operator/ownership or activity practiced on a premises.

Q. Do I need an Occupancy Permit in Addition to my building permit?
A. No, the Occupancy permissions are part of the building permit.

Q. If I am renovating my new space, do I need an occupancy permit?
A. No, you will need a building permit for the renovations and your occupancy permissions will be part of that permit.

Supporting documents are always required as part of making a permit application.

Floor Plans - Occupancy

• Residential: Floor plans must include; 
  Interior floor layouts of each level
  Rooms showing dimensions and labelled as to use
• Commercial: Commercial applications require a floor plan with the following information; 
  Dimensions of the leasehold space with all rooms and adjacent uses identified, 
  Location of exits and signage, including door swing direction.
  Location of Emergency lighting and fire extinguishers
  Location and size of washrooms including Barrier Free Accessibility design where required
  Key Plan indicating the location of the commercial suite within the existing commercial building

Site Plan – Occupancy (Required upon request)
Must include lot dimensions and the footprint of the existing building with any projections such as decks, roof overhangs and doorsteps indicated. In addition, the plan must identify the site access and parking.

Landscape Plan - Occupancy (Required upon request)
The landscape plan, stamped and signed by a landscape architect, shall depict the design of all hard landscaping and soft landscaping in the development. Required upon request.

Document Naming
Automated workflows have been built to expedite the application process when customers use the document naming convention. If these Document names are not used during the application phase, the applicant will be required to manually assign the correct document type to each document so the system will know what document has been submitted.

There is a mandatory Final Inspection for Application to Occupy Permits.

View the important inspection-related information sheet (PDF).

For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Permit Fees page.

Payment Options
Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of application submission.

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process online using a credit card.

In Person
If you prefer to pay in person you can visit our Planning & Development Counter at:
5251 Duke St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays

Apply for APPLICATION TO OCCUPY.
Our new online system allows you to apply for permits 24/7 through your personal customer portal account.

To apply for permits online:

1. You need to register for a customer portal account
2. If you are a contractor, you will need to create your contractor profile.
3. Ensure you have all of the information required before you apply for your permit. Refer to the Before You Begin Checklist.
4. Learn how to Navigate the Customer Portal.
5. For additional support, refer to our quick guide on how to Apply for a Permit Online.

Visit the applying for a permit page to view a library of support documents, videos and common questions to help you best use the customer portal. 

Apply Online

A Development Permit specifies how development is to occur on a given parcel of land. Development permits address the development's impact on surrounding properties.

Your ability to develop your property is dependent on the Land Use By-laws specific to the region you live in. Halifax Regional Municipality is divided into several zones, please refer to the Interactive Property Information map to identify which By-law zone governs your property. From the map you can directly access the By-laws for your zone.

Once you're aware of the development limitations of your property, you can begin to plan your project.

A Development Permit tells you whether or not a proposed project is allowed on a property based on applicable land use By-laws. A Development Permit does not mean construction/work can begin it simply means the Land Use By-laws permit it.

There are 3 categories of Development Permits:

1. Basic and Land-Use Only
Only required to review plans for and confirm that the applicable land use by-law requirements are met before any work takes place. A change of use may be required if a business changes over to a different business and the proposed use is different than the current land use approval. For example: Am I permitted to have a garage in my neighbourhood?

2. Residential
Required to confirm that the applicable land use by-law requirements are met before any work takes place for new Residential-up to 2 units, additions, leasehold improvements and residential or MICI (Multi-Unit Residential, Institutional, Commercial and Industrial Projects) renovations. A Development Permit is not a building permit and a building permit must be obtained prior to construction. For example: Is this type of house permitted in this part of the City?

3. Commercial
Required to review plans for and confirm that the applicable land use by-law requirements are met before any work takes place for on a new Multi-use, Industrial, Commercial &/or Institutional buildings. A Development Permit is not a building permit and a building permit must be obtained prior to construction. For example: Is this type of business permitted on this property?

Please note: there are restrictions on development within wetlands and within proximity to watercourses.

Development Permits expire after 1 year from the date of issue.

Q. Once I apply for a development permit can I begin working on my project?
A. A Development Permit is not a building permit and a building permit must be obtained prior to construction. A Development Permit does not mean construction/work can begin it simply means the Land Use By-laws permit it.

Q: I've applied for a building permit, do I also need to apply for a development permit?
A. In many cases a Development Permit is issued as part of the Building Permit or Occupancy Permit and no separate development permit is required. 

Q. What types of work would require a stand-alone Development Permit?
A. There are several situations where a Development Permit only is required; here are some common situations:
- Constructing an accessory building less than 20m2 (215 square feet) in area. Note, some areas within HRM exempt a shed of a certain size from obtaining a Development Permit, but the requirements of the land use bylaw must still be met 
- Fences within Bedford
- Prior to submitting a Building Permit application, a larger project may want the option to submit an application can be made as an optional, preliminary application if confirmation that the land use By-law requirements can be met is requested.
- Prior to making a full Construction Permit application.

Please note: All measurements MUST be submitted in Metric.

Site Plan - Development
A site plan must include lot dimensions and the footprint of all existing buildings on site. It must show any proposed work, indicate the distance from all property boundaries, and include any watercourse buffers.

Floor Plan - Residential/Commercial
Floor plans must include;
-Interior floor layouts of each level
-Rooms showing dimensions and labelled as to use

Elevations - Development
Building elevations must include north, south, east and west views with height dimensions from finished grade to the highest point of the roof, wall dimensions with window and door sizes and locations.

Document Naming
Automated workflows have been built to expedite the application process when customers use the document naming convention. If these Document names are not used during the application phase, the applicant will be required to manually assign the correct document type to each document so the system will know what document has been submitted.

Development Permits are informational in nature and therefore do not require inspections.

For full details of permit fee calculation and a complete list of fee rates, please see the Permit Fees page.

Payment Options
Full payment for the permit must be made at the time of application submission.

Online
Payment can be made online during the application process online using a credit card.

In Person
If you prefer to pay in person you can visit our Planning & Development Counter at:
5251 Duke St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays

Apply for a DEVELOPMENT PERMIT.

Our new online system allows you to apply for permits 24/7 through your personal customer portal account.

To apply for permits online:

1. You need to register for a customer portal account
2. If you are a contractor, you will need to create your contractor profile.
3. Ensure you have all of the information required before you apply for your permit. Refer to the Before You Begin Checklist.
4. Learn how to Navigate the Customer Portal.
5. For additional support, refer to our quick guide on how to Apply for a Permit Online.

Visit the applying for a permit page to view a library of support documents, videos and common questions to help you best use the customer portal. 

Apply Online