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Contact Information:
Planning & Building Inspection
E-mail: S. Day
Phone: 863-2351, ext. 232


Community Planning & Development

The Community Planning and Development Department is responsible for facilitating land development within the Town of Antigonish. Through partnership with the community, the Planning and Development Department strives to manage growth efficiently, and with the intention of providing the highest quality of life for both present and future residents, business operators and visitors alike.

Our Department provides key services that begin at the development concept stage and move through to turn-key at the end. The components involved in this process include planning, development control, building and fire inspection and subdivision.

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Current Land Use Planning Documents

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• Municipal Planning Strategy
• Land Use By-law
• Antigonish Design Guidelines
• Minimum Standards for Residential Occupancies

Proposed Community Development Goals and Objectives

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• Proposed Goals and Objectives
• Presentation - Proposed Goals and Objectives

Forms

• Building and Development Permit Application

• Municipal Services Permit Application & Approval

Frequently Asked Questions

We have included here answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the planning and development permit process. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact the planning office.

• What types of permits will I need for my project?
• How do I know if I need a Building Permit?
• How do I know if I need a Development Permit?
• What information do I need in order to complete a Building or Development Permit application?
• Where can I get a Building or Development Permit application?
• How much does a Building or Development Permit cost?
• What is your refund policy?
• How long will it take the Building Permit to be approved?
• I am moving a mobile home, do I need a Building Permit?
• I am moving my business into a new office building; do I need any permits?
• What are the permit and construction requirements for new swimming pools?
• What is a Development Agreement?
• Are there any other permits required before construction begins?
• When do I need to have a Building Inspection?
• Do I require a Municipal Service Permit?

What types of permits will I need for my project?

There are three different types of permits issued by the planning department: Building, Development and Occupancy permits. The type of project you are undertaking will determine which permits you will need.

The Development Permit is required for all new construction and any changes in usage to land or an existing structure. It ensures that all new construction and uses of land conform to applicable land use by-laws. The Building Permit ensures that the planned development meets the structural requirements of the National Building Code (1995). Be sure to allow adequate time to attain the Building and Development permits; they must be approved before commencing work. Application for the Building and Development permit may be made at the same time.

The Occupancy Permit is issued when all applicable inspections have been passed and the project is deemed complete by the building inspector.

How do I know if I need a Building Permit?.

The Building Permit is required for all new construction, additions and renovations with the following exceptions:

Fences under 6.5 feet in height
Decks that are not over two feet above grade
Non-structural renovations valued at less than $5000.

How do I know if I need a Development Permit?

A Development Permit is required for any project requiring a Building Permit. In addition, the following do not necessarily require a Building Permit but do require a Development Permit:
Changes to the use of a piece of land or existing structure.
Filling of land
New signage

For example, the creation of a parking lot does not require a Building Permit, but does require a Development Permit because it changes the use of a piece of land and may involve new signage and fill.

What information do I need in order to complete a Building or Development Permit application?

The owner of the project will need to complete a permit application form. Information required in the form will vary according to the project however typically the following is required:

Civic address of property
Name address and phone number of owner, contractor and designer
Estimated cost of the project
In most cases, a detailed site plan will be required. This will show all existing buildings, as well as proposed changes. It will indicate servicing, surface water management, access and landscaping.
2 sets of Construction Drawings. These must indicate all demolitions and new work as well as information sufficient to demonstrate that exiting and other fire safety concerns are addressed.
Journeyman Plumbers License Number is required when the project requires plumbing work.
Ventilation Installer's Certification where mechanical ventilation systems are being altered or installed.

Submission requirements vary considerably for Development Permits. In addition to information needed for a Building Permit, Land Use By-Law requirements may require information on architectural detailing, landscaping and parking. For better certainty, please contact the Planning Office.

Where can I get permit applications?

A copy of all permit applications can be picked up at Town Hall at 274 Main Street, Antigonish. Also available here.

How much does a Building or Development Permit cost?

The cost of a Building Permit is $1.00 per $1000 of project value, or a minimum of $5.00. For example, a $50,000 project would incur a $50 Building Permit fee. The fees are charged for administration and services and must be paid at the time of application. The building permit fees are applied to signs, pools, fences, decks, erections, additions, repairs, renovations, conversions and demolitions. There is typically no additional fee for the development permit.

Note, fees are subject to change. Additional fees for water and sewage connections may apply for some projects. Please contact the engineering department for more information.

What is your refund policy?

Building Permit fees will be refunded under any of the following circumstances:

A permit application is withdrawn by the applicant
A permit application is refused by the Building Inspector due to non-compliance with by-laws, regulations etc.
The applicant cancels a permit where work has not started.

How long will it take the Building Permit to be approved?

The Building Code Act and Regulations sets out that the building inspector shall issue or deny a permit within 30 days of the receipt of a completed application form, required plans/specifications and fees.

I am moving a mobile home, do I need a Building Permit?

Yes. Owners of mobile homes must apply for a Building Permit when moving an existing mobile home or placing a new mobile home.

I am moving my business into a new office building; do I need any permits?

Yes. You will need a Development Permit to ensure that the new use conforms to the land use by-laws applicable to that area.

What are the permit and construction requirements for new swimming pools?

You must apply for a Building Permit when installing a new swimming pool.

All swimming pools or the yard in which a swimming pool is located shall be completely enclosed so as to prevent uncontrolled access from the street, adjacent properties or buildings on the same property.
Access must be controlled by a combination of building(s) and fencing, or by a fence alone. All gates accessing the enclosure shall be equipped with self-closing, self-latching devices placed at the top and on the inside of the gate.
An enclosure or other structure (including gates and doors) intended to control access to a swimming pool, shall be a minimum of five feet in height from grade and shall be so constructed as to prevent easy access through, under or over it, and in the case of an above ground type of swimming pool, may include an extension to the sides of the pool structure and enclosing the step area at grade.
No person shall permit any structures or material to be placed or to remain adjacent to any swimming pool enclosure, which would provide a means of access over the top of the enclosure.
You must attain a Building Permit before beginning construction on your pool.

Drop by the Town Hall to pick up a copy of the complete swimming pool by-law.

What is a Development Agreement?

According to the Municipal Planning Strategy, when the size, use or location of a development may have a large impact on the community a project may require a Development Agreement. This process may take over three months before a permit is issued. Please contact the planning office early to discuss potential planning issues and determine whether a Development Agreement is necessary.

Are there any other permits required before construction begins?

You may also be required to apply for a Municipal Services Permit if your project affects water, sanitary or storm services, or other Town infrastructure such as driveway access. Please see the engineering department at the Town Hall to determine if you will need to complete a Municipal Services Permit Application form. The Municipal Services Permit is free of charge.

When do I need to have a Building Inspection?

After the Building Permit has been approved, on-site inspections will be carried out at various stages of the construction project to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. It is your responsibility to contact the Building Inspector and make arrangements for all required inspections. Following is a list of stages at which inspections are typically required. Please contact the planning department if you have questions or to arrange for an appointment for inspections. Allow at least 24 hours for scheduling of Inspections.

Inspection 1- Once the footings and foundation drainage pipe are in place
Inspection 2- Prior to backfilling the foundation but after drainage gravel and foundation damp-proofing are complete
Inspection 3- When the connections of storm and sanitary waters are completed
Inspection 4- After the framing, roof, plumbing and the mechanical are completed
Inspection 5- Once the insulation and vapor barrier are installed, but before the wall/ceiling framing is covered.
Inspection 6- After project completion, but before occupancy.

Once a project has passed the occupancy inspection and is deemed to have no outstanding deficiencies, an "Occupancy Permit" will be issued.



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