So you want to build in Richmond County? - Richmond County, Nova Scotia

Whether you're developing on municipal, provincial, or private land, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process—from choosing a property to applying for permits and exploring funding opportunities.

Step 1: Determine the Property Type
Step 2: Contact the Right Office
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Step 4: Apply for Required Permits
Step 5: Explore Funding Support
Step 6: Review Available Data and Reports
Step 7: Other Resources - CBRM Fast Tracked Housing Design Catalogue

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Step 1: Determine the Property Type

Explore Municipally Owned Properties - NEW

Use our new interactive map to view available municipal properties.
Municipal Land Map - Under construction

View Provincial Lands
Access Nova Scotia's provincial land database via Property Online

View Private Lands
Explore privately owned lands via Viewpoint

Step 2: Contact the Right Office

If you're interested in developing on municipal land:
Contact Clint Samson
📧
📞 (902) 226-3975

If you're developing on private land:
Contact the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC)
📧
📞 902-625-5361

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

1. Determine your project type:

a. New build
b. Renovation
c. Addition
d. Relocation
e. Change of use

2. Review zoning & Land Use By-law on EDPC Documents & Maps

3. Gather drawings, plans, and documents

Step 4: Apply for Required Permits

Building & Development Permits, Zoning & Inspections
In Nova Scotia, it is a legal requirement to obtain a building and/or development permit before starting any type of constructing, adding to, altering, demolishing, or relocating any structure as well as changing the use of land, buildings, or structures.

One application can cover multiple changes (e.g., renovation, addition, conversion). Your application will be reviewed by a Building Official and/or a Development Officer to ensure compliance with: The National Building Code of Canada 2020, the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, and the Richmond County Land Use By-law.

1. Building Permits and Inspections

a. Submit application to EDPC

Application form: https://edpc.ca/applications/buildperm.pdf
Construction plans
Site plan, showing the location and setbacks of the building/addition to all property lines
Municipal Servicing Approval / Notification of Receipt from the Department of Environment
Letters of Undertaking (If the project is engineered)

b. Application reviewed for compliance with:

2. Municipal Water and Sewer

All municipal water or sewer inquiries (such as connect/disconnect or property servicing) are managed directly through the municipality.

For more information, you can reach the municipality’s Public Works team responsible for water and wastewater at:

Chris Boudreau, P. Eng
Director of Public Works/Municipal Engineer
(902) 226-3988

https://www.richmondcounty.ca/municipal-water.html
https://www.richmondcounty.ca/municipal-sewer.html

Step 5: Explore Funding Support

Capital Improvement Development Policy

You may be eligible for municipal funding to help cover permit fees or assist with infrastructure development for your project.
Learn more about available programs and how to apply:

Capital Improvement and Development Policy

Housing programs: Department of Growth and Development

https://beta.novascotia.ca/housing-programs-department-growth-and-development