When is a Permit required?

New Commercial & Large Scale Residential Construction

A Building Permit is always required for construction of a new building that will be occupied.

For more information, see the new home construction guide.

Addition to an Existing Building

Any project that increases the floor area, or height of an existing building requires a permit.

For more information, see the addition and renovation guide.

Renovation to an Existing Building

A building permit is required when:

  • A renovation includes changes to interior or exterior walls and/or existing plumbing system
  • Structural repairs or changes
  • Drywall repairs to required fire separations 
  • Altering a garage, or shed over 20 m2 (215 square feet) or over one story
  • Renovating or tenant improvements to a new or existing space.

Projects that don’t require a permit

  • Many small residential projects and repairs do not require a building permit. These include:
  • Replacing cabinets, shelving or flooring 
  • Carry out non-structural maintenance and minor repairs   of your home
  • Installation of additional insulation 
  • Replacing a furnace, boiler, air-conditioning unit or heat pump
  • Replacing roofing or cladding with similar materials
  • Replacement of windows or doors when there is no change to the size and location.(note: changes to existing bedroom windows should consider egress requirements)
  • Replacing plumbing fixtures

For more information, see the addition and renovation guide.

New Accessory Structure – Sheds and Garages

A Building Permit is required to construct an accessory building (ie: shed or garage) that is:

  • 20 m2 (215 square feet) or larger, or more than one story.

If building is less than 20 m2 (215 square feet), a Development Permit is required as the requirements of the Land Use By-Law governing location on the property and the height of the building are applicable.

For more information, see the sheds, detached garages & accessory buildings guide.

Decks

Residents locating a deck on their property are required to obtain a permit.

For more information, see the decks & railings guide.

Development Permit

A Development Permit confirms that the Land Use requirements of the applicable plan area are met by a proposal, and are required when there are land use bylaw implications.

In many cases a Development Permit is issued in tandem with a Construction or Occupancy Permit. This generally includes permits for:

  1. Constructing, altering, or reconstructing a building;
  2. Constructing, altering, or reconstructing a deck or external staircase greater than 2 feet off of the ground; 
  3. Constructing an accessory building greater than 20m2 (215 square feet) in area;
  4. Occupying a new use or changing the use of a building (including occupying a secondary or backyard suite);
  5. Erecting a fascia or projecting sign.

In the following cases, only a Development Permit is required:

  1. Occupying a home occupation;
  2. Erecting a ground sign;
  3. Occupying a new use or changing the use of land (ex. a new commercial parking lot);
  4. Constructing an accessory building less than 20m2 (215 square feet) in area. Please note, some plan areas within the 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. It is recommended a Development Permit still be applied for to confirm land use bylaw requirements are met;
  5. Fences in Bedford.

A “Development Permit Only” application can be made as an optional, preliminary application if confirmation that the land use bylaw requirements can be met is requested prior to making a full Construction Permit application.

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

Fence
Right of Way

If you are a homeowner or contractor planning a renovation, demolition, construction or landscaping project, a permit is required if any part of the work takes place within the public right of way (sidewalk or street).

Permanent Signage

Businesses installing on-site permanent signage are required to first obtain a permit. Permanent signs can include projecting signs, fascia signs, window signs, and canopy and awning signs. Additional approvals may be required for registered heritage buildings and for signs that project into the street.

For more information, see the permanent signage guide.

Solar Collector

Property owners installing solar collectors on their home or on private property are required to obtain a permit.  Permits and inspections will help to ensure that the required minimum plumbing and structural standards are met.

For more information, see the solar collector guide, or the Solar City program.

Swimming Pool

A Permit is required for an inground or above ground swimming pool when these three conditions apply:

  • Pools have a surface area of more than 9.3 square metres (100 square feet) 
  • Designed or intended to be used for swimming purposes 
  • Contains or is capable of containing a water depth of more than 0.6 metres (24 inches)

For more information, refer to By-Law S-700 Respecting Swimming Pools.

Permit information guides for the following projects:


Not sure if you need a permit? Contact 311.