FOLLOWING THE RULES
Permits, guidelines and regulations
If you are planning on renovating your house, building a deck or constructing a new accessory building, it is likely that you will need a building a permit from the town of Bridgewater. If your building is within the designated heritage zone, then there are additional regulations to follow. It's important to understand this process in order to make sure your project goes smoothly.
TYPES OF PERMITS
Depending on what kind of project or where you are constructing, will directly influence which permit(s) you will be required to obtain.
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
This permit is concerned with where structures are placed on a lot in relation to property boundaries. A Development Permit is required for new construction, additions, renovations and change of use (e.g. office to a store).
The application must be signed by the owner of the lot, or the agent of the owner of the lot (with the written authorization of the owner), and be accompanied by a plot plan showing where structures will be located.
BUILDING PERMIT
This permit is concerned with how structures are built. A Building Permit can be issued after a Development Permit has been issued. These are construction projects that require a building permit:
Construction of single & multifamily dwellings, commercial, industrial and mercantile buildings
Locating mini and modular homes
Reconstruction
Interior/exterior structural renovations
Decks
Carports and additions
Accessory buildings over 215 square feet.
FOOTING PERMIT
This permit is required if the project needs excavation for footings. Once the Development Permit has been issued, a Footing Permit may be issued. Upon approval of excavation by the Building Inspector, footings may be placed. Once a Certificate of Location of the actual footings is submitted to the Building Inspector, a Building Permit can be considered.
DEMOLITION PERMIT
A demolition Permit is required for the removal of any building or major part of a building. For details concerning demolition waste management, contact the Lunenburg Regional Recycling and Composting Facility.
OCCUPANCY PERMIT
This is the final step in the Building Permit process. Before any part of the building may be occupied, the Building Official must inspect the work that was done. If the work meets the code requirements and no unsafe conditions exist, an Occupancy Permit can be issued.
WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT NOT REQUIRED?
A Building Permit is not required for the following. However, a Development Permit may be required:
Sewage, water, electrical, telephone, rail or similar systems.
Accessory buildings under 215 square feet
Interior and exterior non-structural material alterations and material repairs with a monetary value of $5,000 or less.
Free standing signs, utility poles, and radio communication towers or aerials.
Fences not as part of a pool enclosure
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF OPTAINING A PERMIT?
There is one Permit Application form to apply for permits. This form is available on the Town’s website, can be picked up from the Engineering or Planning Departments; upon request can be mailed or faxed or can be completed in person with an inspector.
Depending on what kind of project or where you are constructing, will directly influence which permit(s) you will be required to obtain and what additional information and drawings need to be submitted along with the application. The application must be signed and no matter what you are applying for, it is very important to provide as much detail as possible.
There are different costs associated with obtaining a permit and the fees must be included with the application. Remember to apply early enough to avoid disappointment. It may take time for all the permit(s) to be processed.
For more detailed information you can contact the building and fire inspectors or development officer directly, or read the information packets on the town website.
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ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES
Although a building permit may not be required if you are making non-structural changes to your building, additions and alterations to heritage buildings must be approved by the development officer.
The Bridgewater Built Heritage Guide should be consulted for specific details and any additional questions can be clarified by the development officer.
All main buildings constructed prior to 1920 must maintain their pre-1920 architectural style, or an architectural style approved by the Development Officer. All significant architectural features and character defining elements must be preserved. When a main building that was constructed prior to 1920 has no identifiable architectural style due to past modifications, the property owner will be encouraged to bring the building into a greater conformance with a pre-1920 style.
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What is regulated under the Land Use By-law
Additions and Alterations to main buildings
Accessory Structures and Buildings
Building Facade
Windows
Doors
Trim
Cladding
Roofs
Dormers
Porches and Verandas
Solar Panels and Mini Wind-Turbines
FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
There are some supports available to apply for if you are planning on doing working on your building
PROVINCIAL GRANTS
Under the Heritage Development Fund (Built Heritage), the Province of Nova Scotia offers grants to eligible owners of properties protected under the Heritage Property Act to better support these important heritage resources. There is also a tax rebate from Service Canada for eligible properties.
More information can be found on the Government of Nova Scotia website.
BRIDGEWATER FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Town of Bridgewater's Facade Improvement Program is a grants program which may provide grants valued at up to $5,000 for commercial premises or business owners who wish to undertake exterior renovation projects in the King Street Architectural Control Area (the Victoria Road to Maple Street block of King Street, inclusive; refer to the map below) in Downtown Bridgewater.
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More information and an application form can be found on the Town of Bridgewater website.
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