QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Why do I need a building permit if I am not building anything?

A permit is required to install, demolish, or relocate buildings, including prefab homes, mobile homes, and pre-constructed mini sheds or barns.   You will need to contact the Building Inspector for your area to find out  if your building is permitted on the property, what code requirements need to be followed and what information you will need to submit with your application. 

I am only doing an electrical upgrade, why do I need to have a building permit?

Provincial regulation requires that a permit be submitted to Technical Inspection in order for your contractor or electrician to acquire his electrical wiring permit to reconnect your service.  If you are only doing electrical work such as an upgrade to your panel, changing your mast, or disconnect/reconnect due to installation of new siding etc, you or your electrician can apply for an “electrical building permit”.  You will need to sign an application stating that only electrical work is being done and that no construction, renovation, relocation, or demolition is involved.

Why do I need a building permit if I am out in the country?

In June of 2002 the government introduced legislation that required building permits in all unincorporated areas of New Brunswick to create consistency across the province.

What do I need in order to get a building permit?

You will need to fill out a building permit application.  At this stage you will need to provide property identification number (found on your tax bill), lot size and dimensions, location of building on lot (setbacks), foundation and framing details.  All new construction must have an approved sewage disposal system from the Department of Health and Community Services.  If you are building on a public road, you may need to obtain a certificate of set-back and access permit from the Department of Transportation.   Other permits or approvals for your project may include Fire Marshall for public buildings and Environment if you are near water.

How long does it take to get a building permit?

The time it takes to receive your building permit depends on the project, amount of time it takes to process the application, and whether or not you submit all of the required information with your application.

Do I require a building permit to install an above ground pool? 

If you are in a municipality that is covered by the Royal District Planning Commission, you would need to call the Building Inspector for that area to see what by-laws are in place covering installation of pools.  In unincorporated areas you will be required to acquire a permit to build a deck around the pool. 

Do I need a building permit to replace the shingles on my roof? 

In unincorporated areas, you are not required to obtain a permit for non-structural repairs such as replacing a roof, resurfacing a deck, or replacing windows with the same size.  You would need to check on the by-laws if you are in a municipality.

Can I build on a property smaller than an acre?                       

For an existing one acre lot to be approved for a building, you would need to contact Department of Health for an assessment of the property to see if placement of dwelling, location of well, and septic system would be within regulation before it would be considered.

Can I subdivide a one acre lot? 

The minimum lot size according to the Provincial Subdivision Regulation is one acre.  An existing one acre lot cannot be divided into two half-acre lots for building purposes.

Planners assist government, private organizations, groups and individuals in the community to achieve their future objectives through the development of relevant policies, processes and land use plans. The ultimate goal of any planner is to further the well-being of citizens.  Planners help to determine how and where development should go. Planners are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies or may work as private consultants.

What does a Planner do?

The planning process is a highly collaborative. This collaborative process helps planners and communities to define an overall vision. This vision is developed not solely from community member's needs and wants, but based on an understanding of the issues and the available resources. The planner provides this analysis and encourages residents to be actively involved in each step of the planning process. A planner recognizes the need to balance the demands of growth with the need to accommodate existing development, and at the same time protect the environment and overall quality of life. It is also important to ensure the use of land resources in an organized fashion so that the needs of the present and future generations can be best addressed. A planner's work is never done since a community is constantly changing.