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# So you want to build in Richmond County?
#### 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 Property Map
**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
1. 1. Application form: https://edpc.ca/applications/buildperm.pdf
2. Construction plans
3. Site plan, showing the location and setbacks of the building/addition to all property lines
4. Municipal Servicing Approval / Notification of Receipt from the Department of Environment
5. Letters of Undertaking (If the project is engineered)
b. Application reviewed for compliance with:
1. 1. National Building Code of Canada 2020
2. Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations
3. Local zoning for Richmond County
**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
* Accessible Housing Program
* Affordable Housing Development Program
* Canada- NS Targeted Housing Benefit
* Community Housing Acquisition Program
* Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program
* Community Housing Operating Program
* Down Payment Assistance Program
* Housing Repair Program
* Land for Housing Program
* Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program
* Student Housing Development Program
**Nova Scotia's Community Housing Growth Fund (CHGF)**
https://centre.support/grants/community-housing-growth-fund/
**Other Grants & Programs**
https://www.richmondcounty.ca/other-grants-and-programs.html
#### **Step 6: Review Available Data and Reports**
https://www.richmondcounty.ca/council/plans-reports-and-reviews.html
* Point Tupper Land Owners Map
* Municipal Planning Strategy
* Land Use By-Law
* St. Peter's Retail Market Analysis
* Municipal Housing Needs Report
* Strait of Canso Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy
* Richmond County Community Profile: Welcome to Richmond County
#### Step 7: Other Resources
* Cape Breton Regional Municipality - Fast Tracked Housing Design Catalogue
* A copy of the construction documents can be requested by emailing .