Building and Development Permits

When are building and development permits needed?

In areas where there is a land use by-law in effect, it is also necessary to obtain a development permit. A development permit is a confirmation that the project is in compliance with the regulations of the land use by-law with regards to the use, lot requirements and any development requirements. When required, a development permit must be issued prior to the issuance of the building permit.

A building permit is required, in all jurisdictions, for all work on a new building or structure and for the demolition, relocation, alteration, or replacement of an existing building or structure.  Changes in the use of a building or land may also require a permit.

The building permit’s primary role is to protect the property owner and community by assuring that the development is in conformity with Regulations, By-Laws, and the National Building Code of Canada.

The rule of thumb is that a permit is not required when there is no structural modification or change in land use.  Here are some examples of work that can be undertaken without a permit:

• Installation or replacement of siding, including painting, cladding, or trim
• Installation or replacement of gutters
• Replacement of roofing.

What information is required?

Depending on what you are applying to do, requirements may vary.  It is a good idea to call the Planning Commission to see what type of information you will need.  The following is a list of possible requirements:

• Land ownership information:
  o P.I.D. Number (available from Service New Brunswick)
  o Subdivision Plan Registry and Lot Number
• Complete Set of Plan, to scale
  o Site Plan
  o Foundation Plan
  o Floor Plan(s)
  o Elevation (four sides)
  o Cross Section and Construction Details (list building materials)
  o Windows and Door Schedules (list size and location)
  o Professional Engineer Approval for Special Construction (ex: truss shop drawing, roof layout, floor layout)
  o For Mini, Mobile, and Modular Homes – the CSA # and Serial #  are required.
• Certificate of Set-Back obtained from the Department of Transportation
• Approval from the Department of Health for connection of sanitary sewer services
• Approval from other applicable municipal services (culvert sizing supply and installation, street lighting, drainage, parking etc..)
• Approval from the Office of the Fire Marshall (usually for dwelling containing three or more units, place of assembly etc….)
• Approval from the Department of Environment (watercourse alteration, permit within 30 meters of a watercourse, environmental impact assessment, infilling of marshes, etc…)
• A completed Building Permit application form (template available on website, legal copy available from the Planning District Commission office).

How much do permits cost?

See "Fee Schedule"

Zoning

What is a Zoning By-Law?

The Zoning By-law is a means to carry out policies and objectives stated within a Municipal Plan or Rural Plan; to protect public interests from potential land use conflicts; to provide a legal framework for the future development within the community; and to help manage change.
 
The Zoning By-law is an official document enacted by a community to regulate the use of land.  In effect, it divides the community into zones, provides detailed information on the category of land uses, buildings or structures permitted in each zone, as well as minimum standards for lot area, setbacks, parking requirements, landscaping provisions, etc. 

How do I find out the zoning of my property?

The Commission is prohibited by law from discussing zoning over the phone or by e-mail. If you would like to know what zone your property is located in, there are two options.

1. Verify the zoning in person.
   You can come to the Commission offices between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and consult the zoning map for your municipality free of charge.
2. Request a zoning certificate.
   Lending institutions, government agencies or prospective tenants or buyers of a property may require written confirmation of the zoning before issuing loans or permits, purchasing or signing leases. A zoning certificate is a written confirmation of the zoning on your property. To obtain a zoning certificate, we need the following:
   a) A letter from you, formally requesting a zoning certificate for the property;
   b) The PID (Property Identifier) of the property. This is a six- or eight-digit number, and appears on your property tax bill;
   c) The civic address (i.e. street address) of the property, if it has one;
   d) The municipality in which the property is located (e.g. Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, Salisbury etc.)
   e) Your name, phone number and full mailing address;
   f) See "Fee Schdule" for cost.

You may pick up the certificate in person at our office, or we can mail it to you. We cannot send zoning confirmation by fax or by e-mail.

We try to process zoning certificates within a few days; however, during busy periods (especially the summer building season) they can take longer. The earlier you make your request, the better!

Commission Meetings

When and where does the Commission meet?

Commissions meetings are usually held at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 655 Main Street in Moncton.  On occasion this schedule changes; please call the Commission to confirm dates and times.

What is the submission deadline for applications to be considered at the Commission meeting?

Applications that need to be brought before the Commission (ex: variances, rezoning etc…) must be received by the last business day of each month.