Planning and Development

In Nova Scotia, you need a development and/or building permit before starting any construction on your property. The Municipality of the County of Antigonish works with the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC) to provide planning and building services. Their team is here to help guide you through the building and development process and answer any questions along the way.

Planning helps guide how land is used and developed in the Municipality of the County of Antigonish. Whether you’re building, renovating, or starting a new project, planning ensures development is safe, consistent, and aligned with community goals.

Planning Services in Antigonish County are through the Eastern District Planning Commission.

Planning staff have office hours in the Municipal Building (285 Beech Hill Rd.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays (office hours). Building Inspectors are available by appointment only. (Contact information below.)

Apply for a Building or Development Permit

You can now apply online using our new e-permitting system:

• Submit permit applications online
• Upload required documents
• Track your application in real time
• Receive updates and notifications

Get started here: E-Permitting Portal for Building Permits

We’re currently rolling out the system and welcome your feedback. You can submit comments through the portal or email denise.dunn@antigonishcounty.ca

Inspections

Once your permit is approved and work begins, inspections are required at key stages of construction.

It is the responsibility of the property owner, contractor, or developer to schedule inspections with a Building Official.

Planning Documents

Development in the County is guided by two main documents:

Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) / Secondary Plans – These documents outline the long-term vision for how land is used and how your community will grow, including where residential, commercial, and industrial development should take place.

Land Use By-law (LUB) -The Land Use By-law sets the specific rules for development in your community. It outlines what can be built, where it can be located, and the standards that must be followed for things such as: building sizes, setbacks and lot size requirements, parking, and signage.  These rules may apply across a broader area or within specific zones, which provide more detailed direction for different types of land use.

The Land Use By-law works alongside the Municipal Planning Strategy or Secondary Plans to guide development.

Planning documents under the Eastern District Planning Commission, include:

• Municipal Planning Strategies and Land Use By-Laws
• Subdivision By-Law
• Municipal Services Systems General Specifications

Office Hours and Contacts

Planning staff from EDPC are available at the Municipal Building (285 Beech Hill Road)

• Tuesdays and Thursdays (office hours 9:00am – 4:30pm)
• Building Inspections: by appointment only

Main Office

Eastern District Planning Commission
606 Reeves St., Unit 3
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia
B9A 2R7

Ph: 902-625-5361
Fax: 902-625-1559
Toll Free: 1-888-625-5361