Under the Peggy’s Cove Land-Use Bylaw (LUB) adopted in April 2024, the Peggy’s Cove Commission must appoint a Development Officer. To meet this requirement under the LUB, the Commission has appointed Halifax Regional Municipality as Development Officer for the Area.
HRM will now accept and process applications for development permits and variances under the LUB on behalf of the Commission. Applications can be submitted through HRM’s online portal.
Yes, the Commission still has the mandate to preserve the unique scenic beauty, character and atmosphere of the Area and may make by-laws in accordance with the Peggy’s Cove Commission Act. The Commission maintains their responsibilities under the LUB. For example, amendments to the LUB or appeals of the Development Officer’s decisions can be made to the Commission as per the LUB.
You can apply for a development permit or variance under the LUB through HRM’s online portal. As the appointed Development Officer, HRM will manage applications on behalf of the Commission. You can access HRM’s online portal at this link:
https://plc.halifax.ca/hfxprod/pub/lms/Login.aspx
You can contact HRM to discuss any requirements for permits.
Online: https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/building-development-permits/help-using-online-pplc-system/how…
Telephone: 311
Email: contactus@311.halifax.ca
Mail: 5251 Duke Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays
No fees will be charged for development permit or variances applications.
You can view the average permitting time on HRM’s website. Currently, it is an average of 16 days for a residential building permit.
https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/building-development-permits/permit-volume-processing-times
Applicants can call 311 and will be put in touch with Planning & Development Permit Office to assist in completing their applications.
The purpose of the Land Use Bylaw for the community of Peggy’s Cove is to provide direction for development related activities within the village. The bylaw includes regulations that are intended to preserve Peggy’s Cove as a living community in co-existence with significant tourist attractions. The character of the village is largely determined by the traditional architecture of its houses, fish stores, wharfs and outbuildings. Many of these structures date from the mid-eighteenth to early twentieth century and together they form the distinct architectural heritage of the area.
The land use bylaw (LUB) for the Peggy’s Cove Preservation Area divides the planning area of the Village of Peggy’s Cove into zones. Specific types of land uses are allowed within each zone. For example, the residential zone allows for the development of residential dwellings, but does not permit the construction of buildings used for commercial purposes. The commercial zone, on the other hand, allows buildings to establish and conduct commercial activities. The LUB lists the types of land uses that are permitted to take place within each zone. If the land use is not listed, it is not allowed to occur within that zone. Zones and their corresponding permitted land uses and regulatory provisions, are designed to separate incompatible land uses and their related activities, from one another.
Lot development requirements can vary depending on factors which include road frontage, lot size, permitted land uses, previously existing development rights, and lot features such as grade and slope. Landowners considering development in the Preservation Area must first refer to the Peggy’s Cove Land Use Bylaw to ensure their lot and proposed development meets the necessary zoning requirements to be eligible for a development permit from the HRM.
Any new development or the expansion of an existing development within the boundaries of the Preservation Area, will require a Development Permit. You may also be required to obtain Construction Permits from the Halifax Regional Municipality.
A Development Permit allows a specific type of development on a specific parcel of land in the community to proceed in accordance with the zoning and development provisions described in the Land Use Bylaw. A development permit may stipulate some of the following conditions: the allowed use of the property, intensity of that use, building height, building site coverage, setbacks from property lines and other buildings and parking requirements. The HRM issues development permits.
A Construction Permit allows construction of buildings or structure to proceed on condition of compliance with the Nova Scotia Building Code, Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act, and Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations. A Construction Permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or change of use of a building. The Halifax Regional Municipality issues construction permits.
The development review process also requires that all other municipal and provincial requirements to be met in order for permits to be issued for as-of-right projects.
If you are considering any form of construction within the Preservation Area, you need a development permit from the Peggy’s Cove Commission. You should also consult with the Halifax Regional Municipality Building Inspection Services to find out if you require HRM construction permits.
You will require a construction permit if:
- The work you are doing is structural
- You are removing or replacing any plumbing
- The value of the work is $5000 or more
Information regarding HRM Permits and Inspections can be found at:
https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/building-development-permits
Construction Permits (you may require more than one construction permit, depending on the development that you are undertaking) are granted by HRM Planning Services. Information regarding construction permits can be found at:
https://www.halifax.ca/home-property/building-development-permits
Construction can begin once the HRM issues the Development Permit, and the relevant Construction Permit(s) have been issued by HRM.
The Development Permit and HRM Constriction Permits are valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issue. This means that you must start construction of your project within two-years of the date of issue of the permits.
Renovations that change the building envelope and external character of the building require a development permit. If you are adding an extension or a new porch, for example, you must obtain a development permit. Internal renovations do not require a development permit. For example, enlarging a room by removing an internal wall does not require a development permit.
The Peggy's Cove Land Use Bylaw includes Architectural Design Controls. These are described in Section 8 of the LUB. Architectural Design controls protect the unique character of the buildings in Peggy’s Cove. Prior to undertaking: (a) new development, (b) the expansion of an existing development, or (c) any sort of building renovation, you should make certain that your project meets the design standards outlined in Section 8 of the Land Use Bylaw.
Section 8 of the Land Use Bylaw for Peggy’s Cove deals with ‘Architectural Controls’. These provisions are intended to maintain the unique character of the buildings in the village and to ensure that all structures are of a style that is consistent with that of the existing architecture of the Village of Peggy’s Cove.
The architectural controls only apply to the external appearance of any proposed new structure, and to the alteration, reconstruction or expansion of any existing structure.
Architectural controls are meant to ensure the character of the village remains, however, they are not intended to stop residents or property owners from maintaining and replacing things such as windows. In the case of windows, if they are being replaced, with a new window of the same size and general appearance, no development permit is required. If windows are being changed, that is, the existing windows are being enlarged or replaced with different-shaped windows, in different configurations, (for example, a small casement window changed to a large picture window) you will need to apply for a development permit.
It is recommended that if you have any questions respecting any kinds of changes or replacement of the external elements of your building, you contact HRM to discuss any requirements for permits.
HRM Contact Information:
Telephone: 311
Online: https://plc.halifax.ca/hfxprod/pub/lms/Login.aspx
Email: contactus@311.halifax.ca
Address: 5251 Duke Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Duke Tower, Halifax
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding Holidays
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