Land use planning affects everyone, from homeowners to owners of commercial and industrial facilities. Through planning, development of land and resources in a community are coordinated. This encourages, organizes and directs desirable land uses to areas which will maximize the benefits to your community, making the best use of services and utilities. It is a delicate balance between the interests of individual landowners, the aspirations of the community and the sustainability of our natural environment.

Within Victoria County development must be consistent with the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Recognizing the existing natural and built environments and the social, economic and environmental conditions, policies are set in the Municipal Planning Strategy. Designations are established to guide residential, commercial, industrial and recreational uses to the most appropriate areas. The Land Use By-law implements the policies established in the Municipal Planning Strategy. Within each designation, there may be several zones addressing the diverse types of residential, commercial, industrial or recreational uses. As such, specific locations in the planned area may have different permitted uses and development requirements.

Guided by area advisory committees, the Commission provides the planning support when preparing or reviewing a Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law. Subsequently, these documents are approved by the Planning Advisory Committee and the Council of the appropriate municipality and the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs before coming into effect.

In planned areas it is necessary to obtain a Development Permit. This permit is required for all new construction and any change in use of an existing structure. It is a confirmation the project is in compliance with the regulations of the Land Use By-law. Should your proposal not conform to the existing Strategy and By-law, it is sometimes possible to amend these documents.

When creating lots with an area of less than 25 acres or consolidating property, it is necessary to obtain subdivision approval. Subdivision approval is not required for the creation of lots greater than 25 acres in area, but the applicant must provide affidavits indicating the lots satisfy the 25-acre requirement. An approved lot ensures the property has been approved by the Departments of Environment, Transportation and Public Works for development on the lot. It also establishes the legal boundaries of the land. In planned areas, any development must also conform to the Land Use By-law. Further information about may be found in our Citizen’s Guide to Subdivision Brochure #4.

Civic addresses are required for new construction in Victoria County. The new numbers are assigned based on measurements made by the building inspector.

We can’t help you if we can’t find you. Seconds can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Getting resources where they are needed as quickly as possible is vital. This is especially true when dealing with 911 emergencies. However, without clearly posted civic numbers to guide them, emergency responders can sometimes have difficulty locating the address of a 911 emergency. Make sure that your civic number is posted in front of your home or business, and that it is clearly visible from the road day or night. This will assist police, firefighters and paramedics in being able to locate you as quickly as possible if an emergency should one occur. If the civic number is posted directly on your house or place of business ensure that there is sufficient light so it is visible from the roadway at night.

What is a Civic Address

Your civic address is the number, street or road name, community and county assigned to residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings (e.g. 495 Chebucto St., Baddeck, Victoria County).Civic addresses are primarily used for 911 emergency service but are also used as mailing addresses, for delivery services and are required in order to receive telephone service.

How Do I Get a Civic Address?

For new construction, civic addresses are assigned during the building inspection process. A measurement is taken between a known location and the new structure. Approximately every 5 metres or 15 feet a number is assigned. Numbers may be pre-assigned for urban areas or subdivisions. When the number is determined, the address will be assigned to your building, the number entered into the Nova Scotia Civic Address File and you will be notified by mail.

For confirmation of your civic address for an existing building call the Civic Address Coordinator at 902-625-5366. The following information is helpful in requesting a civic address:

• Property Identification Number (PID)
• Provincial Assessment Number
• A Neighbour’s Civic Address
• Your Road and Community Name

Where do I Post My Civic Address?

“REMEMBER, if emergency services can’t find you, they can’t help you”. Seconds can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Getting resources where they are needed as quickly as possible is vital. This is especially true when dealing with 911 emergencies.

Without clearly posted civic numbers to guide them, emergency service responders can sometimes have difficulty locating the address of a 911 emergency.

Make sure that your civic number is posted in front of your home or business, and that it is clearly visible from the road day or night. This will assist police, firefighters and paramedics in being able to locate you as quickly as possible if an emergency should occur. If the civic number is posted directly on your house or place of business ensure that there is sufficient light so it is visible from the roadway at night.

Contact your local building inspector Mr. David MacKenzie – Certified Building Official & Municipal Fire Inspector, to order blue and white reflective plates.