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 by the Eastern District Planning Commission.

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. Based on the location, a number is assigned by the planning commission. 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 Senior Building and Fire Inspector, David MacKenzie for more information about civic address signs or visit the Eastern District Planning Commission webpage.