How It Works | Nova Scotia Permit
Step by Step

How It Works

From first conversation to permit in hand. Our integrated approach streamlines every step so you can start building faster.

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Your path to permit approval

Six clear phases, one integrated team. We handle the complexity while you focus on your project.

Feasibility Assessment 1 Week 1-2 Design Development 2 Week 3-6 Engineering 3 Week 5-8 Documentation 4 Week 7-9 Municipal Submission 5 Week 9-10 Permit Approval 6 Week 10-16 Overlapping phases
1
Feasibility Assessment Week 1-2

Site analysis, zoning review, and project scope definition.

2
Design Development Week 3-6

Architectural drawings and floor plans created.

3
Engineering Week 5-8

Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering with P.Eng stamps.

4
Documentation Week 7-9

Complete permit package assembly and quality review.

5
Municipal Submission Week 9-10

Application submitted with all required documentation.

6
Permit Approval Week 10-16

Municipal review and permit issuance.

What happens at each step

Click any step to see the details of what we deliver and what you can expect.

1
Feasibility Assessment
Week 1-2

We start with a thorough analysis of your property and project goals. This prevents costly surprises down the road and ensures your project is buildable before you invest in design.

What you get:
  • Zoning and bylaw compliance review
  • Site constraint analysis
  • Preliminary budget estimate
  • Go/no-go recommendation
2
Design Development
Week 3-6

Our design team creates architectural drawings that maximize your space while meeting code requirements. You'll see your vision take shape through detailed floor plans and elevations.

What you get:
  • Site plan and layout
  • Floor plans with dimensions
  • Building elevations
  • Design review meeting
3
Engineering
Week 5-8

Our licensed engineers develop the technical drawings that make your project safe and code-compliant. All engineering work is stamped by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng).

What you get:
  • Structural engineering (P.Eng stamped)
  • Mechanical design
  • Electrical layout
  • Energy compliance calculations
4
Documentation
Week 7-9

We compile all drawings, specifications, and supporting documents into a complete permit package. Our quality review catches issues before the municipality does.

What you get:
  • Complete drawing set
  • Building specifications
  • Code compliance summary
  • Application forms prepared
5
Municipal Submission
Week 9-10

We submit your application to the municipality and handle all communications with the building department. If they have questions, we address them directly.

What you get:
  • Application submission
  • Fee payment coordination
  • Direct liaison with municipality
  • Response to review comments
6
Permit Approval
Week 10-16

The municipality reviews your application and issues the building permit. Review times vary by municipality and project complexity, but we keep you informed throughout.

What you get:
  • Status updates during review
  • Revision handling if needed
  • Building permit in hand
  • Construction-ready drawings

Timeline expectations

Realistic timeframes based on project type and municipal review times.

Homes & Suites

2-3 months

Basement suites, garden suites, additions, and new homes typically see faster municipal review times.

Multi-Unit

3-5 months

4-12 unit developments require more extensive review but our integrated approach minimizes delays.

Timelines depend on municipality workload, project complexity, and site conditions. We'll give you a more accurate estimate after the feasibility assessment.

What you do vs. what we do

Clear responsibilities mean no surprises and no gaps in the process.

What you do

Share your vision and project goals with us

Provide site access for surveys if needed

Review and approve designs at key milestones

Pay municipal permit fees when due

Respond promptly to questions

What we do

Conduct all site and zoning analysis

Create all architectural and engineering drawings

Obtain all required P.Eng stamps

Prepare and submit the complete permit application

Handle all municipal communication and revisions

Keep you informed with regular progress updates

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your project and we'll schedule a feasibility assessment to get your permit process moving.