Pictou County sees construction growth along the coast

The migration of people from other provinces to Nova Scotia may have slowed a bit from its COVID-era peak, but new construction is still trending high in Pictou County.

Building officials for the MOPC issued permits for $61.5 million worth of construction in 2022. Of that, $50 million was for single-family dwellings.

District Two came out in top place when it came to the estimated value of new construction with $14 million worth of construction planned in that district. District Four was next with $9 million worth of construction.

If the stats for the first four months of 2023 are any indication, the building trend isn’t slowing down at all this year. In fact, the stats for the first four months of 2023 are up a bit from what they were at this point in 2022.

“It’s staying busy even though interest rates are what they are,” said Mike McKenzie, a Level 2 building inspector for the MOPC. “We’re still continuing to grow.”

The statistics indicate people in Pictou County are clearly drawn to the coast.

In 2022 permits were issued for 242 single-family dwellings in Pictou County. Of those 45 were in District Four, 39 were in District Two and 34 in District Three. District One wasn’t far behind at 27.

What all these districts have in common is they border the beautiful waters of the Northumberland Shore.

McKenzie believes part of the reason for the strong growth near the ocean may be connected to the Coastal Protection Act that the province is in the process of implementing. This provincial regulation will put in place new rules for how far houses must be from the shore and other factors related to coastal properties.

“I think that’s one of the driving factors to what’s happening now along the shorelines,” McKenzie said.

Many people who own lots of land have decided to build before restrictions come into effect.

The officials estimate that the average house permit is for buildings that will cost between $350,000 and $400,000. Building Official Travis Spears notes that the price can vary widely though, with some people building large houses and others choosing to build something small just to get it in place.

The inspectors encourage anyone who is looking to start a project to get in contact and they can help guide them through the process.

“We’re definitely a useful resource that can be used throughout the process,” Building Official Cody Avery said.

For inquiries on building relating matters please contact the building officials at:

(902) 485-4588 or by email at buildingpermits@munpict.ca.

Building permits are needed for:

• New site-built homes, modular homes or mini homes.
• Relocation of dwelling, mobile homes or mini-homes.
• Construction of an addition to any home or building.
• Building a garage or storage shed more than 215 sq. ft
• Any structural renovation to an existing dwelling or building.
• Any structure that requires a power connection.
• A change of use to an existing building. For example, a single residential becoming a two-unit apartment.

What you need to apply for a building permit for a new house:

• An approved building lot or, if subdividing land, a subdivision plan drawn and stamped by a licensed surveyor. About 30 days is required after the submission of plans to the Development Officer for approval.

• Where a municipal sewer is provided, a sewer permit is issued by the municipal engineer. There is a refundable deposit of $50 associated with this permit.  About two days is required for approval.

• Where a municipal sewer is not provided, approval from the Department of Environment for an on-site sewage disposal system is required. About 30 days is required after an application is submitted to the Department of Environment.

• An approved driveway permit from the Department of Transportation is needed for all provincially owned roads. About 14 days is required after an application is submitted to the Department of Transportation.

• Proof of land ownership is sometimes required by a copy of the legal deed. If you are building on someone else's property, a signed declaration by the landowner must be submitted, giving permission to build on their land.

• Development permits are required for the subdivision of properties. About 7 to 10 days is required after a completed application is submitted to the development officer.

• Once these documents are presented to the building inspectors, the application process can begin. It takes about two days for a building permit to be approved by the MOPC.

• Periodic inspections will occur during construction. It is up to the homeowner or contractor to contact the MOPC building inspection department 24-48 hours in advance of various inspection stages.