Permit Information
The Fundy Regional Service Commission provides building inspection services for the Fundy Rural District and the Village of Fundy-St. Martins. Building and Development Permits are required throughout the Province of New Brunswick for the construction of new structures, buildings, or major excavation, as well as, the demolition, relocation, alteration, replacement or change of use of an existing building or structure. Permits are required for all buildings and structures, regardless of size.
The primary role of a Building or Development Permit is to protect the property owner, contractor, and the community by ensuring buildings and structures conform to the current National Building Code, and applicable Bylaws, Acts and Regulations. As of May 1st, 2025, new applications will be reviewed against the National Building Code of Canada 2020.
Permits ensure that buildings and structures are built safely to ultimately protect property owners and the public. Property owners are responsible for obtaining the necessary permit(s). If you choose to have your contractor take out the permit on your behalf, make sure that it’s done before the project gets started.
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When is a permit required?
Constructing a new home or accessory building (e.g. garage or shed).
Additions to an existing home: rooms, attached garage, sundeck, fence, pool, carport, solar panels, railings/guards, etc.
Demolition.
Installing retaining walls.
Installing new rooms in a basement or attic.
Altering structural partitions.
A change in use.
When the work requires the issuance of an Electrical Permit.
When isn’t a permit required?
Re-roofing.
Painting or wallpapering.
Plaster repairs or drywall patching.
Window replacement of the same size or smaller – consult with your window supplier to ensure egress windows for bedrooms.
Insulating finished floor replacement.
Replacing the exterior cladding of residential properties, as long as the new cladding meets fire safety requirements and has been approved.
What is the difference between a Building Permit and a Development Permit?
Development Permits are required for accessory buildings and structures up to 55 square metres (592 square feet), and buildings up to 58.06 square metres (625 square feet) for overnight accommodations (such as camps). Any buildings or structures exceeding these sizes requires a Building Permit.
A key difference between permit types is that projects requiring the issuance of a Development Permit are considered National Building Code exempt. This means construction drawings aren't required, however there are other submission requirements including a site plan. For more information on permit requirements, see below.
The Fundy Regional Service Commission has one form for Building and Development Permits. If you're unsure whether or not your project requires a permit, please contact us.
What is a Change of Use, and why does it require a permit?
The Provincial Building Code Administration Act requires that any change of use is subject to a Building Permit.
The National Building Code has different requirements for exits and fire safety, which are based on the use of a building. When a building's use changes, additional safety elements may be necessary which are confirmed through the permitting process.
Property owners are responsible for obtaining the necessary permit(s). If you choose to have your contractor, take out the permit on your behalf, make sure that it’s done before the project gets started.
Which Building Code applies?
As of May 1st, 2025, new applications will be reviewed against the National Building Code of Canada 2020. Relevant Reference materials can be found below:
Submit an Application for a Building / Development Permit
All applications must include the following:
REQUIREMENTS
A Parcel Identifier Number (PID) and civic number.
If a civic number can’t be provided, proof that a civic number has been requested to the NB 9-1-1 Bureau is required. More information on how to request a civic number is available here.
A Site Plan showing the location of the proposed structure / development with measured distances from property lines, watercourses / wetlands, existing structures, roads, and other relevant features.
GeoNB, the Province’s online mapping service, can be used to determine the dimensions of a property by simply searching by PID or civic address. This printable site plan template can be used to show your development proposal.
Payment of the Building / Development Permit Application. Applicable fees will be confirmed by FRSC staff once an application has been made.
The fee is required to process and approve your application. The fee schedule is available on the Fees & Forms tab.
Depending on the proposal, the following documents/drawings may be required:
OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS APPLICABLE
A full set of Construction Drawings, including but not limited to foundation plans, floor plans, elevations, and cross sections. Please consult FRSC staff if you aren’t sure which drawings are required for your project.
Construction drawings are not required for accessory buildings and structures up to 55 square metres (592 square feet) and overnight accommodation buildings (such as camps) up to 58.06 square metres (625 square feet).
An Access Permit and/or Certificate of Setback from the NB Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is required when a proposed building / structure is within 30 metres (98 feet) of a provincial road and/or a new access is proposed.
The FRSC’s service area is within the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s District 4. District 4 staff can be reached by dti-mti.district4@gnb.ca or 506-643-7463. The application form is available here.
A Certificate of Approval to install an onsite sewage disposal system from the NB Department of Public Safety (Technical Inspection Services) is required for new or expanded septic systems.
A change in use, the addition of bedroom(s) or when a building / structure footprint expands also requires a Certificate of Approval when a lot size is less than 4,000 square metres. A licensed installer typically assists in obtaining a Certificate of Approval.
Other applicable permits and approvals, as required. A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit from the NB Department of Environment and Local Government is required when development (including the clearing land) is proposed within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland. The Watershed Protected Area Designation Order also applies to lands within the Loch Lomond Watershed.
The 'WAWA Reference Map’ can be used to determine the location of mapped watercourses and wetlands (and associated 30 metre buffering) on your property. More information on Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permits is available here. The Watershed Protected Area Designation Order could also impact the developability of your property, depending on what is proposed.
When your required documents are ready, please proceed to our online application platform, Cloudpermit, and submit your application. If you aren't sure what is required for your application, please contact us or request a pre-consultation meeting through Cloudpermit. More information on Cloudpermit can be found on the Forms and Fees tab above. FRSC staff are available at information@fundyregion.ca or 506-738-2014 should you have any permit or inspection questions. Permits typically take less than two (2) weeks to issue, but can take longer depending on the complexity of the application and the amount of applications in our queue.
Helpful information
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