Construction Codes
On This Page
The Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations adopt the National Building Code. These regulations are referred to as the Nova Scotia Building Code. The Code applies to most new and renovation construction.
Enforcement of the Code is carried out by municipal building officials.
See listing of Acts and Regulations related to construction codes and building permits.
| Requirement | Document | Act / Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the National Building Code of Canada 2005 | Not available electronically, but available in some public libraries. Online Purchase | Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations |
| Follow the National Fire Code of Canada 2005 | Not available electronically, but available in some public libraries. Online Purchase | Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations |
| Follow the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2005 | Not available electronically, but available in some public libraries. Online Purchase | Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations |
| Attain a Building Permit (Municipal) All construction exceeding $5000.00, and all structural changes, require permits which are issued by the municipalities. |
Building Inspectors - Contact Information | Section 1.2.1.2(2)(b) Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations |
| Submit building plans for approval (Plans submitted by Owner to Fire Marshal prior to Construction) More Information |
n/a | Section 12(1) of Fire Safety Regulations |
| Submit application to Nova Scotia Building Advisory Council (NSBAC) for a ruling on a dispute | Form (PDF) Appeal Exhibits (PDF) Application for Hearings NSBAC, Rules of Procedure |
Section 15 Nova Scotia Building Code Act |
Schedules - Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations
- Field Review of Construction Certificates (applies to more than 3 residential units or any residential dwelling that does not meet the requirements of Part 9 of the National Building Code):
- "A" Letter Of Undertaking (PDF)
- "A-1" Prime Consultant (PDF)
- "A-2" Building Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-3" Structural Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-4" Mechanical Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-5" Electrical Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-6" Fire Suppression Systems Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-7" Geotechnical Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-8" Plumbing Design Requirements (PDF)
- "A-9" Certification of Field Review Of Construction (PDF)
- "A" Letter Of Undertaking (PDF)
- Schedule "B" Design Data for Selected Locations in Nova Scotia (PDF) : See page 46
- Schedule "C" Section 3.8 Barrier-Free Design (PDF) : See page 47
- Schedule "D" Alternate Compliance Methods for Existing Buildings (PDF) : See page 66. Note: Only applies to renovations for buildings that existed prior to March 13, 1987.
- Part 3 Amendments to the NS Building Code (PDF) : See page 20
- Appendix A Explanatory Material for the NS Building Code Regulations 2006 (PDF) : See page 75
More Information
- Building Code Links
- Building and Equipment Safety
- Canadian Centre for OHS (CCOHS) for CSA and Standards - Canada's National OHS Resource
| Requirement | Document | Act / Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Attain an electrical permit More Information | Only NSPI has their permit application on line at: NSPI Form (PDF) | Section 8 Electrical Code Regulations (issued by the Electrical Utility) |
| Attain a Communication Cabling Specialist Permit | n/a | Section 9 Electrical Code Regulations (issued by the Electrical Utility) |
| Post electrical permit in a conspicuous place. This is only a requirement during the electrical installation. | n/a | Section 8(2) Electrical Code Regulations |
More Information
| Requirement | Act / Regulations |
|---|---|
| Provide notice of a sprinkler or system discharge | Section 37 of Fire Safety Act |
| Post occupancy load where the occupant load is >60 persons for assembly occupancies | National Fire Code of Canada 2.7.1.4.1 |
| Post sign to call fire department (911) to report a fire if the fire alarm system is not monitored | National Fire Code of Canada 2.8.2.7.3 |
| Post evacuation plan/emergency plan on each floor for occupancies that are not single family residential or those where there are no common areas for multi-unit dwellings (row/town houses) | National Fire Code of Canada 2.8.2.7.1 |
| Post evacuation plan/emergency plan in each room for hotels and motels | National Fire Code of Canada 2.8.2.7.2 |