Anyone who wants to (a) construct a building, addition, sun deck, stairs, swimming pool, wheelchair ramp, or (b) make any structural change (i.e. removal of load bearing partitions, etc.), or (c) do structural repair (i.e. replacement of joists, beams, load bearing studs, etc.) or (d) make any non-structural repair or alternation whose monetary value is more than $5,000.00, anywhere in the Town of Oxford.

NOTE: For situations in which a Building Permit is not required, see Additional Information, below.
 

You can apply in person or by mail.

When you apply, you have to provide:

1. Building plans (completed);
2. A survey plan (for any new buildings or additions); and
3. The appropriate fee (See Price, below).
   

After all required information and approvals, and the appropriate fees have been submitted, and the application has been reviewed by staff, the applicant will be notified by mail.
 

The Permit is normally processed within 4 or 5 business days, once all items which must accompany the application have been received, and all requirements are met.

(Please allow several extra days for mail delivery.)
 

Initial fee varies

Renewal:$ 25

Please pay by cash, cheque or money order made out to the Town of Oxford
 

The Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It can be renewed. It is the responsibility of the Permit holder to contact the Municipality before it expires; NO NOTICE of renewal will be sent out by the Municipality.
 

Some or all of the following permits or approvals may be required before this permit can be issued:

1. Building Permits cannot be issued in zoned areas within the Town until a Development Permit has been first issued.
    

2. If you are not connecting to a sewer system, you may need approval for the installation of an Sewage Disposal system [or septic tank] from the Nova Scotia Environment and Labour.
    

3. New buildings and major renovations require that the builder obtain Building Plans Approval (Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour). This approval is not required for 1 or 2 unit family dwellings, or private accessory (storage) buildings.
   
   
4. Municipal Fire Safety Inspection
   
   
5. Electrical Wiring Permit, Nova Scotia Environment and Labour
    
6. If you want to erect a structure within 100 metres of the centerline of a public highway, or if you want to create a new access to a property from a public highway, you will need to get a Building Near a Highway and Access to Property Permit from the N.S. Department of Transportation.
    
7. Any form of Eating Establishment requires a Food Establishment Permit from the N.S. Department of Agriculture & Fisheries (Food Safety Division)
    

Building Permits are not required for:

1. accessory buildings not greater than 20 square metres (215.2 square feet) in building area,
    
2. fences less than 2 metres (6.56 square feet) in building area,
    
3. installation of siding over an existing exterior finish,
    
4. installation of storm windows, ground level patios and walkways,
    
5. replacing an existing roofing surface, and
    
6. interior and exterior non-structural repairs which have a monetary value of less than $5,000.00.
    

National Building Code of Canada

Building Code Act, Chapter 46, of the Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989.

Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations made under Section 4 of the Building Code Act.

Municipal Building Bylaw, Town of Oxford.