Accommodation Inspection & Licencing

This section outlines information pertaining to licensing of new fixed roof and campground accommodations in Nova Scotia. We are pleased to be able to assist you in the planning and developing of your accommodation by providing this necessary information.

Anyone offering accommodations to the traveling or vacationing public on a daily or weekly basis, regardless of the number of rental units or camping sites, must have a license to do so from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

This information is written for potential accommodation operators. The links listed below contain everything you need to know regarding the inspection and licensing process for fixed roof and campground accommodations in Nova Scotia.

The 2009 Doers’ & Dreamers’ Guide has been printed. Therefore, the earliest your accommodation may be listed will be in the 2010 Doers’ & Dreamers’ Guide. However, your accommodation may be listed on www.novascotia.com at anytime, after your accommodation has received a licence to operate.

REMEMBER, AN INSPECTION MUST TAKE PLACE AND A LICENCE APPROVED PRIOR TO YOUR BUSINESS OPENING.

After you have read all of the information and determined you have met the requirements of the Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations and all other appropriate authorities, you may submit a completed licence application.

Ensure that construction approvals are received by you from all appropriate authorities, such as but not limited to the ones listed on the Pre-License Check List. The local Building Inspector and Deputy Fire Marshal/Fire Inspector may need to review your plans.

Payment Methods and Locations:

Online
Payment for renewals may be submitted on line for renewals only by visiting www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/nsbr/entry.asp
- Credit card payment only - Visa, Master Card or American Express

In person
Business Registration Unit 9 North, 1505 Barrington St., Maritime Centre, Halifax
- Cash, Debit, Cheque, Bank draft or Credit card - Visa, Master Card or American Express

Drop off
Any Access Nova Scotia Centre (Amherst, Antigonish, Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Halifax, Kentville, Port Hawkesbury, Sydney, Truro, Yarmouth)
- Cheque, Money order, Bank draft or Credit card - Visa, Master Card or American Express

By mail
Business Registration Unit - PO Box 1529, Halifax, NS B3J 2Y4
- Cheque, Money order, Bank draft or Credit card - Visa, Master Card or American Express

By fax
Business Registration Unit - (902) 424-0602
- Credit card payment only - Visa, Master Card or American Express

All cheques, money orders and bank drafts must be made payable to the Minister of Finance

Approximately one month of receipt of all documents, an inspection from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage will be conducted. Please contact Lyn Miles, Quality Assurance Officer at 902-424-1194 (mileslr@gov.ns.ca) to arrange a convenient time for an inspection to be carried out.