Permits

Find all the permits relating to construction wtihin the Town of Nipawin:

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Development Permit

What is a development permit?

A development permit is not the same as a building permit. A development permit allows a specific use or type of development to occur on a specific piece of property as set out in the Zoning Bylaw. The development permit ensures that the proposed use can occur at the proposed location; the building or structure is positioned correctly on the site; site coverage is adequate; parking, landscaping, and proper architecture is provided (if required); geotechnical, hydrological, traffic impact assessment or other reports have been provided, if necessary. The development permit directly follows the regulations set out in the Zoning Bylaw. Development permits and the zoning Bylaw also control the architectural style and look of a building. Click here for more information on the Zoning Bylaw.

When is one required?

A development permit is required when it is desired to excavatebuildrenovate, change the use or increase the intensity of a use on any property. If the structure is smaller than 10m2 but attached to or abutting (within 3 feet) a structure larger than 10m2, a development permit is required.

Please see the following guide of what is required to be attached to a Permit.

When is one not required?

Work that does not *normally* initiate the development permit includes:

  • interior renovations which do not change the use or increase the intensity of the use, only a building permit is required in this instance.
  • Creating a structure less than 10m2 (at least 3 feet away from a structure larger than 10m2)
  • Changing siding with similar material
  • Changing shingles with similar material
  • Painting (interior or exterior), tiling, flooring
  • Installing shelves, cabinets or baseboards
  • Patching drywall
  • Changing windows or doors that do not alter the rough opening
  • Fences (there are regulations on height and placement here)
  • Driveways (there are regulations on the safe movement of vehicles and location of driveways here)
  • Sidewalks, paths, gardening
  • Tree planting (within your property)
  • Repairing or replacing plumbing fixtures
    • changing the location or length of pipe requires a plumbing permit from a plumbing contractor
  • Building a deck of any size when it is 8” or lower to the ground.

*Although a Development permit may not be required, the owner is responsible to ensure the project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and applicable provisions from The National Building Code of Canada.

Building Permit

What is a building permit?

A Building Permit authorizes construction on a proposed/existing building or structure under the Town of Nipawin’s Building Bylaw and ensures the construction meets The National Building Code of Canada and The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act.

When is one required?

A building permit is required whenever it is desired to construct, erect, place, alter, repair, renovate or reconstruct a building or structure.

This includes items like:

  • Building a deck or reconstructing a deck.
  • Placing a purchased shed that is larger than 100 sq/ft
  • Building an addition, regardless of its size
  • Renovations altering interior walls which change the floorplan of the structure
  • Finishing a basement
  • Removing large portions of drywall from exterior walls
  • Eliminating, creating, or altering the openings for windows and doors.
  • Altering stairs
  • Repairing or replacing any structural components of a building

Please see the guide of what is required to be attached to a Building Permit.

How much do they cost?

Project value (determined in accordance with the Building Bylaw)Building Permit Fee
$1 - $5,000$100.00
$5,001 - $10,000$150.00
$10,001 - $15,000$200.00
$15,001 +$5 per $1,000 of permit value, $200.00 minimum.

When is one not required?

Work that does not *normally* initiate the building permit includes:

  • Creating a structure less than 10m2 (at least 3 feet away from a structure larger than 10m2)
  • Changing shingles with similar material
    • If a replacement or change to structural components underneath the roof is required, then the Building permit process is initiated as it will need to be inspected.
  • Painting (interior or exterior), tiling, flooring
  • Installing shelves, cabinets or baseboards
  • Patching drywall
  • Changing windows or doors that do not alter the rough opening
  • Fences (there are regulations on height and placement here)
  • Driveways, sidewalks, paths, gardening
  • Tree planting (within your property)
  • Repairing or replacing plumbing fixtures
    • changing the location or length of pipe requires a plumbing permit from a plumbing contractor
  • Building a deck of any size when it is 8” or lower to the ground.

*Although a Building permit may not be required, the owner is responsible to ensure the project complies with the applicable provisions from The National Building Code of Canada.

Building Permit Guide

When completing a Building Permit, there are some general provisions that apply to all projects:

  • Make sure all the forms are signed.
  • Professional design / stamped drawings are required if:
    • Screw piles are being used (except for noncovered decks)
    • The occupancy will be Assembly, Care or Detention, or High Hazard Industrial: regardless of size or,
    • The building exceeds 600m2 in area or three (3) stories in height, regardless of occupancy; or
    • If the Town of Nipawin or Building Inspector require professional plans be submitted.
  • For projects where blueprints don’t have to be created by an engineer or architect, blueprints can be hand drawn or computerized.  In either case, the blueprints must show:
    • Floor Plans
    • Building elevations
    • Exterior wall cross/section
    • Cross section of building
    • Foundation/structural details
    • Electrical and mechanical drawings
    • Ventilation form
  • May Require
    • Engineered stamped drawings or letter
    • Fire Protection Plans

Demolition Permit

What is a Demolition Permit?

A Demolition permit is required when it is desired to demolish a building or structure within Nipawin. The demolition permit starts the process of removing the building from your property taxes. It also ensures the water and sewer lines are properly shut off or disconnected and the site is made safe.

Process for Demolition Permits

A Demolition permit will not be issued until taxes are current on the property. A simple site plan is also required showing the building being demolished and its dimensions.

Cost of Demolition Permit

The permit costs $5.00

A deposit of $3,000.00 or 10% value of contract shall be deposited with the Town of Nipawin Prior to issuance of a Demolition Permit and returned in accordance with the Building Bylaw.

The applicant is required to contact the public works department to ensure that the water and sewer lines are decommissioned properly.

Moving Permit

What is a Moving Permit?

A moving permit is required when it is desired to move a building or structure within Nipawin, to Nipawin, or out of Nipawin.

A moving permit is required for Sea Containers desired to be used as a building.

Process for Moving Permits

A Moving permit will not be issued until a development permit and building permit, if required, have also been issued.

Cost of Moving Permit

Moving Permits cost $5.00

A deposit of $3,000.00 or 10% value of contract shall be deposited with the Town of Nipawin Prior to issuance of a Moving Permit and returned in accordance with the Building Bylaw.

Pre-Move inspection

Unless the building is new and has documentation showing the building complies with all applicable acts or regulations, a pre-move inspection is required. Click here for information on Pre-Move Inspections.