Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Community planning

Project and building permit

What types of projects DON'T require a building permit?

You don't need to obtain a development/building permit if the work involves:

  • Painting or insulation.
  • Changing doors or windows (provided that the new ones are installed in the same place and have the same dimensions).
  • Repairing or reinstalling interior finishings or replacing roof/exterior siding (except for new masonry work)

However, please note that specific National Building Code (NBC) standards may apply to certain types of work (e.g. insulation thickness), depending on the type of product used. For further information, please contact one of our building inspectors. However, in the Town of Caraquet, some types of work that do not require a building permit must be approved by the heritage preservation committee. Please contact the municipal administrative offices for further information.

What types of projects require a permit?

By definition, any type of work not included in the above list. Provincial Building Regulation 2002-45 or the building by-law in your municipality requires a permit for any construction, demolition, renovation, modification, installation, replacement or change of use. Here is a non-exhaustive list of projects requiring the issuance of a permit before work can begin:

  • Any new building or structure to be constructed or installed (dwelling, garage, greenhouse, shed, fence, etc.). For fences in local service districts (LSDs), a permit is not required.
  • Expanding a building or structure.
  • Renovations including structural modifications.
  • Porch (stoop) or patio: new structure or replacement of an existing structure.
  • Replacing windows or doors if the opening is enlarged.
  • Installing or modifying a sign (in municipalities only).
  • Change of use.
  • Changing an electrical panel.
  • Pool enclosures.
  • Foundations.
  • Demolishing buildings regulated by the National Building Code.
Is a permit needed for a swimming pool?

Yes, whether the pool is in-ground, above ground or inflated, it must have an enclosure, so a permit is required. Swimming pools are regulated across the province of New Brunswick; the regulations vary from one LSD and municipality to another. The enclosure permit is used to verify that your project meets minimum safety standards and is designed to protect your family from drowning.

Documents to be submitted together with the permit application

Can I draw up my own plans (blueprints) for my new home?

Yes, if you have the required skills and are familiar with the National Building Code. Although professional certification is not required, you are advised to contact a certified engineering technologist (C.E.T. or P.Tech.) to help you with your project. Under section 2.2.2 of the National Building Code, the inspector reserves the right to accept or reject your building plans. The plans for a new home or an extension of more than 50% must include the following:

  • The four elevations (front, rear, and sides) of the building or structure indicating the size, dimensions and list of materials to be used.
  • The projected use for each room or floor area.
  • Cross-sectional views of walls, foundations, storeys and details.
  • Structural details of the flooring.
  • Stairways (including handrails and fire escapes).
  • Any other plans/blueprints requested by the building inspector.
Why do I have to provide a copy of the tax bill or deed of transfer when submitting a permit application?

In order to identify the owner and the lot covered by the permit application. If the applicant is not the owner, an authorization (proxy) is required. All permit applications must include the address and the parcel identifier (PID) for the lot, which are indicated on the property tax notice.

What is the PID?

The PID designates the identification number for a given lot (it stands for "parcel identifier"). This eight-digit number is assigned to your property so it can be located on a map. The PID is found in the upper left-hand corner of the assessment and tax notice. A sample notice is provided below.

What is an implementation plan?

An implementation plan shows the position and dimensions of building structures in relation to the lot, as well as to any watercourses or wetlands. This plan includes the dimensions of the lot, the existing and proposed dimensions of the primary building structure (e.g. house) and any accessory structures (garage, shed, patio, etc.) and the distances of the building structures from the boundaries of the property and from any watercourses or wetlands. This plan is required for certain residential projects and is used to verify that the project is in compliance with the zoning by-law. The plan may be hand-drawn by the owner but the measurements must be exact.

Examples of plans

How much does a permit cost?

The cost depends on the estimated value of the work to be performed and on fees determined by regulation. This rate varies from one LSD or municipality to another. For further information, please consult the document entitled "Fees".

What is a site plan?

A detailed site plan shows the position and dimensions of the various building structures and developments in relation to the lot, as well as to any watercourses or wetlands. This plan also shows the use of the yard areas and includes the following:

  • Dimensions of the lot.
  • Dimensions of the existing and proposed building structures: primary building (house, business, industrial facility, etc.), other accessory buildings and structures (garage, shed, porch, etc.).
  • Distances of building structures from the property boundaries, as well as from any watercourses or wetlands.
  • Parking area, parking spaces, access lanes and traffic lanes, including proposed dimensions.
  • Loading/unloading areas, loading/unloading spaces, access lanes and traffic lanes, including proposed dimensions.
  • Buffer zone and landscaping details, if required under the zoning by-law.
  • Refuse storage area (dumpsters).
  • Fencing/enclosures.

Site plans are mainly required for multi-family residential projects, as well as for commercial and industrial projects; they may also be required for other projects. Site plans are used to verify that projects are in compliance with the zoning by-law and the National Building Code. The plan must be drawn to scale and the measurements must be exact.

Examples of plans

Why do I need a certificate of setback?

In LSDs, all work performed less than 30m (100’) from the right-of-way of a provincial road requires a certificate establishing the setback (issued by the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure). This certificate is required under the provincial setback regulation in order to prevent roadside obstruction and to ensure safety. A certificate application must be submitted by contacting the regional office of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Subdividing a lot

I would like to give portion of my lot to one of my children. How do I go about doing that?

For any modifications to lot boundaries, the services of a surveyor must be obtained. Feel free to come in and consult one of our agents for preliminary information on your project or you may choose to do business directly with the surveyor. Once the ground surveys have been completed, the surveyor will submit an official subdivision application for approval by our office, as required under New Brunswick's Community Planning Act. Once the final plan has been signed and approved, all you have to do is register it at the Service New Brunswick regional office for it to go into effect.

I have a big lot that I access via a right-of-way. I would like to subdivide the lot and sell it. Is that possible?

It is not possible to divide a lot that includes a right of way. Under the provincial subdivision regulation, all lots must be created on a public road or another access road regulated by a policy issued by the Commission (CSRPA). A right of way is not regarded as another access road by the CSRPA.

Should I have a lot surveyed if I want to sell it?

You only have to have a lot surveyed if you are selling or transferring a portion thereof. If you transfer or sell the entire lot, you are not required to have it surveyed under New Brunswick legislation. However, it is important to keep in mind that only a survey map and a surveyor can legally certify the lot's dimensions and locate the property boundaries.

Zoning – A question of use

What size of garage can I build on my lot?

Whenever building or property use is involved, the development officer must refer to the local community planning regulations. On the Acadian Peninsula, there are 14 municipalities, each of which has its own regulations, in addition to 11 LSDs governed by a rural plan (departmental regulations) and 24 LSDs governed exclusively by provincial regulations. Consequently, it is essential to accurately define the lot being used for the project and then refer to the applicable regulations.

What is a waiver?

A waiver is a reasonable adjustment to a regulation or an exemption from complying with one or more provisions of a zoning or subdivision by-law. This procedure is used to adapt a regulation to a particular situation. The adjustment application must meet various analytical criteria and must be reasonable and justified. A waiver cannot involve land use.

How can I file a complaint? Will my information be kept confidential?

A complaint can be filed at your municipal office or with the CSRPA's community planning department. A form must be filled out and must include the complainant's name and telephone number. The complainant's personal information is kept confidential. The rest of the complaint may be disclosed if necessary.

Can I install a trailer on my property?

Whenever building or property use is involved, the development officer must refer to the local community planning regulations. On the Acadian Peninsula, there are 14 municipalities, each of which has its own regulations, in addition to 11 LSDs governed by a rural plan (departmental regulations) and 24 LSDs governed exclusively by provincial regulations. Consequently, it is essential to accurately define the lot being used for the project and then refer to the applicable regulations.

Is a permit required to do auto bodywork and mechanical work in a residential garage?

Whenever building or property use is involved, the development officer must refer to the local community planning regulations. On the Acadian Peninsula, there are 14 municipalities, each of which has its own regulations, in addition to 11 LSDs governed by a rural plan (departmental regulations) and 24 LSDs governed exclusively by provincial regulations. Consequently, it is essential to accurately define the lot being used for the project and then refer to the applicable regulations.

Can I install a temporary winter shelter to store my firewood?

Whenever building or property use is involved, the development officer must refer to the local community planning regulations. On the Acadian Peninsula, there are 14 municipalities, each of which has its own regulations, in addition to 11 LSDs governed by a rural plan (departmental regulations) and 24 LSDs governed exclusively by provincial regulations. Consequently, it is essential to accurately define the lot being used for the project and then refer to the applicable regulations.

Sorry, that question does not fall within the jurisdiction of our department!

Who is the owner of a given property?

The Service New Brunswick regional office is the place to go for information on property titles (deeds) and property taxes. All information on record is public, so all you have to do is submit an application. This service is also available online using the "Planet" system (available by subscription only).

I inherited a lot from my mother and I'd like to know where it's located. Can you help me?

The Service New Brunswick regional office is the place to go for information on property titles (deeds) and property taxes. All information on record is public, so all you have to do is submit an application. This service is also available online using the "Planet" system (available by subscription only).

Will my property tax bill go up if I build a garage? Or if I renovate my home? Or if I change my porch?

The Service New Brunswick regional office is the place to go for information on property titles (deeds) and property taxes. All information on record is public, so all you have to do is submit an application. This service is also available online using the "Planet" systems (subscription only).

Can I find out the dimensions of my lot?

A surveyor is the appropriate person to answer this question.

Do I need a permit to construct an access (bridge/culvert) leading to my property?

This is a local authority responsibility. If you are in a municipality, please contact the municipal administrative office. If you live in an LSD, please contact the regional office of the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

If I want to calculate the distance separating my house from the road, what point do I start measuring from?

A surveyor is the appropriate person to answer this question.

Can someone move or remove the surveying post/marker indicating the boundary of my lot?

A surveyor is the appropriate person to answer this question.

FAQ - Solid waste

Regular waste

What is the waste collection schedule?

Regular waste is picked up every two weeks, on an alternating basis with recyclable materials. To access the pickup schedule and find out the specific dates for your region, please click here.

What kind of bin should I use for waste?

Waste bins must meet certain criteria. They must be wheeled and must be made out of galvanized metal or plastic; they must have handles and a cover and cannot weight more than 50 pounds.

Can I use plastic bags?

You are required to use a waste bin. Plastic bags left beside a garbage can will not be collected during the regular waste pickup.

What should I do with surplus waste?

Using a second waste bin is permitted for regular waste collection. If the waste you have won't fit in your two bins and if you have storage space at home, simply store the surplus waste until the next scheduled pickup.
You can also bring your waste to the waste processing centre, where it will be accepted. Depending on the amount you bring, a fee may be charged.

Who should I contact if my waste bins weren't emptied?

If you notice any oversight, please call the waste processing centre immediately at (506) 394-4166.

How can I avoid or eliminate odours from my waste bins?

In warm weather, your bins may produce unpleasant odours. If you adopt the following practices, bin odours can be avoided or eliminated.

  • Wrap up your food waste
    Use plastic bags for table scraps and for any packaging containing meat, fish and seafood. Also use plastic bags for diapers, sanitary napkins and excrement. Animal waste attracts flies. When you wrap up waste in plastic bags, you are in effect forming a barrier that prevents flies from getting in and laying their eggs.
  • Empty your bins on each pickup day
    Even if your bins don't contain much waste, put them out on the roadside for pickup. Waste that remains in bins for long periods is more likely to produce unpleasant odours and attract flies.
  • Place your bins out of the direct sun.
    Place your bins in a shaded area. Heat speeds up decomposition and intensifies odours.
  • Keep bins securely covered.
    Close bins quickly to prevent flies from getting in.
  • Clean your bins.
    Once your bins have been emptied, let the inside dry out completely. Then clean them with bleach or soap and sprinkle bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) on the bottom.
How do I get rid of bulky items?

Furniture, mattresses and other bulky items that used to be picked up during special weeks are now picked up upon request (collection date is provided when request is made).

*These items will not be picked up from December to March.

  • A limit of three bulky item per residence, per collection applies to this pickup.
  • Bulk waste and glass must be placed in a box.
  • Branches and pieces of wood must not exceed 1.20 m (4 ft.) in length and must be bundled up.
  • The maximum weight per item is 24 kg or 50 lbs.
  • White goods and metal will also be picked up upon request.

If you need to get rid of multiple bulky items, you can do so by bringing them to the waste processing centre.

How can I get rid of "white goods"?

White goods include items such as:

  • Barbecues.
  • Air conditioners.
  • Freezers.
  • Stoves/ovens.
  • Fans.
  • Dishwashers.
  • Washers/driers.
  • Microwaves.
  • Fridges.

Since white goods and metal must be compacted, they will be picked up upon request. Please call (506) 394-4166 to book this service. Please note that pickup of white goods is suspended from December to March. If you would like to get rid of these items during the winter months, you can do so without charge by bringing them to the waste processing centre.

Recycling

What is the recycling pickup schedule?

Recyclable materials, placed in blue bins, are collected every two weeks, on an alternating basis with regular waste pickups. To access the schedule and find out the specific dates for your region, please click here.

What type of recycling bin should I use?

Blue bins must meet certain criteria. They must be wheeled and must be the same size as the blue bins provided by the CSRPA or smaller. They must have a minimum capacity of 240 litres; they must also have handles and a cover and must be hoistable by a mechanical or automated arm.

My bin is damaged. Who should I contact?

You are responsible for maintaining your bin in good condition. If it was damaged during pickup, please call the waste processing centre at (506) 394-4166 for information on your available options.

My bin wasn't emptied. Who should I contact?

If you notice any oversight, please call the waste processing centre immediately at (506) 394-4166.
It is also possible that the bin was not emptied if the employee thought there was a contamination risk, e.g. if there were non-recyclable waste materials in the bin as well.

How can I get rid of surplus recyclable materials?

If your recyclable materials won't fit in your bin and you have storage space at home, simply store the surplus until the next pickup. Otherwise, you can get rid of surplus recyclables by bringing them to the waste processing centre, where they will be accepted without charge.
As a last resort, place your recyclable materials in your regular waste bins. That way, they will be picked up along with the regular waste.
To reduce the volume of recyclable materials and to maximize your bin space, you are advised to flatten out any cardboard boxes, including juice and milk containers.

I'm moving. Should I bring my recycling bin with me?

Please don't bring it with you; simply leave it where it is for the next resident/occupant. The bins belong to the CSRPA and must remain at the assigned municipal/street address. A bin will be available at your new residence since the previous resident/occupant should have left one there for you.

I am the owner of a new residential building. Who should I contact to obtain a recycling bin?

Blue bins re provided without charge by the CSRPA. Please contact the waste processing centre to request one. However, you are responsible for going to the waste processing centre to pick up your bin.

What types of residences/buildings do not have recycling bins provided?

Recycling bins are not provided to owners of cottages, apartments and businesses.

Where can I obtain recycling bins?

Owners of multi-family dwellings (e.g. apartment blocks) and cottages can purchase recycling bins at most hardware stores. The bins must meet certain criteria. They must be blue and wheeled; they must be the same size as the bins provided by the CSRPA or smaller; they must have a minimum capacity of 240 litres; they must have handles and must be hoistable by a mechanical or automated arm.

I own a cottage. Will recyclable materials be picked up there?

Recyclable materials should be picked up as well if regular waste is usually picked up at seasonal residences during the summer period.
As soon as you arrive at the cottage, call the waste processing centre to see whether the service is available in your region. Otherwise, please make the necessary arrangements to have the bin emptied during your stay. Please note that cottage owners must pay for their own bins.