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Planning and Engineering Services

Core Functions

Long Range Planning
The Department carries out Long Range Planning to ensure that the Town develops in an orderly and efficient manner. This is done mainly through the policies contained in the Municipal Planning Strategy. This document contains policies regarding residential development, commercial and industrial development as well recreation, the environment, open space and municipal infrastructure.

Development Control
This function ensures that all development within the town occurs in accordance with the above mentioned polices. This is done through the issuance (or non-issuance) of a Development and Building Permit as well as through the subdivision approval process. Development permits are required for all new construction or change of use of a building. Development control also includes enforcing the National Building Code through the issuance of a Building Permit.

Our staff also enforce the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises section of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The goal here is to ensure that all buildings and property within the town are safe and conform to a minimum standard of 'aesthetic appeal'.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS is a system of computer software, hardware and data used to manipulate, analyze and present information that is tied to a specific place on earth. GIS combines layers of information about a place to give you a better understanding of that place. The Department utilizes GIS to perform mapping and complex analysis in order to make informed decisions on various topics and projects for all town departments. We also use GIS to work with developers or potential new industries interested in doing business within the town. Information we have include roads, building footprints, properties, civic numbers, land / building use, water and sewer lines, fire hydrants, land use zones, hydrology, soil classes and much more.

Provide Services To Other Municipal Units
The Department currently provides Land Range Planning services to the Towns of Oxford, Springhill and Parrsboro on a contractual basis. In addition we provide Development Control services to Oxford and Parrsboro. Finally, we provide varying levels of GIS support to each Town as well.

Other Specific Services
In relation or addition to the above core services, the Department also provides the following specific services:

• issue civic numbers and maintain the town's civic number database;
• issue road names;
• enforce solid waste bylaw;
• enforce minimum housing and maintenace standards bylaw;
• maintain street lights
• process all applications to amend the MPS, LUB and SUB;
• collect water samples at various locations on the town's water distribution system;
• raise flags at town hall;
• issue sign permits;
• create promotional material for Web site;
• provide support to other town departments where appropriate;
• provide maps and information to other town departments and government agencies such as CREDA;

Planning & Development Directory