Municipal Services

Organics & Residuals

Created: Tuesday, 28 April 2015 10:40

Organics

In order to reduce waste costs while helping the environment, many Nova Scotians have embraced the goals of the Province's Solid Waste-Resource Management Strategy, to reduce the quantity of waste requiring disposal by 50%. By composting, organic waste is turned into a product that enriches and enhances our soil. In the process, new jobs are created and new business opportunities are realized. In this way, everyone in the Province has the possibility of turning a problem into an opportunity.

Compostable organic material includes:

  • Food waste (including meat, fish, bones and dairy products);
  • Leaf and yard waste; and
  • Non-recyclable paper products.

The following benefits are realized by keeping these valuable materials out of disposal sites:

  • Fewer and safer disposal sites;
  • Leachate reduction (landfill run-off);
  • Methane reduction (a global warming gas);
  • Job creation; and
  • A product to enhance soil (for the growth of stronger, healthier plants)

Place the following items in your organics green cart

  • Food Waste
  • Fruit & vegetable peelings
  • Table Scraps
  • Meat
  • Dairy Products
  • Cooking Oil & Fat (cool, wipe with paper towel, place in green cart)
  • Bread
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Bones
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Filters
  • Tea Bags
  • Eggshells
  • Fish

Yard Waste

  • Excess leaves
  • Brush
  • Plants Soiled

Soiled Paper

  • Cereal Boxes (remove inner liner)
  • Shoe Boxes
  • Cracker & Cookie Boxes
  • Paper Towel Rolls
  • Food Napkins
  • Paper Towels
  • Tissue Boxes (remove plastic) and Soiled Paper
  • paper, sugar
  • flour & potato bags
  • Heavily soiled Pizza boxes
  • Waxed paper

Other

  • Cold stove ashes

Not for Organic Bins

  • No plastic bags (including biodegradable)
  • No glass
  • No decorations or wire wreaths
  • No metals

Residuals (Clear or Black Bags)

  • Styrofoam
  • Cigarette butts
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Broken glass (wrapped)
  • Carbon paper
  • Ceramics
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Diapers, disposable
  • plastic dishes and cutlery
  • Floor sweepings
  • Frozen juice cans
  • Latex gloves
  • Light bulbs
  • Small appliances
  • Packaging, non-recyclable
  • Pet/animal waste
  • Cereal box liner
  • Dryer sheets/lint
  • Potato chip bags
  • Toothpaste tubes
  • Toys, broken
  • Vacuum cleaner bags
  • Wallpaper
  • Motor oil containers
  • alkaline batteries
  • Gift wrap and cards
  • Aluminum foil, soiled
  • Paint cans empty and dry

Certain electronics are not accepted for curbside collection, including TVs, computers, monitors, printers, telephones, fax machines, cell phones and audio/video playback systems. Visit the Electronics Recycling page to learn how to properly dispose of these items.

Building/Demolition Permits

Created: Tuesday, 28 April 2015 10:39

Who needs a permit?

A building permit is required for all types of construction: building, renovating, demolishing or relocating.

What is the first step?

Call or visit the Building Inspector’s Office ahead of time to find out if the project is permitted and what the requirements are prior to development.

We are open from Monday – Friday, between 8:30, am and 4:30 pm. For information phone (902) 637-2015 or by email at

What do I potentially need before I apply?

  • Approval from the Department of Environment for the on-site sewage system
  • Driveway permit from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
  • Easement from NS Power for electrical connection.
  • Set of building plans with details on foundation, footings, columns, carrying beams, floor joists, bearing walls and roof trusses/rafters
  • Diagram with setbacks and distances from any adjacent properties, other structures on the lot and street lines
  • Review our Land Use By-Laws to ensure that your development is appropriate in the zone.

How do I get approved?

After your application is completed and all of the above-required information and approvals are submitted, it will be reviewed by the appropriate staff to make sure that your proposed project complies with land use and the Building Code.

When will my permit be issued?

When all of the required approvals and plans are submitted to the Building Inspection Department, your permit will be reviewed and approved, if found satisfactory. Your permit will expire after one year from the date the permit was issued and may be renewed for another year at no charge.

When do I need an inspection?

Provincial Building Code Regulations require a total of six (6) mandatory inspections. It is your responsibility to notify the Building Inspection Department that you are ready for the appropriate inspection, 24 hours in advance.
The Building Inspector will inspect during the following stages of construction:

  1. When footings are in place.
    • a) When the foundation is in place and before the backfilling has taken place.
    • b) Underground plumbing.
  3. Under slab inspection.
  4. When the framing, roof, plumbing and mechanical are in place but exposed for inspection.
  5. When the insulation and vapour barrier has been installed and remains exposed for inspection.
  6. Before occupancy of the building.

Before you move into the new building you are required to call the Building Inspection Department for an occupancy inspection to ensure that all work completed complies with the Building Code and no unsafe conditions exist. This is mandatory!

What is a Building and/or Development Permit required for?

  • New building construction
  • Structural change
  • Building demolition
  • Building relocation
  • Change of use
  • All sheds, garages, and accessory structures
  • Decks and stairs
  • Roof enclosure over an existing or new deck
  • Alterations/Renovations valued over $5,000

Note: Any work not included in the approved Building Permit such as decks or finished basements will require a separate permit.

What is a Building and/or Development Permit NOT required for?

  • Fences
  • Cosmetic repairs such as painting
  • Change of occupant with the same use
  • Replacing doors and windows in existing openings; unless the structure is altered
  • Replacing roofing; unless the structure is altered
  • Non-structural work value less than $5000

Note: It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain required permits prior to starting construction.

What should you bring when obtaining a permit?

  • Complete set of building plans/construction drawings
  • Value of construction
  • Permit fee
  • Names of the contractors, general contractors, licensed plumber, licensed electrician, mason, etc.
  • Site plan with dimensions from building(s) to property lines

Note: It is the responsibility of the owner and the contractor to ensure all work carried out is in accordance with the Building Code and the Land Use By-Law even if a permit is not required

During what stages of construction are inspections required?

  • Sewer connections before filling in the trench
  • Footings before pouring foundation walls.
  • Before backfilling the foundation.
  • Framing, roof tight, rough plumbing, and mechanical
  • Insulation/Vapour Barrier before covering interior walls and ceilings.
  • Final Inspection prior to any use or occupancy of a building.

Note: An occupancy permit is required prior to occupancy of the building.

What are the building and development permit fees?

  • Residential, Community Centers and Churches: $20.00 plus $0.10/sq. ft.
  • Sheds, Garages, Barns and Farm Buildings: $20.00 plus $0.05/sq. ft.
  • Other non-residential uses, such as Commercial and Industrial Buildings: $20.00 plus $0.15/sq. ft.
  • Alterations and Repairs (Residential): $20.00 plus $1.00 per $1000 of estimated value
  • Alterations and Repairs (Non residential) : $20.00 plus $1.50 per $1000 of estimated value
  • Mobile Homes - $25.00
  • Demolition Permit: $20.00
  • Development Permit: $20.00

What are the drawing requirements for new buildings/additions?

One complete set of construction drawings is required. These drawings must be drawn to scale and should include the following:

Site Plan

Showing property and building dimensions and distances to property lines.

Structural Drawings

Showing foundation plan (type, size & dimensions), floor plans, columns, bearing walls, stairs, ramps, roof plan and structural details.

Building Elevations

Showing exterior finishes (all views), finished grade level, windows, doors, chimneys, stairs, etc.

Floor Plans

Showing all room dimensions, wall types, window and door schedules and room finish schedules.

Sections

Showing building and wall sections (all construction materials), grade level, floor heights, and stair sections.

Building Application

Created: Tuesday, 28 April 2015 10:39

All applications can be picked up at the Building Inspection Office located in the Municipal Building.

Building Permit Application Requirements

An application for a Building Permit including Building, Additions, Repairs, Alterations, or Improvements must be accompanied by all of the following information. It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the owner/builder to ensure that all construction complies with the requirements of the Provincial Building Code. If submitted building plans do not contain adequate information to enable staff to thoroughly access your project, revisions and/or additional information may be required before a Building Permit will be issued.

Demolition Permit Application Requirements

An application for a Demolition Permit includes any building or structure that is going to be removed or demolished from a property. It is the responsibility of the owner/contractor to ensure that the site is left in a safe condition and all debris has been removed from the site and properly disposed of. All demolition must meet the requirements of the Provincial Building Code.
Please note that incomplete applications will not be approved.
Complete Application Checklist. In order to avoid delays in receiving your Permit please ensure that your application contains all the following information:

  • Completed Building /Demolition Permit Application Form in triplicate
  • Payment payable to Municipality of Barrington to cover the cost of the permit fee;
  • One (1) copy of the site plan; if applicable
  • One (1) set of Building Plans;
  • Approvals from Nova Scotia Environment and/or Transportation and Infrastructure and Renewal (if applicable)

Fire Inspection

Created: Tuesday, 28 April 2015 10:39

During an inspection, the Fire Inspector evaluates a building or structure and determines what measures are necessary to meet a reasonable level of life safety. A Fire Safety Inspection program is vital to our community. We ask you to assist our department in achieving the highest level of fire and life safety in our area.

Our fire inspectors identify unsafe conditions or deficiencies in buildings and structures related to current bylaws, codes and standards. These unsafe conditions include but are not limited to, obstructed exits, inoperative fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and improper storage.

An inspection should inspire property and business owners to take action to reduce fire hazards. The Fire Inspector also educates owners and building occupants regarding the importance of fire safety.

For more information or to arrange for a fire inspection, please contact the Inspection Department at 902-637-2015.

Building Inspection

Created: Tuesday, 28 April 2015 10:39

Building Officials conduct inspections at various stages of construction.

Building Officials can also assist you with the completion of your Building Permit Application. The Building Inspection Department provides for the health, safety, fire and structural integrity of buildings and structures through the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, Building Bylaws and The Provincial Municipal Government Act.

The Building Inspection Department is responsible for the regulation of construction, alteration, and repair or demolition of buildings and structures within the Municipality. All Bylaws are enforced for the protection of residents and businesses.

Land use planning, subdivision and zoning are also administered by the Municipality of Barrington.

You should always inquire with the Inspection Department before any type of construction begins. All construction minor or other must meet the requirements of the National Building Code.