Building and Development Permits

A Development Permit is required before the installation of a fence in the City of Moncton. If the fence will be used to enclose a swimming pool or a swim spa able to contain more than 1 metre of water, refer to the section on “Swimming Pool, Swim Spa and Swimming Pool Enclosure”.

The fence project is subject to Section 40 of the City of Moncton Zoning By-law. Easements registered on the property and protected watercourses/wetlands also need to be considered when planning the project.

Common Questions: 

• How high can I build my fence? Fences in a residential zone can be up to 1 metre in height in the required front yard and up to 2 metres in height in the side yard, flankage yard and rear yard.
• How far do I need to keep my fence from my property line? The Zoning By-law does not outline a minimum set-back requirement for a fence. However, the fence must be entirely within the property.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project has a registered easement? For a utility easement, contact NB Power at 1.800.663.6272 to request a consent letter for permission to install a fence within the easement. For a municipal easement, contact the City of Moncton Design and Construction Department at 506.853.3525.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project is protected by the Department of Environment? If the property requested is protected by the Department of Environment, residents must contact them for additional information by phoning 506.856.2374 as a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) may be required.

For the Development Permit submittal, please include:

• A completed Development Permit application form
• A site plan sketch with the following information (a typical site sketch can be downloaded for use here):
  • the property lines;
  • the buildings on the property;
  • the proposed fence location;
  • the proposed fence height(s);
  • the proposed fence length(s);
  • the proposed fence material(s);
  • a note stating that the fence will not be used to enclose a swimming pool or a swim spa able to contain more than 1 metre of water (if so, refer to the section on Pool and/or Pool Enclosure).
• An easement consent letter if the fence is proposed in a registered easement
• A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) if the fence is proposed in a protected watercourse or wetland buffer.

The Development Permit application (and required documentation) can be submitted in-person (2nd floor at 655 Main Street, Moncton), by mail, or by email at info.plans [at] moncton.ca (info[dot]plans[at]moncton[dot]ca).

The following fees apply for Development Permits:

• Development Permit fee for a project on a property of a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $43
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property other than a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $58 to $764 based on the value of the project

A Development Permit is required in the City of Moncton before the installation of a swimming pool or a swim spa that is able to contain more than 1 metre of water. The swimming pool enclosure would also be included in same Development Permit.

Swimming pools, swim spas, and swimming pool enclosures are subject to Section 41 of the City of Moncton Zoning By-law. Easements registered on the property and protected water courses/wetlands also need to be considered when planning the project.

Residents can also refer to the brochure on swimming pools, swim spas, and pool enclosures for additional information.

Common Questions

• Where can I install my pool on my property? A swimming pool or a swim spa is permitted in the side or rear yard.
• What is a swimming pool enclosure? The swimming pool enclosure is a barrier designed to be sturdy, impede climbing, and fully enclose a swimming pool or swim spa if it is able to contain more than 1 metre of water. This can be achieved with a fence, the walls of the house, the walls of other buildings on the lot or incorporated with a deck.
• How does the swimming pool enclosure need to be built? Requirements for the enclosures around swimming pools are outlined in Section 41(2) of the Zoning By-law. The swimming pool enclosure must: completely enclose the entire swimming pool, be a minimum of 1.5 metres in height, be at least 1.2 metres from the edge of the swimming pool, have no greater opening than 100 millimeters, have horizontal rails placed less than 1.05 metres apart, and if the enclosure is a chain linked fence, have diamond mesh no greater than 50 millimeters.
• Can the swimming pool be installed before the pool enclosure is completed? Yes, subject to the Section 41(4) of the City of Moncton Zoning By-law.
• What is the maximum height of a fence and where can it be installed on my property? Fences in a residential zone can be up to 1 metre in height in the required front yard and up to 2 metres in height in the side yard, flankage yard and rear yard.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project has a registered easement? The swimming pool or swim spa is usually not permitted to be installed within a registered easement but a fence may be able to receive approval. For a utility easement, contact NB Power at 1.800.663.6272 to request a consent letter for permission to install a fence within the easement. For a municipal easement, contact the City of Moncton Design and Construction Department at 506.853.3525.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project is protected by the Department of Environment? Contact the Provincial Department of Environment for more information. A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) may be required (506-856-2374).

For the Development Permit submittal, please include:

• A completed Development Permit application form
• A site plan sketch with the following information (a typical site sketch can be downloaded for use):
  • the property lines;
  • the buildings on the property;
  • the proposed swimming pool or swim spa location;
  • the proposed swimming pool enclosure location;
  • the dimensions between the edge of the swimming pool/swim spa and the enclosure;
  • any proposed fences with its height(s), length(s) and material(s);
  • any proposed gates within the enclosure;
• A document to demonstrate that the proposed swimming pool enclosure will comply with Section 41 of the City of Moncton Zoning By-law. This can be done by adding notes to the site plan sketch, providing a sketch with notes or providing a picture with notes.
• An easement consent letter if the project is proposed in a registered easement
• A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) if the project is proposed in a protected watercourse or wetland buffer.

The Development Permit application (and required documentation) can be submitted in-person (2nd floor at 655 Main Street, Moncton), by mail, or by email at info.plans [at] moncton.ca (info[dot]plans[at]moncton[dot]ca).

The following fees apply for Development Permits:

• Development Permit fee for a project on a property of a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $43
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property other than a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $58 to $764 based on the value of the project

A Development Permit is required before building, placing, or modifying an accessory building of 55 m2 (592 ft2) or less in floor area in the City of Moncton.
 
An accessory building is defined as a building located on the same lot as the main building to which it is accessory, and which has a use that is naturally or customarily incidental or complementary to the main use of the land or building but does not include a building designed for public congregation.

Examples of an accessory building could be a shed, a detached garage, or a stand-alone gazebo. 

A deck built separately from the main building could be considered an accessory structure and would follow the same requirements as an accessory building. The deck project can be considered an accessory structure if:

• it is not attached to the main building;
• it does not form part of an access to a door of the main building; or
• it is not intended for public congregation (e.g., restaurant patios).

An accessory building is subject to Part 3 of the City of Moncton Zoning By-law. Easements registered on the property and protected watercourses/wetlands also need to be considered when planning the project.

Common Questions:

• How many accessory buildings can I have on the property? Up to three accessory buildings could be permitted on a lot in a residential zone or UR zone (verify the maximum size detailed below).
• What is the maximum size for an accessory building? The total ground floor area of accessory buildings can occupy up to 12% of the lot area; however, the ground floor area of each accessory building shall not exceed:
  • 85 m2 for single unit dwellings or compact dwellings
  • 56 m2 per dwelling for two-unit dwellings, three-unit dwellings and semi-detached dwellings
  • 26 m2 per dwelling unit for multiple unit dwellings
• Where can I place an accessory building on my property?
  • Front yard: The structure is not permitted past the front façade of the main building.
  • Flankage yard (for corner lots): The structure would need to be placed outside of the required flankage yard established for the zone.
  • Side yard of single unit dwelling: The structure would need to be placed outside of the required side yard established for the zone.
  • Side yard of a two-unit dwelling or semi-detached dwelling: The structure’s walls would need to be a minimum of 1.5 metres from the main building and a minimum of 1 metre from the property limits.
  • Rear yard: A minimum of 1 metre is required between the structure’s walls and the side/rear property limits.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project has a registered easement? For a utility easement, contact NB Power at 1.800.663.6272 to request a consent letter for permission to install a fence within the easement. For a municipal easement, contact the City of Moncton Design and Construction Department at 506.853.3525.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project is protected by the Department of Environment? If the property requested is protected by the Department of Environment, residents must contact them for additional information by phoning 506.856.2374 as a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) may be required.
   

For the Development Permit submittal, please include:

• A completed Development Permit application form
• A site plan sketch with the following information (a typical site plan sketch can be downloaded for use):
  • the property lines;
  • all the buildings on the property;
  • the size of any existing accessory buildings;
  • the proposed accessory building with its width and length dimensions;
  • the dimensions between the accessory building and the surrounding property lines;
  • the dimension between the accessory building and the main building;
  • a note indicating the proposed accessory building’s wall height (between the ground and the underside of the eaves)
  • a note indicating the proposed accessory building’s total height (between the ground and the roof peak).
• An easement consent letter if the project is proposed in a registered easement
• A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) if the project is proposed in a protected watercourse or wetland buffer.

The Development Permit application (and required documentation) can be submitted in-person (2nd floor at 655 Main Street, Moncton), by mail, or by email at info.plans [at] moncton.ca (info[dot]plans[at]moncton[dot]ca).

The following fees apply for a Building and Development Permit:

• Development Permit fee for a project on a property of a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $43
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property other than a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $58 to $764 based on the value of the project

A Building and Development Permit is required before building, placing, or modifying an accessory building of more than 55 m2 (592 ft2) in floor area in the City of Moncton.
 
An accessory building is defined as a building located on the same lot as the main building to which it is accessory, and which has a use that is naturally or customarily incidental or complementary to the main use of the land or building but does not include a building designed for public congregation.

An example of an accessory building of this size would be a detached garage.

An accessory building is subject to the 2020 National Building Code of Canada and Part 3 of City of Moncton Zoning By-law. Easements registered on the property and protected watercourses/wetlands also need to be considered when planning the project.

Common Questions:

• Can the garage be supported by a slab-on-grade? The National Building Code of Canada requires frost walls to support accessory buildings greater than 55 m2 in area or accessory buildings with more than 1 storey. Our office considers a bonus room within the attic space as being a storey. If a slab-on-grade is proposed instead of frost walls, the slab shall be designed by a Structural Engineer licensed to practice in New Brunswick.
• How many accessory buildings can I have on the property? Up to three accessory buildings could be permitted on a lot in a residential zone or UR zone (verify the maximum size detailed below).
• What is the maximum size for an accessory building? The total ground floor area of accessory buildings can occupy up to 12% of the lot area; however, the ground floor area of each accessory building shall not exceed:
  • 85 m2 for single unit dwellings or compact dwellings
  • 56 m2 per dwelling for two-unit dwellings, three-unit dwellings and semi-detached dwellings
  • 26 m2 per dwelling unit for multiple unit dwellings
• Where can I place an accessory building on my property?
  • Front yard: the structure is not permitted past the front façade of the main building
  • Flankage yard (for corner lots): the structure would need to be placed outside of the required flankage yard established for the zone
  • Side yard of single unit dwelling: the structure would need to be placed outside of the required side yard established for the zone
  • Side yard of a two-unit dwelling or semi-detached dwelling: the structure’s walls would need to be a minimum of 1.5 metres from the main building and a minimum of 1 metre from the property limits
  • Rear yard: a minimum of 1 metre is required between the structure’s walls and the side/rear property limits
• What needs to be done if the area of my project has a registered easement? For a utility easement, contact NB Power at 1.800.663.6272 to request a consent letter for permission to install a fence within the easement. For a municipal easement, contact the City of Moncton Design and Construction Department at 506.853.3525.
• What needs to be done if the area of my project is protected by the Department of Environment? If the property requested is protected by the Department of Environment, residents must contact them for additional information by phoning 506.856.2374 as a Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) may be required.

For the Building and Development Permit submittal, please include:

• A completed Building and Development Permit application form
• A site plan sketch with the following information (a typical site plan sketch can be downloaded for use):
  • the property lines;
  • all the buildings on the property;
  • the size of any existing accessory buildings;
  • the proposed accessory building with its width and length dimensions;
  • the dimensions between the accessory building and the surrounding property lines;
  • the dimension between the accessory building and the main building;
• Construction drawings for the proposed accessory building (a typical detached garage sketch can be downloaded for use)
• Documents stamped by a Structural Engineer licensed to practice in New Brunswick for:
  • a concrete slab, if the accessory building will be supported on a concrete slab without frost walls
  • the truss package, if pre-manufactured trusses will be used and are different than standard trusses (such as scissor trusses or trusses allowing for a bonus room)
  • any other structural design not found in Part 9 of the 2015 National Building Code of Canada
• An easement consent letter if the project is proposed in a registered easement
• A Watercourse and Wetland Alteration Permit (WAWA) if the project is proposed in a protected watercourse or wetland buffer.

The Development Permit application (and required documentation) can be submitted in-person (2nd floor at 655 Main Street, Moncton), by mail, or by email at info.plans [at] moncton.ca (info[dot]plans[at]moncton[dot]ca).

The fees are based on the estimated cost of the project. Our department will calculate the estimated cost of the project by using $25 per square foot of the garage.

The following fees apply for a Building and Development Permit:

• Building Permit fee: $8 for each $1,000 of the project cost (a minimum of $25)
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property of a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $43
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property other than a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $58 to $764 based on the value of the project

A Building and Development Permit is required for the replacement, construction or modification of an exterior deck and stairs in the City of Moncton when:

• it is attached to the main building,
• it forms part of an access to a door of the main building, or
• it is intended for public congregation (e.g., restaurant patios).

If the deck project does not meet the criteria listed above, the Permit will be processed as an accessory structure. If this is the case for your project, please contact info.inspection [at] moncton.ca (info[dot]plans[at]moncton[dot]ca) for more information.

The deck project is subject to the 2020 National Building Code Canada and to the City of Moncton Zoning By-law. Easements registered on the property and protected watercourses/wetlands also need to be considered when planning the project.

Common Questions

• How far do I need to keep the deck from my property lines (for a single or two unit dwelling)? The deck is subject to the same setbacks as the dwelling as outlined in Table 12.3 of the By-Law #Z-222: City of Moncton Zoning By-law with the exceptions listed in Section 113 (Permitted Encroachments). This allows the deck to encroach 2 metres in the required front yard, the required rear yard and the required flankage yard.
  • Example:The R2 zone has a required rear yard of 5 metres for the dwelling. With the 2 metre permitted encroachment, the distance between the back deck and the rear property line has to be at least 3 metres.
• How can I properly design the construction of the deck? The National Building Code of Canada is available through the National Research Council’s website. The information pertinent to deck construction is found in different areas of the Code including its lumber span tables. To assist with planning of the deck construction, some information can be found on the City’s typical deck sketches: typical attached deck sketch or typical detached deck sketch.
• Why was I asked to get a Structural Engineer to design the deck construction? Certain scenarios would necessitate the deck construction drawing to be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in New Brunswick. The scenarios below are examples:
  • The deck will be subjected to more weight than the standard designs of the National Building Code (e.g., supporting a hot tub).
  • A structural aspect of the deck does not meet the prescriptive requirements outlined in the National Building Code (e.g., the end of a beam is supported on a hanger instead of by a column).
  • Most decks for a commercial building or used for public congregation.

For the Building and Development Permit submittal, please include:

• A completed Building and Development Permit application form.
• A site plan sketch (a typical site sketch can be downloaded for use) with the following information:
  • the property lines;
  • the buildings on the property;
  • the proposed deck location;
  • the proposed distances between the deck and the surrounding property lines.
• A detailed sketch showing the proposed deck construction (a typical attached deck sketch or a typical detached deck sketch can be downloaded for use).
• If used for foundation support, the engineering document from the helical pile company.
   

For certain projects, other documents may be requested to demonstrate compliance with the National Building Code. Below are some examples:

• Construction drawings for a structure included with the deck (e.g., roof, gazebo).
• Construction drawings stamped by a Structural Engineer for a portion of the project that does not meet the prescriptive requirements of the Building Code (e.g., deck that will support a hot tub).
• Construction drawings stamped by a Structural Engineer for a deck that will be used for public congregation (e.g., restaurant patio).

The Building and Development Permit application (and required documentation) can be submitted in-person (2nd floor at 655 Main Street, Moncton), by mail, or by email at info.plans [at] moncton.ca (info[dot]plans[at]moncton[dot]ca).

The fees are based on the estimated cost of the project. Our department will calculate the estimated cost of the project by using:

• $15 per square foot of the deck
• $20 per square foot of the deck when the project is a deck with a roof

The following fees apply for a Building and Development Permit:

• Building Permit fee: $8 for each $1,000 of the project cost (a minimum of $25)
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property of a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $43
• Development Permit fee for a project on a property other than a single, two-unit or semi-detached dwelling: $58 to $764 based on the value of the project