Department of Natural Resources Wharf, Skidways, Boat Ramp: Permit / Special Permit
Department of Natural Resources

Wharf, Skidways, Boat Ramp: Permit - Submerged Crown Land (Excluding Bodies of Fresh Water)
Who Needs This Permit?
Anyone who wants to build or extend or enlarge a wharf, skidway or boat ramp on submerged Crown land in Nova Scotia (excluding bodies of fresh water).
Issuing Department / Agency:
N.S. Department of Natural Resources, Regional Services
Where can you get this Permit and / or further information?
Central Regional Office (Truro)
Regional Director
NS Department of Natural Resources
664 Prince St.
(Arlington St. entrance)
Truro, NS  B2N 1G6

Tel: 902-893-6350
Fax: 902-893-5613

 Western Regional Office (Lunenburg)
Regional Director
N.S. Department of Natural Resources
300 Green Street
Lunenburg, NS B0J 2C0

Tel: 902-634-7557
Fax: 902-634-7577

Eastern Regional Office (Coxheath, Cape Breton)
Regional Director
NS Department of Natural Resources
300 Mountain Road
Sydney, NS B1L 1A9

Tel: 902-563-3370
Fax: 902-567-2535

OR

Any of the Local or Area Offices of the NS Department of Natural Resources. (See Offices, NS Department of Natural Resources.)

Application Forms & Process:
An application form for these sorts of permanent structures on submerged Crown land (excluding bodies of fresh water) can be obtained from any Local or Area Office of the NS Department of Natural Resources.

The applicant must provide a plan or a sketch showing location and property boundaries, and where the structure is to be constructed in relation to those boundaries.

When the application is completed, it is submitted to the same office, along with the appropriate fees.

The applicant may also require other documents depending upon the nature of the work; these are listed below under Related Requirements.

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the applicant will be notified by staff.
Waiting Period:
80 business days (3.5 months)
Expiry & Renewal:
This permit is valid for a specified time up to 3 years or for 1 year with automatic annual renewals (unless revoked or cancelled).
Price: 

Initial Application and Annual Renewal:  $62.26 plus applicable tax (HST) *

*All fees are subject to change.

Related Requirements:
  1. Environmental Assessment Approval, Nova Scotia Environment;

  2. Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada), fish habitat considerations, etc.;

  3. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, (Coast Guard): Approval or exemption under the Navigable Waters Protection Act;

  4. Permission of other the owner of the immediately adjoining upland;

  5. Submission Requirements for Watercourse Alterations, Nova Scotia Environment;

  6. Authorizations subject to existing Water Lot Grants and Leases;

  7. Large structure may require a transfer of ownership (Water Lot Grant) with applicant responsible for all costs. Issuance of a Water Lot Grant is subject to the approval of Executive Counsel.
Additional Information:
none
Legislative Authority:
Beaches Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, Chapter 32, and Beaches Act Regulations

Crown Lands Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, Chapter 114, Sect. 5, Sections 38 and 39.

Environment Act, Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1994-95, Chapter 1

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