Thinking of subdividing or combining land in the Town of Yarmouth? This page explains what a subdivision is, the rules that apply, and how to apply.
What is a subdivision?
A subdivision is when an area of land is divided into two or more parcels, when a property line is moved, or when two or more parcels are combined. If you plan any of these changes, you must follow the Town’s subdivision procedures.
What is the Subdivision By-law?
The pdf Subdivision By-law(4.12 MB) sets uniform standards for creating new lots. For example, when a new subdivision needs new roads, the developer must install municipal services — such as sewer, water, storm sewer and roadways — to the standards in the by‑law.
How to apply to subdivide
Follow these steps to start a subdivision application:
- Discuss the requirements for your subdivision with our Development Officer. This is necessary because different areas will require different lot sizes and frontages, depending on their location and size.
- Contact the Department of Operational Services to determine whether your lot is/or can be serviced by sewer and/or water. If sewer services aren't available, you may not be able to subdivide. The Town of Yarmouth only permits the use of on-site services within the Residential Holding (R-H) zone and the Comprehensive Development (CD) zone – see the pdf Land Use By-law(9.54 MB) for details.
- Seek legal advice or contact the Land Registration Office (based in Bridgewater as of June 2015) to determine the requirements of the Land Registration Act. Your property may have to be transferred or migrated into the new land registration system. For more information, visit Access Nova Scotia Property Online.
- Arrange for a plan of subdivision to be prepared by a registered Nova Scotia Land Surveyor.
- Complete an pdf Application for Subdivision Approval (247 KB) and submit it to the Planning Department along with 12 copies of the survey plan and the fees. From there, the Development Officer will review your application, and send it to various departments within 14 days. If the approval of a subdivision is not given within 90 days of receipt, it's deemed to be refused unless there's an agreement to extend. If a subdivision plan is refused, you may appeal to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
- If services are required, you will be required to hire an engineer to design the services subject to the approval of the Town Engineer.
- pdf Subdivision Application(247 KB)
- pdf Subdivision Approval Process(121 KB)
- pdf Subdivision Approval Process Checklist(454 KB)
Any questions? We'd love to answer them. You can email planningadmin@townofyarmouth.ca for more information.