Welcome to the Town of Yarmouth
On the Edge of Everywhere
Bylaw enforcement
The Town has bylaws to keep our neighbourhoods safe, healthy and respectful.
Bylaw enforcement officers investigate and enforce municipal bylaws. They educate the public, inspect properties, respond to complaints, issue warnings and, when needed, apply penalties.
Report a bylaw problem
- Report the problem online now
- or contact the following Bylaw Officers:
- General bylaw enforcement: (902)-740-5968
- Building issues: (902) 742-1505
- Fire safety: (902) 742-7411
- Property issues: (902) 742-1505
Below are some common topics related to building matters.
Programs and services for tenants and landlords
Minimum housing standards
The Town sets minimum housing standards to protect health and safety. These rules describe the basic requirements every dwelling must meet.
Minimum requirements
- Weatherproof structure: solid walls, floors and roof.
- Secure openings: working, lockable windows and doors.
- Safe exits: clear, usable escape routes.
- Light & ventilation: adequate natural light and fresh air.
- Electricity: safe electrical service for lighting and appliances.
- Smoke alarms: installed and working.
- Plumbing: flush toilet, bath or shower, and hot and cold running water.
- Kitchen: facilities for food preparation.
- Heating: adequate heat for cold weather.
Conflicts with other bylaws
If another Town bylaw sets a higher standard, the higher requirement applies to protect public health and safety.
Complaints & questions
To report a problem or ask about standards, contact the Building Official: (902) 742-1505 or buildinginspector@townofyarmouth.ca You can also fill out and return a pdf complaint form(115 KB) .
pdf Minimum Housing By-Law(216 KB)
Dangerous or Unsightly Premises
Under Section 15 of the Municipal Government Act (NS), every property must be maintained so it is not dangerous or unsightly.
"Dangerous or unsightly" means partly demolished, decayed, deteriorated or in a state of disrepair so as to be dangerous, unsightly or unhealthy, and includes property containing:
- ashes, junk, cleanings of yards or other rubbish or refuse or a derelict vehicle, vessel, item of equipment or machinery, or bodies of these or parts thereof
- an accumulation of wood shavings, paper, sawdust, dry and inflammable grass or weeds or other combustible material, or
- any other thing that is dangerous, unsightly, unhealthy or offensive to a person, and includes property, a building or structure
- that is in a ruinous or dilapidated condition,
- the condition of which seriously depreciates the value of land or buildings in the vicinity,
- that is in such a state of non-repair as to be no longer suitable for human habitation or business purposes,
- that is an allurement to children who may play there to their danger,
- constituting a hazard to the health or safety of the public,
- that is unsightly in relation to neighbouring properties because the exterior finish of the building or structure is not maintained,
- that is a fire hazard to itself or to surrounding lands or buildings, or
- that has been excavated or had fill placed on it in a manner that results in a hazard;
To report concerns about dangerous or unsightly premises:
- Fill out and return the pdf complaint form(115 KB)
- Use the Report a Problem online tool
- Email: enforcement@townofyarmouth.ca.
Vacant Buildings
As a property owner, you're responsible for following a set of guidelines to ensure your property adheres to certain safety and aesthetic standards.
If you board up a building for more than seven days, you must get a permit from the By-law Enforcement Officer. Permits are valid up to one year. The Town requires proper panel-type boarding and maintenance so the building does not become dangerous or unsightly. If an owner does not follow rules, the Town may enter the property to do necessary work and charge the owner for costs.
You can read more about the Town's vacant building policies by browsing the pdf Vacant Buildings By-Law(204 KB) .
Fire Inspections
The Town of Yarmouth employs a municipal fire inspector as required by the Fire Safety Act of Nova Scotia. The inspector carries out a system of inspections on the following occupancies:
- Assembly occupancies (churches, community halls, licensed establishments, restaurants, theatres, bowling alleys, arenas, rinks, gymnasiums, museums, indoor pools).
- Residential occupancies containing four (4) or more dwelling units (apartments, motels, hotels).
- Business and personal service occupancies (offices, banks, and service shops).
- Mercantile occupancies (stores, markets, and retail outlets).
- Industrial occupancies (workshops, factories, warehouses, repair garages, gas stations).
The inspector is responsible for ensuring compliance with the National Fire Code of Canada and is available to provide information on fire safety and fire emergency planning.
Fire Safety Planning
The National Fire Code of Canada requires that certain buildings shall develop and maintain a Fire Safety Plan. To assist owners/occupants in the development and/or maintenance of these plans, the Office of the Fire Inspector for the Town of Yarmouth has made available a Fire Safety Planning Guide. Building owners/occupants are encouraged to use this guide as a template to prepare or enhance their plans so that they meet the requirements of the Fire Code.
The following occupancies are required to have a formal fire safety plan:
- Assembly occupancies (any building in which persons gather, including restaurants, halls, gymnasiums, libraries, churches, clubs, and bowling alleys);
- Every building is required to have a fire alarm system, including buildings with sprinklers;
- Areas used for bulk storage;
- Areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored or handled;
- Areas where hazardous processes or operations occur.
If your building falls within one of the categories listed above, you are required to have a fire safety plan.
Contact the Fire Inspector
For more information on fire inspections or fire safety, please call, visit, or email the Fire Inspector:
- 221 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth, NS, B5A 2K2
- Mobile: (902) 740-5706
- Email: fireinspector@townofyarmouth.ca
Template downloads
pdf
Fire Safety Plan Template, 2021 PDF(530 KB)
document
Fire Safety Plan Template 2021 MS Word(176 KB)
Disclaimer
The town of Yarmouth does not make any warranties or representations with respect to the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of any information or material contained in the Fire Safety Guide Template. The town of Yarmouth assumes no legal liability for the content, quality, accuracy, or completeness of the Fire Safety Guide Template. In no event will the Town of Yarmouth be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect general, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special, arising from the use of this template.
Marina Services
About the Marina
Located on Yarmouth's historic waterfront (43°.50' N, 066°05'W), the Killam Bros. Marina offers a broad range of services to fishermen, pleasure boaters, and everyone else who feels the call of the sea. The marina includes:
- fueling station with gas and diesel (propane available upon request)
- 35 berths with accommodation for up to 185-foot length vessel
- 100 amp, 3 phase service, 110/220 V included with rates
- washrooms and shower facilities included with rates
- laundry facility available
- water hookups
- free wifi
- art gallery and antique shop
- on-site restaurant: Rudders Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub
Other local services include ramp launch and repairs including engine, wood, fiberglass, propeller, and electrical.
Marina Fees
| Ship Length in feet | Cost per foot per night |
|---|---|
| 0 - 80' | $1.50 plus HST |
| 80' and up | Contact marina office |
Weekly rate: $100 (five times daily rate) plus HST
Mooring: $20 per night plus HST
Seasonal berths and moorings are also available – contact the marina office for details. We accept payments with credit cards.
Killam Bros. Marina
90 Water St.
Yarmouth, NS B5A 1K9
Phone: (902) 740-4780
Fax: 902-742-1230
admin@portofyarmouth.ca
Useful Links
Subdivision Services
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.
Planning
Planning enables the Town to establish both long and short-term goals for growth and development while considering social, economic, and environmental implications.
Important Documents
The Land Use By-law and Subdivision By-law are the primary planning tools used by municipalities in Nova Scotia to plan and design communities. No development can be permitted in the Town of Yarmouth which is contrary to the policies in this strategy and by-laws.
Current Planning Applications
Check out current and past planning applications on Get Involved.
Municipal Planning Strategy
The Province gives municipalities the power to make statements of policy with respect to a broad range of activities, including development, land use, public lands, transportation, municipal services, and many other matters related to the physical, social and economic development of the community. Municipalities, including the Town of Yarmouth, do this through their primary planning policy document referred to as the Municipal Planning Strategy or MPS. The intent and rationale behind all land use objectives and policies are articulated in the Town of Yarmouth pdf The Municipal Planning Strategy(9.00 MB) . The MPS includes one map, pdf Schedule A - Future Land Use Map(869 KB) .
Land Use By-law
pdf The Land Use By-law(9.54 MB) which includes, pdf Schedule A - Land Use Bylaw Zoning Map(759 KB) , is the primary companion document to the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS). The LUB is the means by which the Town Council will carry out the intent of the MPS for land use and development purposes. This is done through specific municipal regulations and standards, for matters ranging from permitted land uses within each zone, property setback requirements, lot area and frontage requirements, landscaping requirements, sign and fencing requirements, and much more.
To confirm zoning for a property in the Town of Yarmouth, you may request a zoning confirmation letter ($25 fee plus HST) from the Town's Development Officer, who may be contacted at 902-742-1505 ext 233 or development@townofyarmouth.ca.
Subdivision By-law
The Subdivision By-law provides standards for how an area of land can be divided into two or more parcels or consolidated into two or more parcels. More information can be found under Subdivision Services.
Planning Processes
There are various processes that relate to planning and require specific applications. pdf Planning Process Flowcharts(141 KB) provides high-level information on each of the available planning application processes. Application forms and application fees can be found at Applications and Fees.
Amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and/or Land Use By-law
From time to time, amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and/or Land Use By-law may be undertaken by the Town, or at the request of an applicant to change policies or a particular land use requirement.
Development Agreement
A Development Agreement is a legally binding contract between the Municipality and a property owner. This agreement sets out certain conditions, design requirements and land use regulations so the property owner is eligible to apply for a Development Permit. The Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law sets out certain types of land uses which must be considered during the Development Agreement process.
Rezoning
A property owner may have the opportunity to rezone a property when he/she wishes to develop the property in a manner which is contrary to the existing zoning regulations. The rezoning process gives the Municipality the opportunity to review development proposals that are not permitted as-of-right under the Land Use By-law.
Site Plan Approval
Site planning is a development control tool permitted under Section 231(4) of the Municipal Government Act that enables a municipality, through its planning process, to negotiate certain site-specific items with a developer as a condition of receiving a Development Permit.
