Housing Accelerator Fund Initiatives Progress
East Hants has been selected as one of the municipalities in Nova Scotia to benefit from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). As part of the agreement, the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) has approved an Action Plan for East Hants with nine initiatives to increase the number of housing units. East Hants has agreed to a Housing Supply Growth Target of 1,186 dwelling units over the next three years.
What are the initiatives?
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Initiative including waving building permit fees for accessory dwelling units and marketing to residents
- Lantz North Secondary Planning Strategy
- Shubenacadie Village Core Parking Plan
- Uniacke Secondary Planning Strategy
- Building Inspection Capacity Improvements
- Implementation of a new e-permitting system for Building and Development Permits
- Permit Fees Review
- Municipal Surplus Land Review
- Review East Hants Planning Documents to increase housing density as appropriate, including greater use of accessory dwelling units and densification of Village Core areas of the serviced communities of Enfield, Elmsdale, Lantz and Shubenacadie by increasing as-of-right permissions from 12 units to 16
What progress have we made?
Waived Accessory Dwelling Unit Building Permit Fees: To encourage the development of more housing, East Hants Council has waived building permit fees for accessory dwelling units for the next three years. Please note that infrastructure fees will still apply. Accessory dwelling units can be built on residentially zoned properties as long as they comply with minimum lot requirements and adhere to the Land Use Bylaw and National Building Code.
Streamlining the Building Permit Application Process. We are making it easier to apply for building permits. You can now submit applications via email or in person.
What is next?
We are committed to refining our building permit process to facilitate faster housing development. This includes implementing an e-permitting system for building and development applications and developing planning strategies for Lantz North and Mount Uniacke Growth Management Reserves. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance our approach to housing development in East Hants.
