Explore past, present, and future developments in the Town of Amherst on our Planning and Development Applications site.
Depending on the nature of the development, applications for approval are considered as-of-right, by site plan approval, or by development agreement. Applications for development agreements or amendments to the planning documents must follow the six-step process outlined below.
Step 1: Application & Preliminary Review
- Submission of the draft design and proposal.
- Preliminary review by staff.
- Formal application for development agreement.
Step 2: Public Participation Opportunity
- The public is informed about the proposal details and relevant policies to consider.
- The public is given the opportunity to provide input on the proposal.
Step 3: Planning Advisory Committee
- Review of the proposal, comments and feedback from the public participation.
- Make a recommendation on the development agreement to Council.
Step 4: First Reading
- Council considers First Reading of the agreement and schedules a public hearing.
Step 5: Public Hearing
- Detailed overview of the proposal.
- Present feedback from public participation opportunity, report and recommendations of the Planning Advisory Committee.
Step 6: Second Reading
- Council considers Second Reading and decides on the proposal.
- Notice of Council's decision is advertised, providing the right to appeal to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB).
As-of-right Development
As-of-right development complies with all the applicable pdf Land Use Bylaw (1.20 MB) , pdf Zoning (2.38 MB) and pdf Subdivision Bylaw (529 KB) . This approval process is administered solely by the Development Officer and does not involve public engagement or further discretionary action by the Amherst Town Council.
Site Plan Approval
A site plan is a precision tool used by the Town to ensure certain site elements, including but not limited to walkways, parking areas, landscaping, exterior design, lighting and signage on a parcel of land, meet all the requirements of the Land-Use Bylaw, Zoning, Subdivision Bylaw and the Municipal Planning Strategy. Site plans approved through this process should show the exact details of how a property will be developed. Additional criteria for consideration by the Development Officer for assessing site plan approval are provided in the Land-Use Bylaw.
Development Agreement
A development agreement is a legally binding contract between a property owner and the Town that stipulates standards, design requirements, terms and conditions to which the property owner must adhere. Aspects of a development addressed in this agreement may include architectural design, parking, landscaping and drainage, among others.
The process involves public engagement, and review by the Planning Advisory Committee before a final decision by the Amherst Town Council.
