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Development Agreements

A development agreement is a legally binding contract between the Municipality and 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.  Development agreements only apply in certain situations and typically deal with architectural design, permitted uses, landscaping and site design.

The Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law set out certain types of land uses which must be considered during the development agreement process.  Certain uses may have the potential to create land use conflicts and the development agreement process ensures that the interests and policies of Council are addressed when considering new proposals.  You are encouraged to consult with the Town's Planner who can tell you if you are eligible to apply for a development agreement.

Rezoning

Zoning is an important part of the Town's planning process.  A property's zoning dictates what types of uses are permitted and also regulates how a property may be developed.  A property may be zoned commercial, industrial, residential, etc. which helps determine the functions of certain areas in Town.

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.

Development Agreement and Re-zoning Application Process

1. Application is made - The application process for a development agreement and re-zoning are similar.  For either process the applicant must submit a letter of application addressed to Jason Fox, Director of Planning of the Planning and Development Services, Town of Truro, PO Box 427, Truro, NS, B2N 5C5. 

This letter of application should provide the following information:

  • The name of the property owner(s)
  • Mailing address and telephone number of the applicant
  • Location of the property
  • Brief description of the purpose of the application outlining any related development proposal.

Please note that in addition to the above development agreement, applications must also include the following:

  • A site plan, drawn to scale, showing the proposed development, indicating size and dimensions of any new buildings, landscaping, parking areas and the size of parking stalls, etc. 
  • A copy of the deed description of the subject property(s).
  • Renderings, building plans or architectural elevation drawings of any proposed structure.

2. Staff Evaluation - After all the required information is recieved an evaluation of the application is conducted by the Planning and Development Services to determine if it is consistent with the Town's Municipal Planning Strategy.  Depending on the nature of the development proposal, staff may request comments from other agencies or departments. 

3. Town Planning Advisory Committee Recommendation - Once staff completes the evaluation of the application, a staff report and recommendation are presented to the Town Planning Advisory Committee (TPAC).  TPAC is responsible for reviewing the application and making a recommendation to Council.

4. First Reading Given by Council (meets the first Monday of each month)

5. Public Notification - All property owners within 750ft of the subject property will be mailed an information package and questionnaire regarding the proposed development.  The package will include a prepaid return envelope as mailing costs are provided by the applicant.

6. Public Hearing Notice - Two ads are placed in the newspaper, one each of two successive weeks.  First advertisement appears at least 14 days prior to the hearing.

7. Public Hearing

  • Option 1 - Council Approves: Notice of approval placed in the newspaper (14 day appeal period to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board)
  • Option 2 - Council Refuses: Notice to applicant outlining reasons for refusal and appeal process must be sent within seven days of Council's decision.  Applicant must appeal to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board withing 14 days of receiving the notice.
 

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