*Please be aware that a permit is required to:
- Drive a motorized vehicle or transport materials across boulevards, flankages, or any other type of public property.
- Store materials (such as dirt, stone, or gravel) on public property, including roadways.*
Building Permit FAQ
Permits are required for any building construction, building addition, accessory structures* in excess of 108 square feet, and may be required for renovations or other structures, including but not limited to decks, sheds, and pools. Any questions or inquiries regarding whether a permit may be required can be directed to permits@whereyoubelong.ca.
Below you will find a section for each type of permit your project may require. To apply for a building permit, please use the online permit application and upload any additional supporting documents as noted in that section. At times, additional information may be requested. If the type of project is not listed below, select “Other”. A site plan with setbacks clearly indicating the distance between the building or structures and all property lines must be included with every permit application. A security deposit will be required for new buildings and may be required for other types of construction.
*Accessory structures are buildings such as attached or detached garages or sheds.
A building permit is not required if:
- Painting, decorating and replacement of exterior finishes.
- Replacement of doors and windows when the opening is not altered.
- Fences, however, the Zoning By-law and Design Control Guidelines specific to your area do apply.
- Sheds – smaller than 108 sq ft., however the Zoning By-law and Design Control Guidelines specific to your area still apply. A maximum of 3 accessory structures are permitted, and site coverage regulations apply. For example, an attached or detached garage is considered an accessory structure.
- Deck – if less than 24” from grade on all sides, however, Zoning By-law regulations apply.
A development/building permit expires if the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within twelve (12) months from the date of issuance of the permit, or within any extensions granted in writing by the Designated Officer.
A permit may be revoked or suspended if:
- Construction is not started within a period of twelve months from the date of issuing the permit;
- Construction is discontinued for a period of one year;
- There is a violation of any condition under which the permit was issued;
- There are any alterations or deviations from the submitted plans and specifications without authority.
A refundable security deposit fee will be charged on all new building permit applications, except accessory and renovation permits, where the Designated Officer’s discretion will apply. Any eligible security deposit will be refunded to the permit holder upon a satisfactory release by the Designated Officers, subject to compliance within the required deadlines.
A security deposit is forfeited when construction, including all required inspections (internal and external), are not satisfactorily completed by Oct. 31st of the year specified on the Security Deposit form. Two one-year extensions are available at the cost of $500 per extension, which must be submitted by October 15th of the year of expiration. After these, no further extensions will be considered.
The permit holder is responsible for arranging final inspections with the Town, and this responsibility cannot be transferred to a third party. Permit holders should contact the Town Office to confirm with whom inspections should be booked.
A permit holder is the person or organization that applied for a building permit and whose name is on that permit. For new builds, this is most often the builder, not the owner. When refunding a security deposit, the Town of Niverville will only deal with the permit holder. If you are the owner of a new build within the community and are not the permit holder, please contact your builder to have them arrange the necessary inspections. Any eligible deposit will be refunded to the permit holder.
Schedule “A” of the Building Bylaw discusses security deposits in full. Click here to read it!
Permit Types
New Residential Dwelling (Single Unit or Multi-Unit)
Fill out the Building Permit Application and upload the site plan, approved by the developer if applicable, engineer stamped building plans, approved by the developer if applicable and stamped by an engineer licenced in Manitoba. If a deck will be completed at the same time as the rest of the home, upload the Deck Construction Checklist as well. For multi-unit building requiring a Part 3 Permit, see “Other” section.
*Effective Aug. 1st, 2025: Please include rafter plans in your building permit application.
Deck Construction
A permit is required to construct an open unenclosed deck that is higher than 24” above the ground. To apply, fill out the Building Permit Application and upload the site plan* and a completed Deck Construction Checklist. If the proposed deck will have multiple levels, an engineer stamped building plan, stamped by an engineer licensed in Manitoba is required.
If you are considering enclosing a new or existing deck, please email permits@whereyoubelong.ca for more information as a permit, site plan, and engineer stamped drawings may be required.
If you plan on including a pergola on your deck, please be aware that the pergola must be included in the building plans.
If access over Town property is required for the transportation of construction material for the deck, a separate agreement and deposit is required. Please contact reception@whereyoubelong.ca a minimum of five business days to schedule the pre-inspections prior to the date requested to access Town Property.
Site Plan Example – Deck, Pool
*Showing the distance between the deck/stairs and the side and the rear property lines.
Shed Construction or Placement
A permit may be required to construct your shed. Before you begin construction, be sure to email the Town office at permits@whereyoubelong.ca to see if a permit is required and for the requirements for building a shed on your property.
Things to Consider Before Construction Begins:
- Permits are required for sheds with an area of 108 sq. ft. or greater.
- Requirements from the Town of Niverville Zoning Bylaw 795-18, as amended – including the maximum number of accessory buildings allowed on your property.
- Zone Specific guidelines for your property
- Design Control Guidelines
- Any easements or drainage concerns for your property
If access over Town property is required for the transportation or construction of the shed a separate agreement and deposit is required. Please contact reception@whereyoubelong.ca a minimum of five business days to schedule the pre-inspections prior to the date requested to access Town Property.
Pergola Construction or Placement
A building permit may be required for a pergola. Before you begin construction, be sure to email the Town office at permits@whereyoubelong.ca to see if a permit is required and for the requirements for building a pergola on your property.
If building a deck and pergola, the pergola must also be included in the building plans of the deck.
Things to Consider Before Construction Begins:
- Requirements from the Town of Niverville Zoning Bylaw 795-18, as amended – including the maximum number of accessory buildings and structures allowed on your property.
- Zone Specific guidelines for your property
- Design Control Guidelines
- Any easements or drainage concerns for your property
If access over Town property is required for the transportation of the materials or construction of the pergola a separate agreement and deposit is required. Please contact reception@whereyoubelong.ca a minimum of five business days to schedule the pre-inspections prior to the date requested to access Town Property.
For residents or property owners who are considering building a fence on your property, there is important information to review before you begin construction. Please contact the Town office by emailing permits@whereyoubelong.ca for the requirements for putting a fence on your property.
Permits are not required for building a fence. However, note the following things to consider before construction begins:
- Design Control Guidelines
- Requirements from the Town of Niverville Zoning Bylaw 795-18, as amended
- Zone Specific guidelines for your property
- Any easements located on your property
- Fencing requirements for pools
- Click Before You Dig
If access over Town property is required for the transportation of construction materials by vehicle for the fence, a separate agreement and deposit is required. Please contact reception@whereyoubelong.ca a minimum of five business days to schedule the pre-inspections prior to the date requested to access Town Property.
Basement Finish or Renovation
A permit is required to finish the basement of a new home or to renovate the basement of an existing home if the renovation will include plumbing, electrical, and adding or moving walls. A permit is not required for cosmetic changes only such as painting and flooring. Fill out the Building Permit Application and upload a basement plan including the area to be finished or renovated.
New Private Outdoor Swimming Pool or Other Water Features
A permit is required to construct/install a pool or other water feature located outdoors which is capable of holding a water depth greater than 1.97 feet. Although pool advertising and packaging may indicate that a pool is less than 1.97 feet deep, many still have the capacity to hold 1.97 feet of water and children are at risk to drown. Pools that have features such as inflatable ring edges that allow the depth of the pool to increase to beyond 1.97 feet should be included in any pool’s depth measurement. Permits are also required for associated construction such as decks (24 inches or higher), change houses, sunrooms, etc.
Site Plan Example – Pool, Hot Tub or Other Water Features
Niverville’s Zoning Bylaw requires that a pool, or similar structure be located a minimum of 5 feet from either the side or rear property line.
Pool equipment and/or compressors may be located in a front yard if screened with compact hedges or shrubs or other landscaping and should be no closer than 5 feet to a side site line in all residential zones.
In compliance with the current Manitoba Building Code requirements, the pool (water feature) area must be protected by a fence with self-closing, lockable gates, and a minimum height of 5 feet (1.5 m) to prevent unauthorized entry. The fence and gate must be constructed so as to prevent a child from climbing over or crawling underneath.
If you need to cross Town property for the installation of your pool, or water feature, you will need to sign an agreement for Access Over Town Property. (A copy of this agreement can be provided upon request.)
Permits are not required to be renewed on an annual basis, however, property owners must continue to comply with the Town’s Zoning Bylaw for set backs and the Manitoba Building Code for the required enclosures.
Hot Tubs
A permit is required to construct/install a hot tub located outdoors which is capable of holding a water depth of greater than 1.97 feet that is not equipped with a lockable cover that is capable of supporting the weight of an adult walking across the top of a cover when closed. Permits are also required for associated construction such as decks (24 inches or higher), change houses, sunrooms etc.
Niverville’s Zoning Bylaw requires that a hot tub be located a minimum of 5 feet from either the side or rear property line.
In compliance with The Manitoba Building Code, the hot tub capable of containing water to a depth of 1.97 feet or greater area must be protected by:
- a fence with self-closing, lockable gates, and a minimum height of 5 feet (1.5 m) to prevent unauthorized entry. The fence and gate must be constructed so as to prevent a child from climbing over or crawling underneath.
OR
- a cover that has the structural strength to support the weight of an adult walking across the top of the cover when it is in the closed position is installed, and
- is capable of being locked in the covered position to prevent access to the water by unauthorized persons, and
- at all times when use is not supervised by an adult, the hot tub is covered by a cover that complies with clause (a) and is locked.
If you need to cross Town property for the installation of your hot tub you will need to sign an agreement for Access Over Town Property. (A copy of this agreement can be provided upon request.)
Permits are not required to be renewed on an annual basis, however, property owners must continue to comply with the Town’s Zoning Bylaw for set backs and the Manitoba Building Code for the required enclosures.
Permit Process
- Fill out the online permit application (Online Permit Application) and as part of the application, submit a site plan (Site Plan Example) that indicates the size and configuration of existing and proposed structures (including pool equipment and/or compressor) on the property as well as the setbacks (in feet) from the property lines.
As part of the permit application, you will also need to advise whether or not you require access over Town property for the installation of your pool, hot tub, or water feature. - If you will be installing a deck (over 24 inches) or any other infrastructure such as a change house or shed, you will also need to include this information in your permit application.
- A Town Building Inspector will review your permit application and Town Staff will advise you once the permit has been processed and is ready to be paid for/picked up from the Town Office, 329 Bronstone Drive.
- If you require the Access over Town Property agreement, you will need to sign the agreement and provide a damage deposit. You will then need to meet with Town Staff on-site before any work commences. Inspection fees will apply.
- Once the enclosure is built, you will need to contact the Town’s Building Inspector to have it inspected.
- Upon final approval of the enclosure, the water feature may be filled with water.
- If you had an Access over Town Property agreement, you will need to complete any required restoration and then contact Town Staff for a site inspection. Damage deposit less any deductions for failure to restore the area as required will be returned to the permit holder.
- For information on draining your pool, email Ryan@whereyoubelong.ca
For sunroom construction or renovation projects, please complete the Building Permit Application Form and upload your site plan and engineer stamped building plans. Please contact permits@whereyoubelong.ca if you require more information.
If access over Town property is required for the transportation of construction materials by vehicle for the sunroom, a separate agreement and deposit is required. Please contact reception@whereyoubelong.ca a minimum of five business days to schedule the pre-inspections prior to the date requested to access Town Property.
In the Town of Niverville, a permit is not required to preform landscaping. However, a permit is required to:
- Drive a motorized vehicle or transport materials across boulevards, flankages, or any other type of public property.
- Store materials (such as dirt, stone, or gravel) on public property, including roadways.
If you are planning to do any sort of landscaping, please reach out to the Town of Niverville administration office to confirm whether or not you may need a permit.
The Town of Niverville encourages residents who are preforming landscaping work to find ways to store materials on their own property.
If you are interested in demolishing or moving a structure in, out, or within the boundaries of the Town of Niverville, please be aware that a permit may be required. Please reach out to permits@whereyoubelong.ca to discuss your project further.
For all Commercial/Industrial projects, please complete the Building Permit Application Form and upload your site plan and building plans. Please contact permits@whereyoubelong.ca if you require more information.
*Effective Aug. 1st, 2025: Please include rafter plans in your building permit application.
For all other development projects, please complete the Building Permit Application Form and upload your site plan and building plans. Please contact permits@whereyoubelong.ca if you require more information.
*Effective Aug. 1st, 2025: Please include rafter plans in your building permit application.
A site plan is required for all permits. Include all measurements to property lines.