How to apply for a permit

Have a question about development permits?

Visit NVCA’s office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 3 pm

Notice: As of September 1, 2026, NVCA will no longer accept permit applications through email. Please submit your applications using the Online Request Portal.

Applying for a permit with NVCA follows a clear process. By checking regulated areas, connecting with NVCA staff early, and understanding information requirements, applicants can help ensure a smoother review process and avoid unnecessary delays. The steps below outline how to move through the permit process with confidence.

Step 1

Use NVCA’s Interactive Map to locate your property to see if it is regulated.

Step 2

Submit a general inquiry if you are looking for further information on what the regulated areas mean and what may be needed to support your application.

Step 3

Request a pre-submission consultation if you have the details for your project to ensure your permit application process is smooth, efficient and on the right track.

A pre-submission consultation sets the expectations on what would be required to support an application, including any technical information/studies and additional fees to be remitted. Additionally, by completing a pre-submission consultation, should everything be submitted and no changes to the final plans are made, an application by-passes the 21-day Risk Based Review period, gets deemed complete, and enters review right away.

In general, applications that undertake a pre-submission consultation and supply everything discussed to the expectations of NVCA, have a shorter review time keeping your project on time.

Step 4

Submit your application and track your progress. Once a permit application is submitted with the minimum requirements set out in the permit application form, NVCA will invite you to access the Client Dashboard so you can view the status of your permit application, permit type, typical permit timelines, and your file’s NVCA staff lead.

Step 5

NVCA staff will conduct an initial review of the application within 21 days to confirm that all required information has been received, request the permit review fee and determine if the development requires and minor or major permit.

Step 6

Once the application is deemed complete, the file is ready for review.

NVCA strives to make decisions on permit applications in the following timelines:

Minor permits apply to applications that pose a low risk from natural hazards to people and property. These applications do not require technical information or supporting documents. Once an application is deemed complete, NVCA aims to issue a decision on minor permits within 30 days.
Major permits apply to applications that pose a higher risk from natural hazards to people and property. These applications require technical information or supporting documents and go through a more detailed review process. Once an application is deemed complete, NVCA strives to issue a decision on major permits within 90 days.

Need to extend or make changes to your permit?

Can I extend my permit?

Permits are generally extended 24 months at a time, with one final extension for 12 months for a total of 60 months (5 years).

Please note that 60 months is the maximum timeframe a permit can be valid for.

Permit extensions must be required by the same property owner as in the permit application.

There is no fee to extend a permit.

Can I make changes to my permit?

If you are looking to amend an existing permit, a fee of 50% of the original permit review fee is required. If an authorized agent is filling out the request, please ensure that the required agent authorization form is filled out and submitted. NVCA permits one amendment to an existing permit.

Please fill out the Application for Permit Extension or Amendment form. Please ensure all information is filled out to the best of your ability.

Download the Application for Permit Extension or Amendment

Download Authorization Form

Contact NVCA’s Regulations Team

Contact NVCA’s Regulations team by phone, visit NVCA’s office or book an appointment through our Online Request Portal.

NVCA is committed to our Customer Service Charter, and will respond to voicemail and email inquiries within 2 business days.

Ask us a general question.

Submit your request online

If you’d like to know if your property is regulated, or what the permit application process is like, submit a General Inquiry on our Online Request Portal.

Please have the property address and your project concept ready.

Email or call us

Email: permits@nvca.on.ca

Phone: 705-424-1479 x 268

Visit us at NVCA’s Administration Office

Address: 8195 8th Line, Utopia ON L0M 1T0

Office hours
Visit NVCA’s office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m – 3 p.m. for walk-in inquiries. Please note we are closed between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. for lunch.

Mondays and Fridays are available by appointment only.

Book a pre-consultation appointment

For a smooth, efficient process and to keep your permit application on the right track, book a pre-consultation with NVCA’s Regulations team!

What you need for your pre-consultation

Have your property address, concept, drawings and site plan ready
Pre-consultations are $578. This fee will be deducted from the final permit application fee.
Have your property address, concept, drawings and site plan ready
Submit a Request for Pre-consultation or email us at permits@nvca.on.ca to book an appointment. NVCA will reach out to you to schedule a meeting at the earliest available date and time to discuss your project further.

What you receive at the pre-consultation