How to apply for a permit

As of April 1, 2024, NVCA will follow a new regulation under the Conservation Authorities Act to review permit applications.
Learn more about the new regulation here.

There are two steps

Step 1: Discuss your plans with us

General Inquiry

For free initial information and map of your property, visit our e-permitting platform and complete the General Inquiry form.

Our staff will inform you whether your development is located within NVCA’s regulated area and what to expect during the permitting process.

This option is best for property owners who are considering development on their property.

To complete the General Inquiry form:

Review the instructions on the e-permitting platform
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select ‘Start Application’
Under Application Type, select General Inquiry.

Complete the property inquiry form

Pre-Consultation

For detailed information about your permit application, visit our e-permitting platform and complete the Pre-Consultation form.

Our staff will review your plan and provide you with submission requirements to ensure your application is complete, and further information about the permitting process.

This option is best for property owners who know what they want to do on their property.

To complete the Pre-Consultation form:

Review the instructions on the e-permitting platform
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select ‘Start Application’
Under Application Type, select Pre-Consultation.

Complete the pre-consultation application form

If you prefer submitting a printed version of the pre-consultation form, download a PDF version of the form here.

Step 2: Submit permit application and fee

When you are ready to apply, submit your permit application, supporting information and the appropriate review fee.

Our planning staff will provide a list of supporting information required for your permit application.

Supporting information can include:

Address of the location of your project
A brief description of the project
A digital or paper copy of your site plans and construction drawings (including grading and restoration details)
A Site Plan Drawin that shows existing and proposed works, property boundaries, street name(s), north arrow, and features of the site such as buildings and structures, tree lines, streams, wetlands, wet areas, springs, ditches, culverts, and elevation contours (existing and proposed grades). Include measurements and dimensions with consistent units (meters or feet). Show how much vegetation or tree cover is to be removed and where fill is to be located
Digital photographs
Additional supporting information such as: Environmental Reports, Natural Hazard Assessments, Geotechnical Reports, Soils Reports, Topographical Surveys, Architectural Design Plans

Once our planning staff confirms your application is complete, your submission will be circulated for review.

To complete the Permit Application:

Review the instructions on the e-permitting platform
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select ‘Start Application’
Under Application Type, select Permits.

Complete the Permit Application

If you prefer submitting a printed version of the permit application form, download a PDF version of the form here.

Contact NVCA’s Planning Team

Residents can contact NVCA’s planning team by phone, visit NVCA’s office or book a pre-consultation.

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

E-Permitting Platform

Submit a General Inquiry on our e-permitting platform to tell us a bit about your project.

Be ready to provide the address of the property and some details of your project.

Email

Email permits@nvca.on.ca to inquire about your property or permit.

Please provide the address of the property and some details of your project.

If the email was sent to your spam/junk folder please mark it as not junk so that future emails get delivered to your inbox.

Phone

Call 705-424-1479 x 268 to inquire about your property or permit.

Please have the address of the property and the concept of your project ready.

Visit NVCA’s office

Property owners who have a concept or idea about their project and would like to know how to permitting process works are welcome to visit NVCA’s office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Our planning staff have blocked off time to answer all your questions about the NVCA permit process.

Address
8195 8th Line, Utopia ON L0M 1T0

Office hours
Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
We are closed for lunch between 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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 a Planner!

What you need for your pre-consultation

Have your property address, concept, drawings and site plan ready
Pre-consultations are $561. This fee will be deducted from the final permit application fee.
Complete the Request for Pre-Consultation Form or email us at permits@nvca.on.ca to book an appointment. NVCA will reach out to you to set up a meeting at the earliest available time/date and discuss your project further.

What you receive at the pre-consultation